The Pack Italian Restaurant & Bar creates jobs following £250k makeover

An italian restaurant near Blackburn has grown its turnover, taken on new staff and expanded capacity following a £250k makeover.

The Pack Italian Restaurant & Bar in Belthorn saw its like-for-like sales leap 70% and increased its covers from 60 to 80, allowing its owners to create five jobs.

Majority funded by Leeds-based SME lender Reward Finance Group, the six-figure project to refurbish the former Pack Horse included knocking through internal walls to make the space open plan and create space for more guests.

The venue also saw its bar area extended, a new entrance built and an outdoor terrace with views of the Ribble Valley and Pendle Hill created.

Karl Elsworth, who owns the restaurant with his wife Jo-Ann, said of the expansion: “We have owned The Pack for five years and we knew it needed a change.

“Although it is in a fabulous village, it is off the beaten track and it is therefore a destination venue.”

He continued: “We were keen to retain the best of the historic features of the building, while giving it a contemporary feel. We were confident that this would attract additional customers and encourage more dwell time while they are here.

“It was an ambitious project, as we had to close for three months to complete it, so we are grateful that Russell Holt and the team at Reward Capital had faith in us and provided the funds to enable it to happen.”

The Pack Italian Restaurant & Bar now employs a team of 15, with a new chef from Sicily due to start this month.

Russell Holt, business development director for Reward Finance in the North West, commented: “I was impressed with Karl and Jo-Ann from the first meeting.

“They are both driven and passionate about the restaurant. They knew exactly what was needed to take the restaurant onto the next level and dramatically increase its profitability.”

He added: “We therefore had no hesitation in providing the funds to bring the plans to reality and we are delighted for them both that their confidence has paid off with such dramatic results.”