KIBOU rolls out two-site expansion plans

A Japanese restaurant group is expanding its UK footprint with two new sites after securing a seven-figure funding package.

KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar will open a restaurant on Temple Row in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District on October 12, supported by funding from HSBC UK.

The 200-cover venue will be KIBOU’s first in Birmingham and create more than 50 jobs across its front-of-house and kitchen teams.

Its opening will take the group’s estate to seven restaurants and follows its strongest trading year on record, during which it achieved double-digit year-on-year growth in both revenue and covers.

Further expansion is planned for early 2027, with the HSBC UK facility also supporting the opening of a restaurant in London’s Covent Garden.

The deal has also seen KIBOU refinance existing debt with other lenders and consolidate its banking arrangements with HSBC UK, which will become its sole banking partner.

Cattaneo Corporate Finance originated the funding deal and introduced KIBOU to HSBC UK.

Sam Horswill, managing director at KIBOU Restaurants, said: "After a record 12 months of trading, this investment gives us the platform to expand and back two exceptional new sites at once. 

“It also helps us invest in the people who make KIBOU what it is. 

“Growing our covers by over 60 per cent and creating more than 120 new jobs across the two sites are testament to the strength of our team and the trust HSBC UK has shown in where we're heading. 

“We value their partnership, and the introduction made by Cattaneo.” 

Parinda Nanayakkara, relationship manager at HSBC UK, added: “KIBOU Restaurants has delivered a strong trading performance and has clear ambitions for growth. 

“This provides the business with the funding to invest in identified sites, while putting the right financial structure in place to support those ambitions.”  

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