Ayrshire restaurant operator Buzzworks has announced plans to double the size of its business and open more restaurants.

The popular eatery chain reported increased revenue in its latest trading results despite a "challenging year". 

Buzzworks Holdings Limited, which has 13 venues across the west of Scotland, reported an increase in revenue to £29.9m for the year ending April 30 2023 – up 19 per cent on the previous year of £25.2m.

Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization was £2.94m compared to £3.95m in 2022, which was supported by the reduced VAT rate on food sales and the payment holiday on business rates.

As part of its growth strategy, Buzzworks continues to invested £4.7m in its venues including the opening of Scotts in Greenock as well as further expansion into the east coast with Thirty Knots in South Queensferry and Herringbone Abbeyhill on London Road in Edinburgh.

The company also invested in the refurbishment of its current portfolio including Lido Troon, Scotts Largs and Herringbone venues in Goldenacre and North Berwick.

The award-winning independent bar and restaurant operator has also experienced a strong start to 2024 with like for like sales growth of 5.3 per cent for the 5 weeks to December 31 which came on top of strong growth last year. 

The business has now announced plans to double in size creating 800 new jobs, with negotiations underway on three new venues. 

Kenny Blair, managing director, said: “We have stuck to our plans for expansion, investment in our portfolio and development of our people and despite challenging conditions, we’ve had a successful year.

"Our formula of investing in great properties in towns and suburbs across the country, introducing our unique blend of food, drink, style and service, is one that is working for us.

“Hospitality is an integral part of life throughout the country and without it, our towns and cities would be pretty miserable places to live.

"We want to continue to invest but we’re not immune to external factors coming our way that will impact the pace for growth. 

“The goal is for Scotland to be a place where hospitality businesses thrive rather than survive – communities where jobs and careers are created for local people in venues that can be enjoyed by all.

"This is what will drive us forward and we are confident the good momentum we are seeing will put us in the best possible position to fulfil our ambitious growth plan.” 

To learn more about the organisation, visit: www.buzzworksholdings.com.