Strada

For other uses, see Strada (disambiguation).
Strada
Private
Industry Restaurant
Headquarters London, England
Parent Sun Capital
Slogan "Tastes from the streets of Italy"
Website http://www.strada.co.uk

Strada is a UK chain of restaurants specialising in Italian cuisine. It has 46 (as of February 2015) restaurants, mostly in the South of England with a few in the Midlands, North of England, Wales and Scotland. It is positioned as upmarket of Pizza Express.

History

The concept was spawned by Luke Johnson (businessman) in 2000 and, over five years, expanded to 30 restaurants.[1] In 2005, Richard Caring bought the chain from Luke Johnson for £60m.[2]

During this period of ownership, 20 more restaurants were added to the chain and, in May 2007 they, along with 5 Belgo and Bierodrome restaurants, were acquired by Tragus Group Ltd for £140m[3] - owner of the Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia, Potters Bar & Kitchen and Huxleys brands.

In September 2012, Strada joined the Nectar loyalty card reward scheme as a redemption partner.[4]

In July 2013, Strada began a partnership with the Gourmet Society, offering their members discounts on production of a Gourmet Society restaurant discount card.

In September 2014, 43 of Strada restaurants were bought by Hugh Osmond's Sun Capital Partners from Tragus Group for £37m retaining their existing management team, led by James Spragg [5]

Charity

In 2013, Strada were official partners of Comic Relief, the British charity founded in 1985 that aims to "bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of poor and disadvantaged people."

Food

Strada serves freshly prepared, regional Italian dishes using seasonal produce. The menu offers hand stretched pizzas, fresh pastas, risotto and grilled meat and fish dishes.[6]

Awards

Tipping and minimum wage

In 2009 the company was found to be threatening to dismiss wait staff who do not get customers to pay tips on credit cards rather than in cash. Credit card tips were used by the company to subsidise wages (which are usually the legal minimum) whereas cash tips go directly to wait staff.[13] In line with changes to tipping legislation, which came into effect on 1 October 2009, Tragus Ltd. reviewed and updated its policies to ensure that all tips, after a 10% deduction for administrative and other costs paid by credit or debit card, are now distributed through the payroll system to restaurant staff. All Tragus Group employees are now paid tips in addition to the National Minimum Wage.[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "About Luke Johnson". Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  2. ↑ "Tragus buys Strada for £140million". Big Hospitality. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Strada restaurant chain sold for £140m". London: The Guardian. 31 May 2007. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  4. ↑ "Tragus joins Nectar promo". Peach Report. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  5. ↑ "Hugh Osmond buys 43 Strada restaurants". The Caterer. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  6. ↑ "Strada Menus". Strada.
  7. ↑ "2011 Caterersearch Hospitality Web Awards". Caterer and Hotelkeeper. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  8. ↑ "SBID International Design Awards". Society of British Interior Design. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  9. ↑ "Yo! Sushi takes top spot at the Caterersearch.com Web Awards". Caterer and Hotelkeeper. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  10. ↑ "Caterersearch.com Web Award winners revealed". Caterer and Hotelkeeper. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  11. ↑ "Caterersearch.com Web Award winners revealed". Caterer and Hotelkeeper. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  12. ↑ "Menu Innovation & Development Awards Winners". MIDAS. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
  13. ↑ Elliott, Jamie (28 June 2009). "Cafe waiters fear the axe over cash tips". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  14. ↑ "Strada Tips & Service Charge". Strada.

External links