Islington’s Euphorium Bakery has outlined ambitious expansion plans, which will eventually see its model franchised out across the UK.
Operations director Andrew Green told British Baker that, from an initial two shops in Islington, the company has added five more over the last two years. A sixth the biggest so far is set to open in London’s Threadneedle Street in November.
The expansion has put Euphorium’s bakery, in the basement of its original shop in Islington, at capacity. It is seeking 3,000-5,000sq ft bakery premises in Kings Cross, London to move into as soon as possible, said Green. The plan is to then open a further two or three new shops in north London in the next year.
Next, it will replicate the business in south London, starting with two shops in 2011, which will be served from its proposed bakery in Kings Cross in the short term. Euphorium is currently looking at sites in areas such as Clapham Junction, said Green.
Eventually, the firm will open a central bakery in south London as the chain grows in that area.
After "validating the business model" in London, Euphorium will seek out franchisees to open replica chains in cities including Manchester, Bristol and Leeds, said Green. These would be set up with 10 shops supplied by a local central bakery. The economic climate meant it was an excellent time for a company to expand with funding in place, he added.
Euphorium was offered a long rent-free period at Threadneedle Street and similar arrangements are expected as the site for the new central bakery is finalised.
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