PizzaExpress and Ask boost half-year sales by 8%

Gondola Holdings, owner of PizzaExpress, Ask and Zizzi, has boosted total sales by 8.2% since June last year.

Like-for-like sales in the first 28 weeks of its current financial year (from 27 June 2005) grew by 4%.

The group, which floated on the London Stock Exchange last November, performed particularly well in the eight weeks to 8 January 2006.

Over Christmas and the New Year, it lifted total sales by 8.2% and like-for-like sales by 5.2%.

Company chief financial officer Chris Heath said: "We are delighted that out focus on providing fresh, high-quality food and excellent customer service in a stylish restaurant environment is continuing to deliver strong results."

Gondola currently has 504 restaurants, including 314 Pizza Expresses, 109 Asks and 74 Zizzis, the majority (58%) in high streets.

The group sees scope for at least another 300 of its three core brands in the UK and Ireland, and plans to open 25 restaurants in its current financial year, with 30 the year after.

By Angela Frewin

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