Benito’s Hat has appointed Richard Baker, formerly of The Restaurant Group as its new chief executive and plans to further strengthen its estate this year following an additional investment of £1.3m from Calculus Capital. Baker joins the six-strong group from Garfunkel’s where he was senior operations manager. He held the same position at TRG Concessions where he was for four years. His appointment follows the exit of Graham Ford who is moving on in May to join the Richard Caring-backed Grillshack, which will open its second site in Ealing this summer.
Benito’s Hat founder Ben Fordham said: “Richard comes with a wealth of experience gleaned from a portfolio of restaurants that includes airport concessions. Over the past twelve months, we have successfully opened two new sites and improved like-for-like EBITDA by 24% year-to-date. Following another cash injection from our investors, the new appointment coincides with what promises to be an exciting year for Benito’s Hat, starting with a new opening at London Bridge this autumn.”
Benito’s Hat on Leadenhall Street opened last month, marking the second restaurant since the group secured the initial £1.4m investment with the majority of funds coming from Calculus Capital last year.