Côte CEO exits after less than a year in post

Emma Dinnis, who joined Côte Brasserie last year, has departed the business with immediate effect after less than 12 months at the helm.

Her exit from the casual dining chain comes three months after its acquisition by the Karali Group in October.

Dinnis, who has previously held senior roles at businesses including Sofology, M&CO and Topshop, oversaw Côte during its transition in ownership from private equity firm Partners Group to the family-owned franchise firm.

Partners Group acquired Côte out of administration for £55m at the height of the pandemic in 2020 when it had nearly 100 sites. The chain now trades from around 70 UK restaurants.

Karali Group, led by Salim and Karim Janmohamed, specialises in quick-service restaurant, casual dining and café sectors, and counts Taco Bell and Marugame Udon in its stable of franchise partners.

Côte was founded in 2007, with its first site opening in London’s Wimbledon.

The Caterer has contacted the Karali Group for comment.