Giraffe founders Juliette and Russel Joffe resign
Juliette and Russel Joffe (pictured), co-founders of restaurant group Giraffe, have resigned from the business.
The pair launched the business in 1998 alongside lifelong friend Andrew Jacobs and built it up to 60 UK restaurants, five of which are located in airports, and two in the UAE.
Last year, Tesco bought the business for £50m, at a time when it had 48 sites. The deal allowed private equity firms 3i and Risk Capital Partners to sell their stakes in the company.
The deal saw the Joffes and Jacobs remain in place, with Russel Joffe acting as managing director.
Following the announcement of their resignation, Juliette and Russel Joffe said: "It's been an incredible journey from our first restaurant in Hampstead to where we are now. Having seen through the Tesco sale over a year ago and started Giraffe on its next phase of growth, we know we are leaving our baby in safe and capable hands.
"We have really enjoyed working with Tesco who have given our brand the opportunity to expand, improve and evolve. It's been an incredibly emotional decision to step away from our business - we have raised an amazing family here at giraffe and watched many grow into hugely talented individuals and we are confident the business will continue to thrive".
Adam Fowle, CEO of Tesco Family Dining and chairman of Giraffe said: "I'd like to thank Juliette and Russel for all they've achieved in making giraffe one of the most popular and exciting family restaurant brands in the UK.
"Since opening their first restaurant with Andrew Jacobs sixteen years ago, Juliette and Russel have overseen a growing and successful business which now incorporates over 60 restaurants across the UK, but still holds at its heart the same spirit and ethos on which it was founded. We're really excited about what the future holds for Giraffe, and we owe a huge amount to Juliette and Russel's vision and expertise in making giraffe the business it is today."
Andrew Jacobs will continue to be involved with the Giraffe business.