Former Apprentice star launches Liverpool Japanese restaurant with £50k funding

A former contestant from reality game show The Apprentice and the winner of Head Chef – Ireland’s own Master Chef – have teamed up to launch a joint restaurant and cocktail venue in Liverpool.

Located on Castle Street, Izakaya was set up by directors Kurt Wilson and Harry Marquart with five-figure backing from business funding provider Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

Liverpool entrepreneur Kurt Wilson featured on series 9 of The Apprentice, while Harry is known for his appearance on Head Chef and his work at Michelin starred restaurants, including the Chester Grosvenor and London’s Pollen Street Social.

Izakaya offers Japanese-inspired dishes such as sushi, tempura and katsu, with a drinks menu featuring Japanese beers, Sak̕e, wines and a mix of classic and house cocktails.

MSIF provided a £50k investment towards the total project cost, which stood at around £85k. Izakaya’s directors funded the remainder.

Kurt said: “Liverpool has such an exciting food and drink scene. The area around Castle Street is booming with lots of independent bars and restaurants nestled in amongst the big names. Because it’s in the business district it offers great opportunities for trade during in the day and in the evening.

“Casual dining is very popular. People don’t want a three-course meal when they go out anymore; they want good quality food in a friendly and relaxed environment where they can socialise with family, friends and colleagues.”

He added: “We offer express lunches and take away to cater for the midweek business crowd but in the evening it’s much more about going out for a few drinks with some delicious food on the side. We’re aiming for a 50/50 split of customers wanting food or drink.”

Discussing the MSIF support, he said the organisation has “been amazing”, adding: “I’ve raised business funding before which was a difficult and lengthy process but with MSIF it was completely different.

“They understand businesses and have in-depth knowledge of the local market place and lots of contacts with business support providers in the area which has been a great help. The support we’ve had and continue to receive has really made a difference to us.”

Izakaya’s outside catering offer for external events such as parties and meetings, Kurt explained, will launch soon.

He continued: “We are also in the process of getting a pavement licence. If we are successful, we want to install bi-fold doors which we can open during the summer months and will double the size of the restaurant.”

Andy Jones, investment manager at MSIF, commented: “Despite being young, Kurt and Harry are very experienced and have an impressive track record within this industry.

“They’ve opened in an up and coming area of the city which is in the heart of the business district and also near to lots of the tourist attractions and the cruise terminal so there’s plenty of passing trade.”

He added: “I’m really pleased to be supporting the business and wish them every success.”

Izakaya employs a team of 14 staff and forecasts a turnover of £700k in 2017.