Speaking at the restaurant’s R200 convention in Manchester last week, Distefano said the Italian restaurant organization would open in Miami, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Vietnam and Morocco, expanding its existing portfolio in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai, and Thailand.
Distefano also said like-for-like sales in the U. K. rose by double digits despite an expected drop due to adulthood and increasing competition.
“We were concerned that San Carlo would be noticed as an older logo as new, more youthful logos appeared,” he said. “You have to adapt to a new market, but without over-adapting. The caveat is to find the right balance and logo. coherence and identity.
The 24-person organization will expand overseas, and Distefano describes it as an “interesting market” with opportunities for business.
“Saudi Arabia is a strong market, with an increase consistent with average spending consistent with the capita, including alcohol,” he said. “Dubai is also doing well, while Qatar is a quieter market.
“We learned from Kuwait, where we tried to incorporate a laid-back mindset into a premium product. It didn’t work.
The band will debut in the U. S. A U. S. opening in Miami is scheduled for September or October.
“America is exciting. There are safe places in the world that have benefited from Covid and stayed open – Miami was one, Dubai was the other,” Distefano said.
“They’re investing. If it works, then we will step in and try to expand it. “
“First it’s a matter of testing the market and seeing how it works. “