Today’s news in brief – 30/01/24

Tortilla will be opening four new locations with SSP this year, with a further pipeline of sites to open as part of the franchise partnership in 2025. Currently, the SSP and Tortilla franchise partnership includes five sites across the UK, with the Manchester Piccadilly train station being the most recent to open in the first half of 2023. 

Farmer J has announced a £5.5m fundraiser led by Beringea, the transatlantic venture capital firm, to power further growth for the brand, with five new sites planned for 2024. Described by owners as “forkin’ good food”, Farmer J provides build-your-own Fieldtrays with nutritious food sourced from high welfare, predominantly UK farms. 

Chipotle is set to open its first restaurant in Uxbridge on 5 February. The chain currently has 17 locations in the Greater London area and is the only company of its size that owns and operates all of its restaurants in the US, Canada, and Western Europe. Last year the company saw its revenues hit $2.5bn (£1.93bn) in Q2 2023, up 13.6% compared with Q2 2022.

Stonegate Group’s Red Cross Inn in Reigate will reopen on 1 February after a £200k investment by the Craft Union Pub Company. The Grade II-listed building has received works inside and out. The venue features new fixtures and fittings, decorative “enhancements” and an outdoor area.