Marco Pierre White lands at Birmingham Airport

CELEBRITY chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White is to open a new venue at a Birmingham Airport hotel.
 
Located at the 239-bedroom Holiday Inn, the new restaurant will be a Marco’s New York Italian to replace the venue’s existing Grill Room restaurant. With 120 covers, the venue is expected to open mid May 2015 and will serve the famed chef’s take on American-Italian food.
 
The opening of the restaurant follows a deal between Black & White Franchising and the hotel’s owners, who will run the new restaurant under a franchise agreement.
 
Work to fit out the restaurant is well under way and represents an investment in excess of £200,000. It is also creating an additional 10 jobs, taking the total number of people employed in the restaurant to 30.
 
Although aimed at travellers, the new restaurant is also expected to attract residents living in and around Solihull, as well as visitors to the Genting Arena and NEC.
 
Jason Hiley, General Manager at the hotel said: “The opening of Marco’s New York Italian is perfect for our hotel and is one of the last pieces of the jigsaw in the hotel’s development.
 
“It follows a series of improvements at the venue over the past two years, which has made the hotel a real hub for the community, as well as the ideal place to stay for those travelling from the airport.
 
“The presence of a Marco Pierre White restaurant will bring an exciting vibe to the hotel and will sit well with those looking to do business in a relaxed setting, as well as visitors to the NEC.”
 
Black and White Franchising has partnered with Marco Pierre White to roll out three of his restaurant brands including Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Marco’s New York Italian and Wheeler’s of St James.
 
To date there are 10 New York Italian restaurants, eight Steakhouse Bar & Grills and one Wheeler’s of St James.
 
Owner and Chairman of Black & White Franchising, Nick Taplin said he was pleased with the latest deal.

He said: “Marco’s New York Italian sits well across a variety of locations and this latest deal demonstrates the versatility of this offering.”