Amadeus, the catering services company that operates franchises with Starbucks and Subway has added a further food and beverage franchise to its portfolio, Barrel & Stone.
This is the first time the brand has launched as a standalone retail unit, as it is usually seen in pubs and hotels around the UK within its network of Barrel & Stone ‘pizza premises’, operated by pizza ambassadors.
Amadeus has opened its 50-cover Barrel & Stone restaurant at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, offering visitors handcrafted freshly prepared stone baked pizza, craft beer, gelato and artisan coffee.
Russell Hardiman, managing director of Barrel & Stone, commented: “We’re really pleased to be working with Amadeus and to have launched our first standalone retail unit at the NEC. People visiting the venue can enjoy a quality, authentic Italian offering, either by sitting and relaxing in the restaurant or using the grab and go takeaway offering.”
Marc Frankl, food and beverage director for Amadeus, said: “We are constantly looking to refresh our F&B offering for visitors to the NEC based on the latest trends in the food industry at large. With a venue like the NEC, which hosts over 500 events every year, visitors want something quick, easy and delicious to sustain them throughout the day.”
‘Street food theatre’
“With all of our brands and retail units now we are looking to bring the convenience and theatre of street food into the venue and our events. Barrel & Stone really appealed to us as a concept as it boasts premium pizzas with a street food feel,” added Frankl.
Amadeus already operates a Starbucks at the NEC and at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, where it also has a Subway store. The company has a growing portfolio which sees it catering at additional venues, including visitor attractions and outdoor events.
www.barrelandstone.co.uk