Pesto plans 10 new restaurants
Manchester-based Italian restaurant chain Pesto is set to launch 10 new restaurants over the next 12 months.
The business, which was co-founded by Neil Gatt and Sara Edwards in 2006, is expected to nearly double its staff numbers to 1,000 people as part of the move.
Pesto currently has 10 sites, with its most recent opening in Pesto at the Red Lion in Harrogate.
Gatt told the Manchester Evening News that he hoped his business would help breathe new life into the pub restaurant dining scene.
"We're very excited to announce the news that we hope to duplicate our portfolio next year with these 10 openings and look forward to hopefully hitting 1,000 employees by the end of 2014," he said.
Edwards added: "Customers seem to love our grazing-style menu and relaxed atmosphere as they can enjoy a more informal experience when dining out. We believe our success in giving diners something different has helped us reach a landmark ten restaurants last month."