Expansion on cards for owner of Zizzi, while sales rose to 280 million pounds

The owner of Italian restaurants, Zizzi and ASK, discovered a year of strong sales growth since expansion plans are planned, but said that its profit was flat after absorbing higher costs.

Sales of the Azur Group in July rose by 8.5%, reaching 279.8 million pounds, with growth like all for all brands.

The basic salary amounted to 37 million pounds, as the margins fell from 14.5% to 13.2%.

Speaking to the Press Association, Executive Director Steve Holmes said it was "a very challenging year from the perspective of costs."

"Today, the consumer is looking for great value," he said.

"That's why we were very careful in raising prices and working hard to save a lot of these costs."

The group, which also has the brands Coco di Mama and Radio Alice, now has 290 outlets with plans to open more in the coming year despite a difficult background from several catering groups that are closing this year.

Zizzi could now be expanded abroad after a successful debut in Ireland, where the third location will be opened by the end of 2018.

In the meantime, Coco di Mama's coffee and pasta chain will be open for more locations in London.

Zizzi Salisbury was finally reopened last week, eight months after being caught in the aftermath of former Russian intelligence agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Julia.

Mr. Holmes says the restaurant was "very busy" from reopening.

Restaurant chains had a rough year in terms of food inflation, rising rent and rates, and tough competition.

Other Italian chains, such as Jamie Italijan and Prezzo, closed insufficient stores in an effort to improve trade.

Commenting on the current market, Holmes said: "My position is that the market fundamentals are very strong, the millennials are a bit more, especially in places that provide experience.

"There are winners and losers. The winners are those who provide interesting, relevant and different propositions."

Press Association