Live events prove to be a success for indie burger chain

A chain of restaurants in the East Midlands has reported positive results from its decision to introduce more live events to its offerings.

Annie’s Burger Shack, which operates two establishments in Nottingham and Derby, has revealed that it is now receiving inquiries from agents and performers who are eager to be featured at its venues.

This year, the restaurant chain expanded its offerings by organising live events at both of its locations.

In Derby, the restaurant hosted various events such as live wrestling, a record fair, comedy performances, a DJ set by Huey Morgan from Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and appearances by Welsh rap group Goldie Lookin’ Chain.

The recent addition to this lineup was a sold-out performance by the award-winning comedian Milton Jones, as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Just The Tonic comedy club.

Meanwhile, the Nottingham restaurant has been a venue for gatherings of the Notts Bad Movie Club, film screenings, live music performances, and a sold-out Faulty Towers dining experience.

Upcoming events in Derby include a comedy show featuring Joe Pasquale, a 1980s disco night with children’s TV icon Timmy Mallett, and a Father Ted-themed celebration with stand-up comedian Joe Rooney, known for his role as Father Davo in the Channel Four show.

In Nottingham, there’s a Halloween-themed Glamour Ghoul Gala scheduled for October 28, and the return of the Faulty Towers Live Dining experience on November 8.

Their Derby location caters for larger events with a capacity of up to 450 people standing, 290 in theatre-style seating, or 180 at cabaret-style tables.

Annie Spaziano, the founder of Annie’s, said: “We have hosted live events in the past, but we’ve never had anything like this number and variety of events before.

“Will, who is head of events, has been working extremely hard to arrange an extremely varied line-up and nationally we’re on the map. Promoters are seeing what we’re doing and people are asking us if they can come to us, which means the events are getting bigger and better and we’re attracting acts that have played much larger and better-known venues elsewhere. That’s brilliant for our venues and it allows us to still serve the food and drink that we’ve become famous for. While the hospitality sector remains challenging, these events are giving us something extra and it’s helping us to bring in new people as well.”