Tragus to focus on Strada and Café Rouge

Tragus is to focus on its Strada and Café Rouge brands as it seeks to continue its rapid growth along the UK's streets, the restaurant group said today.

The company, which now has 236 restaurants, is set on opening 30 new eateries in the coming 12 months, predominantly under the Café Rouge or Strada brand.

With prospects of a stock market floatation still alive and current backer Blackstone looking for an exit from its investment, Tragus delivered strong full year growth, with Bella Italia and Ortega chains continuing to perform well.

Graham Turner, chief executive of Tragus, said: "This has been a year of considerable progress for our group."

Turnover in the year to 27 May was 14.8% up at £148.7m (2006: £129.5m). Earnings before interest, tax, deprecation and amortisation was £28.2m (2006: £22m).

In August, Tragus unveiled a new airport concept Huxleys Bar and Kitchen and has revealed plans to rebrand a number of MA Potters restaurants, picked up in February, as Potters Bar + Kitchen.

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By Chris Druce

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