Jobs boost as barbecue concept Red’s cooks up city launch

AMBITIOUS dining business Red’s True Barbecue, is investing £1.2m in opening in Manchester, a more that will create around 85 jobs.

The Yorkshire firm has taken on the former Livebait restaurant on the corner of Lloyd Street and Allbert Square, and is now in the midst of a major overhal to create the new venue.

The  6,050 sq ft restaurant which will operate 185 covers, with accommodation for a further 60 standing in a bar area, featuring a stage and DJ booth, offering weekly live music.

The theme of Red’s True Barbecue is slow cooked cuts of meat inspired by America’s Deep South.

The Manchester opening is at the vanguard of the company’s plan to roll out its brand across the UK.

In the first year in Leeds it generated turnover of £3.2m at its 107 cover  venue, and plans to achieve £4.2m in its first year in Manchester.

Meat at the restaurant is marinated in traditional rubs and slow cooked for up to 24hrs in custom built Oklahoman smokers.

James Douglas, co-founder at Red’s, said: “We’re delighted to be opening in Manchester. The city has a wealth of great restaurants and a buzzing nightlife, so it was the obvious choice in our expansion plans to spread the gospel of true barbecue.
 
“Our site in Leeds, which has 107 covers, serves on average 18,000 diners per month, selling more than 16 tonnes of locally sourced meat, so we’re excited to share this new dining experience with people in Manchester and hope that they too become true believers.

“There is a real passion and energy within the business, and as such we have an aggressive plan to grow. Our concept operates in the fast casual dining experience, and we have really captivated a loyal fan base. With the launch of Manchester, and a further two locations in the offing for 2014, true barbecue has really arrived here in the UK and will keep us on our five-year plan to have at least 15 restaurants across the UK.”   

The restaurant will open in February.