Marco Pierre White to open restaurants on Isle of Man and Jersey

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White is to expand his UK restaurant empire outside the capital, with the launch of two Frankie's outlets on the Isle of Man and Jersey.

Marco Pierre White, who was the UK's first three Michelin-starred chef, has signed a deal with property developer Dandara Commercial to open a franchise restaurant in Douglas on the Isle of Man and another at a waterfront location in Jersey.

The quayside restaurant on the Isle of Man will be housed in a new built property located on Bridge Road, while the restaurant in Jersey will be overlooking the marina.

Speaking exclusively to Caterersearch, White said he was "very happy" with the demand for Frankie's, an Italian bar and grill concept.

"This year Frankie's sales are up 25%, in a world hit by the credit crunch," he said.

White added that he was thrilled about the restaurant in Jersey revealing that he considers the island to be a "very special place" with "proper people".

"This will be one of the best sites in Jersey overlooking the marina," he said. "When you're on the waterfront, you're automatically 10 yards ahead [of the competition].

When asked about his public association with the Frankie's brand, White said he prefers to remain in the background.

"I think personality behind brands is very important as it creates a PR machine," he said. "But I prefer to be a sub-brand."

Marco Pierre White to star in US TV series >>

Exclusive: Marco Pierre White to star in new TV show >>

Marco sells three London restaurants >>

Exclusive: Marco Pierre White on why he's back behind the stove for TV's Hell's Kitchen >>

Recipes by Marco Pierre White >>

By Kerstin Kühn