Black and White Hospitality, which owns and manages the franchise rights to eight Marco Pierre White branded restaurant concepts, is enjoying a positive start to the New Year with covers in both January and February well ahead of 2024.

Operating under the Marco Pierre White Restaurants name, the group, which includes its Steakhouse, New York Italian and Chophouse branded concepts, has enjoyed an increase in the number of guests dining across its franchise-based estate with January up 19 per cent and February already up seven per cent respectively.

The positive start to the New Year follows a most successful December and festive period across the group.

Chairman and CEO Nick Taplin said: “Brands that deliver consistently on the quality of the food and level of service are the ones that are very much sought after by guests.

“Add into the mix our popular seasonal menus, all of which are devised by Marco Pierre White, makes for an appealing and attractive offer for those looking to dine out.

“It was great to see December and Christmas perform so well and the figures for January and February are very encouraging.

“The new Winter menu differentiates us away from the majority of our competitors and we have some very strong offers in place such as our 50 per cent of mains in January which is proving popular with guests.

“Looking ahead, the food team, along with Marco have already been working on the Spring and Summer menus and is again a strong selling point for those looking to enjoy a lunch, afternoon tea or evening meal out.

“The seasonal menus are also an attractive proposition for our franchise partners who need a point of difference in their local and regional markets while delivering a fantastic GP.

“We’ve also strengthened our relationship with many of the brand partners that form part of our offering and have helped sales through collaborative and marketing campaigns.

“With a number of new openings planned for 2025, despite the tough economic environment, challenging as we think it will be, we are very much looking forward to the year ahead.”