Byron Burger eyes Dubai launch amid Gen Z investment

Byron Burger is eyeing a Dubai launch after securing fresh investment from a Gen Z entrepreneur.

Niyamo Capital, the investment firm founded in 2024 by 21-year-old entrepreneur Akshat Tibrewala, acquired a majority stake in Byron Burger through Tristar Foods.

This marks the third time the beleaguered burger chain, once known for its ‘proper burgers’, has changed hands in the last 12 years.

Byron was founded in 2007 by Tom Byng and grew to 34 sites before it was sold to investment firm Hutton Collins for £100m in 2013.

The chain nearly doubled in size to 67 sites but underwent a restructuring in 2018 amid a wider slowdown of the casual dining market.

It closed 31 of its 51 restaurants when it was sold to Famously Proper, a subsidiary of investment firm Calveton, for £4m during the pandemic in 2020.

The business changed hands again in January 2023 when Famously Proper was bought out of administration by Tristar Foods for just £856,000. This saw 12 Byron restaurants saved and nine permanently closed, with the loss of more than 200 jobs. It was reported Tristar had planned to appoint administrators earlier this year.

Niyamo Capital said it will work alongside Calveton UK, which remains a minority investor, to revive the Byron brand through new menus, cloud kitchens, loyalty platforms and improved technology that can in turn attract Gen Z diners.

It is seeking both “targeted UK growth” and international expansion, focusing particularly on Dubai.

Tibrewala, founder and managing partner of Niyamo Capital, said: “Byron was born to make burgers that mattered – great beef, bold flavour, real hospitality. Today we’re opening a new chapter: one that honours the brand’s soul while building a stronger financial and operational foundation for the future.

“Our strategy is focused on restoring profitability through disciplined cost controls, streamlined operations and sustainable expansion. By addressing the structural inefficiencies that challenged the brand in the past, from high rents and overheads to shifting consumer behaviour, we’re positioning Byron for long-term resilience. At the same time, we’re reintroducing the brand to a new generation of diners who value authenticity, digital convenience and meaningful experiences.”

Niyamo Capital currently manages assets across hospitality, technology and lifestyle ventures across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.