Barracuda's Smith & Jones format hits 150 sites
Barracuda's Smith & Jones pub concept is set to hit 150 sites, making it by far the largest brand within the Barracuda estate of 215 managed pubs.
The company said Smith & Jones' seven-day trading format and a recent redesign programme had been a success and it had converted other sites under its Barracuda Bar and Varsity brands to the Smith & Jones concept.
Since the beginning of the year 32 Smith & Jones pubs have opened from other group formats or been upgraded from the previous design, bringing the total number of outlets under this format to 142. In addition, the 12-strong Juniper Inns will be joining the Smith & Jones operating format, bringing the chain to 154 branded units.
Barracuda said food sales at the sites were growing and breakfast sales had more than doubled over the past 12 months. Like-for-like sales have subsequently increased 25% during the 9am to 12 noon trading period across the group as a whole. A carvery offer has been introduced across part of the Smith & Jones portfolio, which has proved particularly successful, and Sunday roasts have seen growth of 35% since last year.
In addition, Smith & Jones now offers Costa coffee in 120 of its pubs, which has produced an incremental increase of 50% in coffee sales. A further 20 pubs will offer Costa coffee by the end of the summer.
Mark McQuater (pictured), chief executive of Barracuda group, said: "The group's pub portfolio continues to evolve with a core focus on the Smith & Jones concept, which has achieved significant milestone in passing the 150th pub mark. This concept continues to impress with its diverse appeal and proven scalability. It is a contemporary classic for today's pub customer with its emphasis on informal entertainment, premium beers and wines, delicious pub food and a growing private party business.
"It is encouraging that our ongoing investment in our quality pub portfolio is delivering demonstrable results as we focus our efforts and continue to invest in this successful formula."
Smith & Jones pubs are generally situated in high-street locations or secondary towns and cities across England, Scotland and Wales and attract a broad customer base spanning over-25s and young urban professionals to friends and family.
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Barracuda to introduce Costa coffee to its 217 pubs >>
By Neil Gerrard
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