Bella Italia operator agrees six-year deal with Center Parcs and reveals plans for new concept

Big Table Group, the operator of Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge, has agreed a six-year deal with Center Parcs that will see a significant investment programme across its 12 restaurants and the introduction of a new premium Italian restaurant concept.

The restaurant group, which was formed last summer after the Casual Dining Group was bought out of administration by private equity firm Epiris and rebranded, has agreed to refurbish all its sites – including two Las Iguanas sites, four Bella Italias and five Café Rouges – over the next two years at Center Parcs' five UK locations.

In addition, Big Table Group will convert a legacy Strada eatery in Center Parcs Woburn to a new Italian casual dining concept called Amalfi. Due to launch when the venue can reopen, it will serve a menu of Italian food and drinks inspired by the Amalfi Coast.

Lloyd Bloom, brand director of concessions and franchising at the Big Table Group, said: "This new long-term contract demonstrates the strong relationship between Big Table Group and Center Parcs and acknowledges the continued demand for our Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas brands in high volume, high quality locations."

Damaein Houghton, Center Parcs' group F&B operations manager, added: "The Big Table Group's restaurants have been a mainstay in Center Parcs locations for many years and have very much become part of the Center Parcs experience our customers know and love. We're thrilled to be continuing this relationship with the team and are looking forward to working closely together on the refurbishment of the sites as well the launch of Amalfi, which we are certain will be a hit with our visitors."

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