Cabana to set up its Brazilian barbecue in Manchester's Corn Exchange
Brazilian barbecue chain Cabana has announced it has completed on a 6,000 sq ft unit in Manchester's redeveloped Corn Exchange, which is on track to open later this month as a destination dining venue.
Developer Queensberry Real Estate began work on the £30m project in October 2014. The building, which is owned by Aviva Investors Property Trust, will relaunch with 17 restaurants.
Other independent chains that have signed up include Mexican street food chain Wahaca and casual dining Italian restaurant Vapiano, which are both opening their first sites outside London. Among those making a debut in Manchester are the Cosy Club and Banyan Bar and Kitchen. Five of the units have been remodelled for existing operators, including Salvi's and Tampopo.
Founded in 2011 by restaurateurs Jamie Barber and Nick Ponte, Cabana is forecast to turn over £15 this year and has six restaurants in London and one in Leeds. Best-selling menu items include "killer" spicy malagueta chicken and sweet potato fries, along with Brazilian street food and barbecue skewers grilled to order.
Barber commented: "The past three years have really seen Cabana take off and we knew it was time to expand beyond London. We can't wait to introduce Cabana to the city and be at the heart of the food and drink scene at Corn Exchange."
Simon Green from Aviva said: "It's encouraging to see that this ambitious project has lured the country's most cutting-edge operators to Manchester. Corn Exchange is set to be a leading dining destination in the north and will undoubtedly benefit Manchester's economy."
In addition to the restaurants, Roomzzz Aparthotel will open 114 apartments over four floors overlooking Exchange Square It is scheduled to open in early 2016 and will be the operator's second aparthotel in the city.
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