23rd September 2008
Deli rollout gathers pace in Granite City
McLeish Brothers entrepreneur stepping up Scotland-wide expansion
By Ian Forsyth
Source; www.pressandjournal.co.uk
Published: 05/09/2008
MCLEISH Brothers, the delicatessen chain launched by a north-east businessman less than two years ago, underlined its commitment to Aberdeen yesterday by opening a second store in the Granite City centre.
Entrepreneur Stanley Morrice said it was full steam ahead in a Scotland-wide expansion programme.
He plans to have around two dozen New York-style delis up and running in the next few months from a standing start of four in 2006.
The latest outlet is at 45 Schoolhill – the first shop in Aberdeen was opened last year in Union Street – and is on the site of what was the Toy Bazaar, all of whose staff were offered positions among the 25 jobs created.
Mr Morrice, who hails from Fraserburgh, said: “Aberdeen, a cosmopolitan, 21st-century city, has proved to be an extremely receptive market for the type of deli service we provide. Such has been the success of our Union Street store from the word go that we were anxious to open a second and, hopefully soon, a third.”
Showing posts with label McLeish Brothers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label McLeish Brothers. Show all posts
A new CR to open in Aberdeen soon
17th July 2008
McLeish Brothers Limited,
45-47 Market Place
c/o Maclay, Murray & Spens LLP
66 Queens Road
Aberdeen AB15 4YE
McLeish Brothers Limited,
45-47 Market Place
c/o Maclay, Murray & Spens LLP
66 Queens Road
Aberdeen AB15 4YE
Another McLeish Deli means another CR Deli !
16th May 2008
Acting on behalf of McLeish, Culverwell have acquired 1 Lochrin Square, Edinburgh from joint developer Scotmid/Gladedale Capital (acting on behalf of the landlord, Credit Suisse). McLeish have agreed a new 15 year full repairing and insuring lease subject to 5 yearly upward only rent reviews at an initial rent of £90,000 per annum.
The premises extend to the following net internal areas:
Ground Floor 3,833 sq ft 356.32 sq m
Basement 2,153 sq ft 200.09 sq m
McLeish are an up-market, New York style licensed Deli that incorporates both Coffee Republic and Thorntons concessions.
McLeish recently opened their first Edinburgh store at 59 South Bridge which is trading successfully and have active requirements for more stores across Scotland.
McLeish's Managing Director, Stanley Morrice, commented, "We are delighted with our latest acquisition at Lochrin Square which is situated in the heart of Edinburgh's business district".
For further information please contact:
James Godfrey/Callum Mortimer
Direct Dial: 0131 243 9614
Email: james@culverwell.co.uk or callum@culverwell.co.uk
Source: http://www.culverwell.co.uk/index.shtml?news
Acting on behalf of McLeish, Culverwell have acquired 1 Lochrin Square, Edinburgh from joint developer Scotmid/Gladedale Capital (acting on behalf of the landlord, Credit Suisse). McLeish have agreed a new 15 year full repairing and insuring lease subject to 5 yearly upward only rent reviews at an initial rent of £90,000 per annum.
The premises extend to the following net internal areas:
Ground Floor 3,833 sq ft 356.32 sq m
Basement 2,153 sq ft 200.09 sq m
McLeish are an up-market, New York style licensed Deli that incorporates both Coffee Republic and Thorntons concessions.
McLeish recently opened their first Edinburgh store at 59 South Bridge which is trading successfully and have active requirements for more stores across Scotland.
McLeish's Managing Director, Stanley Morrice, commented, "We are delighted with our latest acquisition at Lochrin Square which is situated in the heart of Edinburgh's business district".
For further information please contact:
James Godfrey/Callum Mortimer
Direct Dial: 0131 243 9614
Email: james@culverwell.co.uk or callum@culverwell.co.uk
Source: http://www.culverwell.co.uk/index.shtml?news
Scotland's First Minister Opens McLeish's First Edinburgh Deli (incorporating CR Deli)
5th May 2008
This is the first of the New York-style deli to be established in the capital by Dundee-based McLeish, whose declared policy is to source its produce from Scottish suppliers - fish, for example, from Peterhead and Arbroath, and meat, poultry, dairy products and vegetables from Scottish farms.
Other Scottish-sourced products include biscuits, bakery, canned foods and relishes while there is also a comprehensive range of whiskies from island, Highland and lowland distilleries.
Mr Salmond, who opened the new Edinburgh store on Wednesday, has recently returned from Brussels where he was promoting the quality of Scottish produce.
In the US last month, he carried the same message during the Scottish Week.
Mr Salmond said: "McLeish's food stores are a great source of accessible, quality Scottish produce as I can testify.
"Last month I accepted the challenge to 'eat Scottish' for one week. The McLeish Brothers store in Inverurie was just one of the food outlets which helped to make that challenge tasty and affordable.
"I want to see Scottish producers and suppliers thriving across the country. Scotland's first ever national debate on food, led by the Scottish Government, has just come to an end, with more than 25,000 people visiting our website and many responding online.
"These responses will be considered as part of our work to develop a national food policy that can help support a sustainable food industry within a greener, healthier, wealthier Scotland.
"I’m delighted to welcome McLeish Brothers’ first store to Edinburgh. Not only will it promote home-grown produce, the store’s range of Asian, Chinese, Italian and other European dishes is further evidence that Scotland can cater for a global marketplace."
The First Minister, along with all visitors to the South Bridge open day this week, sampled a variety of McLeish specialities.
"There is no truth in the rumour that we have opened the first of our Edinburgh stores in South Bridge simply to be convenient for Mr Salmond during his day job," said McLeish's managing director, Stanley Morrice.
On a serious note, he added: "Our policy of using Scottish produce is simple - why go elsewhere when the quality and value provided by our fishermen, farmers and other suppliers are the best in the business?
"In total, 70% of our stock is sourced in Scotland. Our only regret is that we can't find a cheeky Chablis from a vineyard on the northern slopes of Schiehallion or a classic claret from the Tay Valley."
McLeish will open its second Edinburgh store in Lochrin Square in July, while plans for a third in Bruntsfield are well advanced.
The retailer is also looking at other premises in the capital.
McLeish, whose eight existing stores are all in the east of the country, is poised to move into the west of Scotland.
The firm will open a store in Sauchiehall Street in August and is in negotiations for other sites in Glasgow city centre and the suburbs.
A second in Aberdeen city centre, in Schoolhill, will open soon and it is hoped that there will be a third outlet in Aberdeen, possibly next year.
Bothwell, Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline, St Andrews and Perth will follow in a rapid £11 million expansion programme that will see McLeish grow from four shops employing 42 staff just 18 months ago to around two dozen with a workforce of more than 600 by the end of the year.
McLeish then plans to cross the Border to set up a second centre in the Midlands before launching outlets in the south-east.
In another development, McLeish is close to announcing the launch of its own-brand whisky, which is expected to be a single malt from Speyside.
Each new store has franchised areas to Coffee Republic and Thorntons, the confectioner.
In addition, there are kitchens in each outlet as well as an ever-expanding team of specialist chefs and kitchen staff based in Dundee who produce a daily menu of traditional and international dishes.
This operation style would be mirrored in England - again using, as far as possible, produce from Scotland.
"We are finding the combination of good, home-based produce and the New York-style of deli is proving very popular," Morrice said.
This is the first of the New York-style deli to be established in the capital by Dundee-based McLeish, whose declared policy is to source its produce from Scottish suppliers - fish, for example, from Peterhead and Arbroath, and meat, poultry, dairy products and vegetables from Scottish farms.
Other Scottish-sourced products include biscuits, bakery, canned foods and relishes while there is also a comprehensive range of whiskies from island, Highland and lowland distilleries.
Mr Salmond, who opened the new Edinburgh store on Wednesday, has recently returned from Brussels where he was promoting the quality of Scottish produce.
In the US last month, he carried the same message during the Scottish Week.
Mr Salmond said: "McLeish's food stores are a great source of accessible, quality Scottish produce as I can testify.
"Last month I accepted the challenge to 'eat Scottish' for one week. The McLeish Brothers store in Inverurie was just one of the food outlets which helped to make that challenge tasty and affordable.
"I want to see Scottish producers and suppliers thriving across the country. Scotland's first ever national debate on food, led by the Scottish Government, has just come to an end, with more than 25,000 people visiting our website and many responding online.
"These responses will be considered as part of our work to develop a national food policy that can help support a sustainable food industry within a greener, healthier, wealthier Scotland.
"I’m delighted to welcome McLeish Brothers’ first store to Edinburgh. Not only will it promote home-grown produce, the store’s range of Asian, Chinese, Italian and other European dishes is further evidence that Scotland can cater for a global marketplace."
The First Minister, along with all visitors to the South Bridge open day this week, sampled a variety of McLeish specialities.
"There is no truth in the rumour that we have opened the first of our Edinburgh stores in South Bridge simply to be convenient for Mr Salmond during his day job," said McLeish's managing director, Stanley Morrice.
On a serious note, he added: "Our policy of using Scottish produce is simple - why go elsewhere when the quality and value provided by our fishermen, farmers and other suppliers are the best in the business?
"In total, 70% of our stock is sourced in Scotland. Our only regret is that we can't find a cheeky Chablis from a vineyard on the northern slopes of Schiehallion or a classic claret from the Tay Valley."
McLeish will open its second Edinburgh store in Lochrin Square in July, while plans for a third in Bruntsfield are well advanced.
The retailer is also looking at other premises in the capital.
McLeish, whose eight existing stores are all in the east of the country, is poised to move into the west of Scotland.
The firm will open a store in Sauchiehall Street in August and is in negotiations for other sites in Glasgow city centre and the suburbs.
A second in Aberdeen city centre, in Schoolhill, will open soon and it is hoped that there will be a third outlet in Aberdeen, possibly next year.
Bothwell, Stirling, Falkirk, Dunfermline, St Andrews and Perth will follow in a rapid £11 million expansion programme that will see McLeish grow from four shops employing 42 staff just 18 months ago to around two dozen with a workforce of more than 600 by the end of the year.
McLeish then plans to cross the Border to set up a second centre in the Midlands before launching outlets in the south-east.
In another development, McLeish is close to announcing the launch of its own-brand whisky, which is expected to be a single malt from Speyside.
Each new store has franchised areas to Coffee Republic and Thorntons, the confectioner.
In addition, there are kitchens in each outlet as well as an ever-expanding team of specialist chefs and kitchen staff based in Dundee who produce a daily menu of traditional and international dishes.
This operation style would be mirrored in England - again using, as far as possible, produce from Scotland.
"We are finding the combination of good, home-based produce and the New York-style of deli is proving very popular," Morrice said.
A peak inside a McLeish Brothers store in Edinburgh
23rd April 2008
These photographs are taken from McLeish Brothers, Edinburgh. Please click on the images to enlarge the photos.
http://www.mcleish.uk.com/
These photographs are taken from McLeish Brothers, Edinburgh. Please click on the images to enlarge the photos.
http://www.mcleish.uk.com/
Coffee Republic looking to end year in profit
1st April 2008
Source: Food and Drink Exec
Publication date: 17/03/2008
Since opening the doors to its first coffee bar in London in 1995, Coffee Republic has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Exec finds out more
Written by Lucy Mowatt and produced by Hannah Edwards
Since 1995 Coffee Republic has gone through a significant number of changes, with the most notable coming in 2006; the company’s shareholders ousted founder Bobby Hashemi from his role as executive chairman and set about changing the company’s run of luck under new management.
Steven Bartlett, the current CEO explains that in nearly 13 years Coffee Republic has yet to end a year in profit. “We were the first coffee chain really and I think there is a disadvantage of being the first. We really over expanded and at the same time Vodafone shops were popping up everywhere and from what we can understand there was great demand for these premium sites, especially in London. The company really paid too much for these, overfitted them and didn’t really concentrate on the model.”
Since 2006 Coffee Republic has readressed these issues. “It’s all about the brand,” Bartlett explains, saying that it is looking to meet the competition that’s appeared in the market, including Starbucks and Caffé Nero.
“Speed of service is one of our key drivers too,” he continues, saying that the company is working hard to strike a balance between customers that just want to grab a coffee and go and those that want to relax or use the wi-fi facilities available at every Coffee Republic store.
The secret recipe
In line with these plans, the chain places a lot of emphasis on the training of its staff, not only to ensure that customers get an efficient service, but also so that they are able to make good coffee. “It’s amazing the number of people that think they’re doing a good coffee and they’re burning the milk,” he points out.
And with a selection of 20 different coffee beans from around the world making up its “secret blend”, it is easy to see why Coffee Republic places such an emphasis on training the staff in all of its own and franchised outlets.
In fact, the company has built very strong relationships with all its suppliers since 1995 and is still using the same company in Milan to brew its beans. “We’ve been through the wars, but people have stood by us, and I think that is testament to the brand,” Bartlett says. This is even true of its catering companies, with whom Coffee Republic has a strong history.
Coffee Republic now has 100 stores across the UK, a number which the CEO states is set to increase rapidly in the next twelve months. Having recently signed deals with Greene King, WH Smith and Cineworld, Coffee Republic concession outlets are set to open quickly.
“And there is a new company called McLeish which started up in Scotland and they have 49 stores to open in two years. There are going to be Coffee Republics in those too,” he adds, stating that it will add “critical mass” to the company and improve its finances.
Overwhelmed with enquiries
Since developing the brand, the company has been “overwhelmed” by franchise enquiries. “We have about 250-300 enquiries every week for franchising,” Bartlett explains. This has resulted in a lot of extra work for Coffee Republic, while they try to identify which enquiries are serious and which are less so. The company now holds a weekly franchise open day so that potential franchisees can go along and find out more.
In line with this, Coffee Republic has taken part in the One Life Exhibition at Olympia, as part of the Be Your Own Boss zone. A recent survey revealed that, when people were asked what they would do if they gave up their jobs, many said that they would like to open their own coffee bar.
“We tell people that you can go out and do it yourself, but unfortunately everybody is demanding branded coffee,” Bartlett points out. And Coffee Republic is in a position to help with those aspirations. Not only that, but Coffee Republic can offer training and branding for the outlet, making the venture much more secure.
International appeal
These potential franchisees are not just based in the UK either. Coffee Republic has appointed an international director in order to manage its coffee bars in eleven different countries, several of which are in the Middle East. “Our highest number of enquiries, internationally, was from Dubai and we have done a deal with the largest retail group there, the Paris Group,” says Bartlett.
He goes on to say that Coffee Republic has a competitive advantage in these markets too, ahead of companies such as Starbucks. “We tend to listen a little bit more to what our store operators are saying [about the menu],” he says. “For example, in India there is a vegetarian society, but there are some areas that are quite heavy meat eaters; you go to some countries and they won’t allow certain meats, so we make sure we’re flexible. Not everybody wants a croissant or a muffin.”
In addition to the flexibility of the menu, the service available can vary from market to market. “In the Middle East they very much like waitress service and we’ve got some areas where that has been half and half, as in the Dubai area; there’s a pick up point where you can help yourself or there is waitress service. It’s those kinds of things that companies like Starbucks don’t tolerate. It’s only a small point, but it’s very relevant.”
Owing to the popularity of the brand the company is now in the process of protecting the brand with trademarks too. Steven Bartlett points to a number of other Coffee Republic stores around the world with no link to the UK company - one store in Tasmania even has full branding. Bartlett makes it clear that this is on the agenda for 2008, as it is something that Coffee Republic given priority to in the past.
An internal branding exercise is also being launched this year, which will sit alongside its brands like Tea Republic. Caffe Republica will see the introduction of organic, Fairtrade coffee to its offering, along with recyclable bags. “We’re also looking at setting up a charity fund very similar to the Costa Foundation, but we’ll probably pick one country to focus on, probably Nicaragua,” Steven Bartlett says. The company will support the communities that supply its beans and build upon its infrastructure while offering customers ethically sourced coffee.
With such a strong focus on branding and turning the company around, it is sure to be an exciting year for Coffee Republic. “It’s been a very exciting journey and there has been a lot of work to do, but we’re starting to see the fruition of that work coming through now and we expect the international side of it to be even bigger than the UK,” he concludes. For the first time in 13 years Coffee Republic is looking to end the year in profit, which is testament to such hard work.
Source: Food and Drink Exec
Publication date: 17/03/2008
Since opening the doors to its first coffee bar in London in 1995, Coffee Republic has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Exec finds out more
Written by Lucy Mowatt and produced by Hannah Edwards
Since 1995 Coffee Republic has gone through a significant number of changes, with the most notable coming in 2006; the company’s shareholders ousted founder Bobby Hashemi from his role as executive chairman and set about changing the company’s run of luck under new management.
Steven Bartlett, the current CEO explains that in nearly 13 years Coffee Republic has yet to end a year in profit. “We were the first coffee chain really and I think there is a disadvantage of being the first. We really over expanded and at the same time Vodafone shops were popping up everywhere and from what we can understand there was great demand for these premium sites, especially in London. The company really paid too much for these, overfitted them and didn’t really concentrate on the model.”
Since 2006 Coffee Republic has readressed these issues. “It’s all about the brand,” Bartlett explains, saying that it is looking to meet the competition that’s appeared in the market, including Starbucks and Caffé Nero.
“Speed of service is one of our key drivers too,” he continues, saying that the company is working hard to strike a balance between customers that just want to grab a coffee and go and those that want to relax or use the wi-fi facilities available at every Coffee Republic store.
The secret recipe
In line with these plans, the chain places a lot of emphasis on the training of its staff, not only to ensure that customers get an efficient service, but also so that they are able to make good coffee. “It’s amazing the number of people that think they’re doing a good coffee and they’re burning the milk,” he points out.
And with a selection of 20 different coffee beans from around the world making up its “secret blend”, it is easy to see why Coffee Republic places such an emphasis on training the staff in all of its own and franchised outlets.
In fact, the company has built very strong relationships with all its suppliers since 1995 and is still using the same company in Milan to brew its beans. “We’ve been through the wars, but people have stood by us, and I think that is testament to the brand,” Bartlett says. This is even true of its catering companies, with whom Coffee Republic has a strong history.
Coffee Republic now has 100 stores across the UK, a number which the CEO states is set to increase rapidly in the next twelve months. Having recently signed deals with Greene King, WH Smith and Cineworld, Coffee Republic concession outlets are set to open quickly.
“And there is a new company called McLeish which started up in Scotland and they have 49 stores to open in two years. There are going to be Coffee Republics in those too,” he adds, stating that it will add “critical mass” to the company and improve its finances.
Overwhelmed with enquiries
Since developing the brand, the company has been “overwhelmed” by franchise enquiries. “We have about 250-300 enquiries every week for franchising,” Bartlett explains. This has resulted in a lot of extra work for Coffee Republic, while they try to identify which enquiries are serious and which are less so. The company now holds a weekly franchise open day so that potential franchisees can go along and find out more.
In line with this, Coffee Republic has taken part in the One Life Exhibition at Olympia, as part of the Be Your Own Boss zone. A recent survey revealed that, when people were asked what they would do if they gave up their jobs, many said that they would like to open their own coffee bar.
“We tell people that you can go out and do it yourself, but unfortunately everybody is demanding branded coffee,” Bartlett points out. And Coffee Republic is in a position to help with those aspirations. Not only that, but Coffee Republic can offer training and branding for the outlet, making the venture much more secure.
International appeal
These potential franchisees are not just based in the UK either. Coffee Republic has appointed an international director in order to manage its coffee bars in eleven different countries, several of which are in the Middle East. “Our highest number of enquiries, internationally, was from Dubai and we have done a deal with the largest retail group there, the Paris Group,” says Bartlett.
He goes on to say that Coffee Republic has a competitive advantage in these markets too, ahead of companies such as Starbucks. “We tend to listen a little bit more to what our store operators are saying [about the menu],” he says. “For example, in India there is a vegetarian society, but there are some areas that are quite heavy meat eaters; you go to some countries and they won’t allow certain meats, so we make sure we’re flexible. Not everybody wants a croissant or a muffin.”
In addition to the flexibility of the menu, the service available can vary from market to market. “In the Middle East they very much like waitress service and we’ve got some areas where that has been half and half, as in the Dubai area; there’s a pick up point where you can help yourself or there is waitress service. It’s those kinds of things that companies like Starbucks don’t tolerate. It’s only a small point, but it’s very relevant.”
Owing to the popularity of the brand the company is now in the process of protecting the brand with trademarks too. Steven Bartlett points to a number of other Coffee Republic stores around the world with no link to the UK company - one store in Tasmania even has full branding. Bartlett makes it clear that this is on the agenda for 2008, as it is something that Coffee Republic given priority to in the past.
An internal branding exercise is also being launched this year, which will sit alongside its brands like Tea Republic. Caffe Republica will see the introduction of organic, Fairtrade coffee to its offering, along with recyclable bags. “We’re also looking at setting up a charity fund very similar to the Costa Foundation, but we’ll probably pick one country to focus on, probably Nicaragua,” Steven Bartlett says. The company will support the communities that supply its beans and build upon its infrastructure while offering customers ethically sourced coffee.
With such a strong focus on branding and turning the company around, it is sure to be an exciting year for Coffee Republic. “It’s been a very exciting journey and there has been a lot of work to do, but we’re starting to see the fruition of that work coming through now and we expect the international side of it to be even bigger than the UK,” he concludes. For the first time in 13 years Coffee Republic is looking to end the year in profit, which is testament to such hard work.
CR and McLeish to take a bite out of England
24th March 2008
By William Lyons
www.scotsman.com
McLEISH Brothers, the fast-growing chain of New York-style delicatessens, is planning expansion into England in a bid to grow 10 times its size within five years.
Stanley Morrice, who took over the Dundee-based chain in 2006, has given the go-ahead for an enlargement understood to be worth around £11m that will see it open more than 100 stores in the UK by 2014.
The move comes on the back of an aggressive expansion drive in Scotland, where it plans to open 25 stores by the end of this year.
Morrice, who came up with the idea for the chain after visiting his cousin in New York, said the first phase would see the firm open a central kitchen in Birmingham where it can service the catchment areas of London and Manchester.
Morrice said: "It's an aggressive expansion. The response from the public has beaten all our expectations.
"We have ambitious plans to grow to at least 25 stores by the end of this year and have legally tied up new sites in the centre of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
"By the end of 2008 we will be ready to move into England and we are already looking at creating a central hub in Birmingham."
Later this year Morrice will open a new headquarters in Dundee that will house around 30 office staff and an investment of up to £4m will provide state-of-the-art kitchens for 50 chefs and food preparation employees. The chefs produce their own meals range including Chinese, Indian, Italian, other European, traditional British and Scottish cuisine that is sold throughout the chain.
Morrice previously ran Aberness, which operated more than 120 convenience stores throughout Scotland, but became frustrated at being unable to compete with larger chains on ready-to-eat or take-home meals.
In 2006 he bought out McLeish, which then had just four stores in Dundee, Broughty Ferry and Glenrothes, and teaming up with John von Sprekelsen, former non-executive chairman of confectionery giant Thorntons, raised £5.5m of private equity to grow the chain.
As well as serving fresh food Morrice is also keen to grow its whisky portfolio and is planning to introduce his own label into the market very soon.
"We have been taken totally by surprise with the sales of our malt whisky," he said. "Later this year we will be bottling our own whisky which we plan to sell throughout the chain."
The firm has also signed a franchise deal with Coffee Republic that will see the coffee shops have an outlet in all its stores.
The news follows announcements of expansion plans from coffee shop chains including Costa and Scottish brand Beanscene. The latter wants to launch a further 25 outlets in Scotland over the next 18 months.
The coffee shop market is forecast to reach £691m by 2009. This has precipitated an influx of imitators from the high street. McDonald's has also been getting in on the act.
But branded food-focused players such as Pret A Manger and EAT have grown rapidly in recent years and are looming in the background waiting to snatch market share.
Allegra Strategies says these "food-focused" outlets are growing at 6.4% per year and they can certainly compete on price. A quick comparison shows that whereas a cup of coffee costs on average £2.20 at Caffè Nero and £2.19 at both Costa and Starbucks, it comes in at only £1.70 at EAT and £1.79 at Pret.
By William Lyons
www.scotsman.com
McLEISH Brothers, the fast-growing chain of New York-style delicatessens, is planning expansion into England in a bid to grow 10 times its size within five years.
Stanley Morrice, who took over the Dundee-based chain in 2006, has given the go-ahead for an enlargement understood to be worth around £11m that will see it open more than 100 stores in the UK by 2014.
The move comes on the back of an aggressive expansion drive in Scotland, where it plans to open 25 stores by the end of this year.
Morrice, who came up with the idea for the chain after visiting his cousin in New York, said the first phase would see the firm open a central kitchen in Birmingham where it can service the catchment areas of London and Manchester.
Morrice said: "It's an aggressive expansion. The response from the public has beaten all our expectations.
"We have ambitious plans to grow to at least 25 stores by the end of this year and have legally tied up new sites in the centre of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
"By the end of 2008 we will be ready to move into England and we are already looking at creating a central hub in Birmingham."
Later this year Morrice will open a new headquarters in Dundee that will house around 30 office staff and an investment of up to £4m will provide state-of-the-art kitchens for 50 chefs and food preparation employees. The chefs produce their own meals range including Chinese, Indian, Italian, other European, traditional British and Scottish cuisine that is sold throughout the chain.
Morrice previously ran Aberness, which operated more than 120 convenience stores throughout Scotland, but became frustrated at being unable to compete with larger chains on ready-to-eat or take-home meals.
In 2006 he bought out McLeish, which then had just four stores in Dundee, Broughty Ferry and Glenrothes, and teaming up with John von Sprekelsen, former non-executive chairman of confectionery giant Thorntons, raised £5.5m of private equity to grow the chain.
As well as serving fresh food Morrice is also keen to grow its whisky portfolio and is planning to introduce his own label into the market very soon.
"We have been taken totally by surprise with the sales of our malt whisky," he said. "Later this year we will be bottling our own whisky which we plan to sell throughout the chain."
The firm has also signed a franchise deal with Coffee Republic that will see the coffee shops have an outlet in all its stores.
The news follows announcements of expansion plans from coffee shop chains including Costa and Scottish brand Beanscene. The latter wants to launch a further 25 outlets in Scotland over the next 18 months.
The coffee shop market is forecast to reach £691m by 2009. This has precipitated an influx of imitators from the high street. McDonald's has also been getting in on the act.
But branded food-focused players such as Pret A Manger and EAT have grown rapidly in recent years and are looming in the background waiting to snatch market share.
Allegra Strategies says these "food-focused" outlets are growing at 6.4% per year and they can certainly compete on price. A quick comparison shows that whereas a cup of coffee costs on average £2.20 at Caffè Nero and £2.19 at both Costa and Starbucks, it comes in at only £1.70 at EAT and £1.79 at Pret.
CR and McLeish Bros to open in Edinburgh's financial district
22nd March 2008
By MICHAEL BLACKLEY
www.scotsman.com
A NEW York-style delicatessen, a coffee shop and a chocolatier are to open in Fountainbridge as the expansion of the city's financial district continues.
Scottish deli firm McLeish Brothers and coffee chain Coffee Republic have secured the ground floor space at the £50 million Lochrin Square development. Chocolate retailer Thorntons will also set up a franchised shop.
The new retailers are expected to open at the former Scotmid headquarters in April, around the same time as Bank of Scotland Corporate moves into its new base on the site.
Business leaders today claimed the move would bring more of a "Venice lifestyle" to the canalside area around the former Fountain Brewery.
The Lochrin Square office development is now on the verge of full capacity, only four months after it was completed. David Robinson, development director at Gladedale Capital, which worked on the project as a joint venture with Scotmid, said: "McLeish Brothers will provide the perfect retail complement to the corporate tenants already at Lochrin Square.
"It's a fantastic result to have the final space in No.1 Lochrin Square snapped up less than four months after practical completion.
Dundee-based McLeish Brothers is to take a 15-year lease, worth £90,000 a year, as it continues its Scottish expansion.
Coffee Republic announced its return to Scotland last year. It has an espresso bar at FountainPark and is planning a unit in St Andrew Square Gardens.
As well as HBoS, which recently leased 62,000 sq ft of space at No.1 Lochrin Sq
uare, legal firm Biggart Baillie LLP and financial services support company Watson Wyatt have also moved to the block.
Stanley Morrice, managing director of McLeish Brothers, said: "Lochrin Square is a marvellous development and its location as well as its quality, infrastructure and general spec, made it the ideal choice for us."
The new deals were also welcomed by business leaders. Ron Hewitt, chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said:
"There is no doubt the rejuvenation of the Lochrin Basin is one of the most welcome developments in Edinburgh. It brings that Venice lifestyle that changes it from an undesirable nightspot to a place people want to be."
By MICHAEL BLACKLEY
www.scotsman.com
A NEW York-style delicatessen, a coffee shop and a chocolatier are to open in Fountainbridge as the expansion of the city's financial district continues.
Scottish deli firm McLeish Brothers and coffee chain Coffee Republic have secured the ground floor space at the £50 million Lochrin Square development. Chocolate retailer Thorntons will also set up a franchised shop.
The new retailers are expected to open at the former Scotmid headquarters in April, around the same time as Bank of Scotland Corporate moves into its new base on the site.
Business leaders today claimed the move would bring more of a "Venice lifestyle" to the canalside area around the former Fountain Brewery.
The Lochrin Square office development is now on the verge of full capacity, only four months after it was completed. David Robinson, development director at Gladedale Capital, which worked on the project as a joint venture with Scotmid, said: "McLeish Brothers will provide the perfect retail complement to the corporate tenants already at Lochrin Square.
"It's a fantastic result to have the final space in No.1 Lochrin Square snapped up less than four months after practical completion.
Dundee-based McLeish Brothers is to take a 15-year lease, worth £90,000 a year, as it continues its Scottish expansion.
Coffee Republic announced its return to Scotland last year. It has an espresso bar at FountainPark and is planning a unit in St Andrew Square Gardens.
As well as HBoS, which recently leased 62,000 sq ft of space at No.1 Lochrin Sq
uare, legal firm Biggart Baillie LLP and financial services support company Watson Wyatt have also moved to the block.
Stanley Morrice, managing director of McLeish Brothers, said: "Lochrin Square is a marvellous development and its location as well as its quality, infrastructure and general spec, made it the ideal choice for us."
The new deals were also welcomed by business leaders. Ron Hewitt, chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said:
"There is no doubt the rejuvenation of the Lochrin Basin is one of the most welcome developments in Edinburgh. It brings that Venice lifestyle that changes it from an undesirable nightspot to a place people want to be."
How many Coffee Republic's are up and running within McLeish Brothers Deli's?
25th February 2008
Published by The Press & Journal: 15 February 2008
Have seven Coffee Republic's already been opened through McLeish Brothers Deli's? Will there be one more CR in Aberdeen soon? Two CR's in Edinburgh shortly? Two CR's very soon to open in Glasgow? ............
McLeish has seven shops - two each in Dundee and Broughty Ferry, and one each in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Glenrothes. Two stores are to open in Edinburgh within months and a further two in Glasgow are not far off.
Mr Morrice wants to have 25 shops, employing around 600 people, throughout Scotland by the end of this year.
He took over the Dundee-based McLeish business during 2006, with the first Aberdeen shop opening in the city's Union Street last July.
Other sites are being sought in Aberdeenshire.
Published by The Press & Journal: 15 February 2008
Have seven Coffee Republic's already been opened through McLeish Brothers Deli's? Will there be one more CR in Aberdeen soon? Two CR's in Edinburgh shortly? Two CR's very soon to open in Glasgow? ............
McLeish has seven shops - two each in Dundee and Broughty Ferry, and one each in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Glenrothes. Two stores are to open in Edinburgh within months and a further two in Glasgow are not far off.
Mr Morrice wants to have 25 shops, employing around 600 people, throughout Scotland by the end of this year.
He took over the Dundee-based McLeish business during 2006, with the first Aberdeen shop opening in the city's Union Street last July.
Other sites are being sought in Aberdeenshire.
McLeish Bros set for Aberdeen... CR too?
SITE FOR ANOTHER NEW YORK-STYLE DELICATESSEN CHOSEN
25 February 2008
Published by The Press & Journal: 15 February 2008
The north-east business behind a fast-growing chain of New York-style delicatessens, McLeish Brothers, has revealed the chosen site for its second outlet in Aberdeen.
The new store will replace the Toy Bazaar shop at 45 Schoolhill, a spokesman said yesterday.
He said McLeish was taking on the toy shop's seven staff and would recruit about 18 others for its new operation, which it aims to have open by Easter.
Lease negotiations were said to be at the final stages, with the toy shop staff having been told of the handover, although Toy Bazaar owner George Duncan said nothing had been decided.
McLeish already has plans for a third outlet in the Granite City.
The company is owned by Stanley Morrice, who hails from Fraserburgh and now lives at Fintray, near Aberdeen.
Mr Morrice, previously managing director at Aberdeen-based food retail and supply business Aberness, said: "Expansion in the Aberdeen area is vital to our plans and we are actively continuing the search for suitable premises."
McLeish has seven shops - two each in Dundee and Broughty Ferry, and one each in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Glenrothes. Two stores are to open in Edinburgh within months and a further two in Glasgow are not far off.
Mr Morrice wants to have 25 shops, employing around 600 people, throughout Scotland by the end of this year.
He took over the Dundee-based McLeish business during 2006, with the first Aberdeen shop opening in the city's Union Street last July.
Other sites are being sought in Aberdeenshire.
Chairman of McLeish Brothers is John von Spreckelsen, non-executive chairman of confectioners Thorntons and a former chairman and managing director at supermarket chain Somerfield.
25 February 2008
Published by The Press & Journal: 15 February 2008
The north-east business behind a fast-growing chain of New York-style delicatessens, McLeish Brothers, has revealed the chosen site for its second outlet in Aberdeen.
The new store will replace the Toy Bazaar shop at 45 Schoolhill, a spokesman said yesterday.
He said McLeish was taking on the toy shop's seven staff and would recruit about 18 others for its new operation, which it aims to have open by Easter.
Lease negotiations were said to be at the final stages, with the toy shop staff having been told of the handover, although Toy Bazaar owner George Duncan said nothing had been decided.
McLeish already has plans for a third outlet in the Granite City.
The company is owned by Stanley Morrice, who hails from Fraserburgh and now lives at Fintray, near Aberdeen.
Mr Morrice, previously managing director at Aberdeen-based food retail and supply business Aberness, said: "Expansion in the Aberdeen area is vital to our plans and we are actively continuing the search for suitable premises."
McLeish has seven shops - two each in Dundee and Broughty Ferry, and one each in Aberdeen, Inverurie and Glenrothes. Two stores are to open in Edinburgh within months and a further two in Glasgow are not far off.
Mr Morrice wants to have 25 shops, employing around 600 people, throughout Scotland by the end of this year.
He took over the Dundee-based McLeish business during 2006, with the first Aberdeen shop opening in the city's Union Street last July.
Other sites are being sought in Aberdeenshire.
Chairman of McLeish Brothers is John von Spreckelsen, non-executive chairman of confectioners Thorntons and a former chairman and managing director at supermarket chain Somerfield.
CR's Scottish partner aims high
23 January 2008Published: By James Moncur, Business7 (09 Dec 07)
McLeish's Deli's in nationwide expansion plan to create 600 jobs
A chain of high-class delis is opening across Scotland in a multi-million pound expansion which is set to create 600 jobs across the country.
McLeish Brothers is launching its latest store in its home city of Dundee today and is planning to have 25 outlets up and running by the end of next year.
Business7 previously revealed part of managing director Stanley Morrice's ambitious expansion plans.
Now he has confirmed the first new stores are already trading in Aberdeen and Inverurie.
As his latest store prepares to open its doors, Morrice, an Aberdeen businessman with many years of retail experience, said: "When it came to establishing McLeish Brothers' HQ, it was no contest. The core company has a long tradition with Dundee and Tayside in general, and an excellent reputation, so this is its home.
"We will be opening more stores in, for instance, Edinburgh and Glasgow, than we have on Tayside, but we believe that our home should be in Dundee."
Describing the driving force behind his decision to acquire McLeish Brothers, he added: "I was attracted to McLeish because here was a company using local produce - for instance, fish from Arbroath and Peterhead, beef from only Scottish farms - and with the people in place to prepare meals daily. Nowwe are taking this concept, extending it and putting a kitchen in every site."
McLeish Brothers first opened as a delicatessen and fishmonger in Dundee 60 years ago. The latest outlet will open in Whitehall Street today and will be followed by new offices, employing 30 administrative staff.
There will also be state-of-the-art kitchens, with 50 chefs and other food preparation workers in Wester Gourdie, when the firm reaches full capacity in 16 to 18 months.
Bosses plan to have 25 stores by the end of next year, before a major push into England.
McLeish this week completed the £1million-plus deal to buy Robertsons, a butcher with 120 years of trading in Broughty Ferry.
McLeish's chefs produce a daily diet of their own specialist range, including Asian, Chinese, Italian, other European dishes as well as traditional British and Scottish cuisine and a full take-away service.
Most of the stores will also have franchised areas - cafes run by Coffee Republic and confectionery counters by Thorntons.
December 2007 - a very busy month for Coffee Republic
9th January 2008
The Coffee Republic franchise network is continuing to expand both around the United Kingdom and abroad. In the first half of December, it opened up new outlets in Bournemouth, Uxbridge, High Wycombe, Ealing, Plymouth and Bromley.
Furthermore, Coffee Republic has also announced the opening of the first of its Scottish Concessions in partnership with McLeish Brothers Limited. On 6th December, two Scottish concessions began business within their New York Deli style outlets in the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee.
The Coffee Republic franchise network is continuing to expand both around the United Kingdom and abroad. In the first half of December, it opened up new outlets in Bournemouth, Uxbridge, High Wycombe, Ealing, Plymouth and Bromley.
Furthermore, Coffee Republic has also announced the opening of the first of its Scottish Concessions in partnership with McLeish Brothers Limited. On 6th December, two Scottish concessions began business within their New York Deli style outlets in the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee.
Last but most certainly not least, the franchise network’s fourth international Coffee Republic Deli opened its doors to the public in the city of Varna, Bulgaria, on 4th December.
Scottish franchise deal - Coffee Republic join forces with McLeish Brothers
26 September 2007
THE Coffee Republic brand is to make a return to Scotland almost a decade after its initial foray north of the Border in a franchise deal with north-east convenience store and deli chain McLeish Brothers.
The move will also see Dundee-based McLeish Brothers, which has five stores across the country, push further into central Scotland as part of a massive expansion drive.
The first of a chain of 25 New York deli-style stores is to open on Edinburgh's South Bridge in the new year, while sites have already been pinpointed in Glasgow and Dundee.
The move will see Coffee Republic square up to industry leaders Costa and Starbucks in Scotland, before moving the McLeish/Coffee Republic partnership south of the Border.
Coffee Republic opened two stores in Scotland in the late 1990s as part of a rapid expansion, but they closed soon afterwards as consumers turned their backs on "designer" coffee.
The McLeish stores, which sell food such as stovies and malt whiskies as well as Indian and Chinese delicacies, will include a Coffee Republic branded franchise, but the store will remain under the McLeish Brothers' name.
A further five stand-alone Coffee Republic stores are to be opened in Scotland before the end of the financial year, with three due to launch before Christmas - one in Silverburn, Glasgow.
McLeish Brothers, which is 60 years old and has stores in Dundee, Aberdeen, Broughty Ferry, Glenrothes and Inverurie, announced earlier this year it had plans to significantly expand the business to 25 stores by the end of 2008. The brand was bought over last year by entrepreneur Stan Morrice. A total of £5 million of private equity money has since been invested in the chain.
Steven Bartlett, chief executive of Coffee Republic, which has recently seen rapid growth in eastern Europe and the Far East as well as the domestic market, said: "We have been impressed by the enthusiasm and drive demonstrated by McLeish Brothers and are very excited to be working with them in furthe
ring the their company's expansion in Scotland, and subsequently England."
He added: "Coffee Republic initially ventured into Scotland ten years ago, but quickly retreated. However, the market has changed completely now and the coffee shop is a standard thing. We expect it to go very well."
Morrice, managing director of McLeish Brothers, added: "We looked at a number of the leading coffee shop brands, but Coffee Republic was by far the best brand in terms of quality of coffee and range of product."
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