itsu to open in Spinningfields

FOOD brand itsu is opening its first northern store in Manchester with a launch in Spinningfields in the new year.

Due to open on January 27 on Hardman Boulevard, the new outlet follows successful recent openings in Cambridge and Reading.

With a 20.8% year on year increase in 2014, and like-for-like sales of 6.8%, itsu’s Spinningfields will site take the total number of shops operated by the healthy-eating brand over 60. The business, set up by the founders of Pret a Manger, has taken a 4,500 sq ft unit in the former Samsi site on Hardman Boulevard.

The casual dining concept will cater for 64 diners inside and a further 34 external covers.

Said Takhamt, director of development, said: “Our recent openings in Cambridge and Reading demonstrated to us that our proposition can succeed outside of London, and Manchester felt like a natural progression for us when deciding our next location.

“The city’s food and drink scene has truly exploded in recent years, offering better quality and more diversity than ever before and we are looking forward to becoming part of that mix. We’re proud to introduce our ‘eat beautiful’ concept to Spinningfields; and are confident it will be a big success.