CCR chief predicts turbulent times

James Naylor, chief executive of City Centre Restaurants (CCR), last week forecast "high-profile failures" for some of the theme restaurant openings that had hit the headlines this year

Speaking at a Catering Arena lunch at the Café Royal, he predicted pain ahead for under-capitalised companies who were paying huge rents for locations in the capital's West End. In contrast CCR, which planned 50 new openings this year, had sustainable commitments, he said.

Most of its new restaurants will be Caffé Unos, as the brand doubles in size to reach 40 units by the end of the year. Six new Chiquitos will be opened, and Nachos, acquired in 1995, will be repositioned to be more authentically Mexican.

A number of Deep Pan Pizza and Garfunkel's sites will be rebranded as Frankie and Bennys New York/Italian diners.

CCR's wholly-owned subsidiary, OK Diner, is also set to grow rapidly this year. "It's not glamorous but it makes sense," said Mr Naylor.