Azzurri invests in a record amount in restaurant openings.

Italian restaurant group Azzurri, owners of ASK, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, have invested in a record amount in restaurant openings over the past year, even though some observers accused the casual-dining market of over-saturation. Sales rose 6.6% to £217.7m this year, which is the first year since the group was sold to Bridgepoint (the private equity group) for £250m. Chief Executive Steve Holmes said: “ASK was historically under-represented in city centres and shopping centres. We now have a real opportunity to grow. It’s certainly more competitive. We have a healthy pipeline for all three brands. We might be ruled out of London for a while but that’s not a huge cause of concern. We have got a broad appeal”.