We have a wealth of great multiple operators in Scotland, some of which are well known to us all and some of which prefer to fly under the radar. In Part One of our two part special, Nicola Walker set out to speak to a few of the multiple operators who we have shared stories about recently due to new openings, refurbishments and generally making their mark on the trade. There were certainly plenty to choose from. Today we have Cru Holdings, The Rocks Leisure Group, Bow Hospitality and Signature Group.
Cru Holdings Inverness
Inverness based Cru Holdings launched in 2009 and now have eight venues across the Highlands including Scotch & Rye and The Whitehouse in Inverness, plus The Classroom and Sundancer in Nairn. They currently employ around 160 staff.
Founder and CEO of Cru Holdings, Scott Murray, pictured above right with his crew, comments, “We have a set of core values and a defined purpose. Everything we do, and every decision we make is guided by these principles, and we never compromise on them.
“I think the biggest opportunity right now is up-skilling. If you can find team members with the right attitude, embrace them at an early stage and give them the tools to excel, I believe this will reap rewards in the long term. We have a comprehensive training system in place and support personal development wherever we can.”
As for the future Scott adds, “I would like to see the business grow further. Since Covid, I think there have been concerns around availability of staff, overheads etc. We have used this time to really develop our core, so that when the next opportunity arises, we are ready to move. We did this recently with our acquisition of the Sundancer in Nairn. That deal was presented, negotiated and executed in 25 days. Something we couldn’t have done without the strength we have in our team.”
But what does Scott do to relax? He says, “I don’t socialise much these days, however, I do enjoy a bit of karaoke in R&Bs in Inverness. Another guilty pleasure is watching the footie, rugby or F1 over a couple of pints in Uncle Bobs in Nairn, usually under the pretence of walking our two chihuahuas. Mrs M always has wondered why a walk with 2 small dogs takes 4 hours!” The cat is now out of the bag!
The Rocks Leisure Group Highlands & Island
The Rocks Leisure Group own five venues across the Scottish Highland and Islands including the likes of Macgochans in Tobermory, The Lochside on the Isle of Islay and Ben Nevis Bar and Restaurant in Fort William. Employing around 150 staff, the company is led by owner, Neil Morrison, who worked in Macgochans as manager for four years before taking over the lease in February 2013.
When asked about his success Neil says, “There was a bit of blind stupidity and luck. It’s a bit like jumping off a waterfall in the dark, but sometimes you need to put yourself in difficult situations to force an outcome.
“It’s always been about location for any of the units I’ve opened. I wanted to target the tourist market but also find areas where you don’t get a lot of chain pubs popping up to undercut you. The industry is particularly challenging at the moment for everyone, but with this brings opportunity for those daft enough to chase it! “In the future I plan to invest in the venues I have and focus on growth within these outlets. However, if something else comes along which slides into my model or compliments this, then I would look to expand. It would definitely need to be the right location and an exciting prospect…so watch this space.”
When asked where he likes to socialise Neil says, “I want to give The Park Bar in Glasgow a shout out. When I’m out and about I normally get dragged to the pubs with plenty of character!” Neil is pictured below with wife Gill (we loved the photo!).
Bow Hospitality Glasgow
Ryan Bowman, Director of Bow Hospitality has certainly come a long way since he first took on the Alpen Lodge in 2016. The company now has 10 units including Mezcal, The Scallion, St Judes, The Hielan Jessie, The Merchant Steakhouse all in Glasgow and Bar Bliss in Kirkintilloch and The Colonial in Falkirk.
There are two recent acquisitions as well, one of which will see them branching out into Edinburgh for the first time!
Ryan says, “A lot of our success is down to team effort. Everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction to create the best customer experience. If you don’t deliver that, people won’t come back and repeat custom is so important. You also need to believe in yourself, your company and everyone you work with.
“There has been a recent change with regard to people’s ideas of hospitality and the early drinks and food scene is booming because of this. The opportunity is there, but it’s a different demographic now. You need to keep moving because if you stand still, you will get left behind. Our intention is to keep growing the company. I love hospitality and I think the reason I enjoy it so much is because we have so many different types of units with different dynamics – it’s exciting, and I like the challenge.
“Once our two new units are launched, we will spend some time focusing on our other units. Then, come next year, I think we’ll look at taking a couple of our great brands and expanding them. We’re just trying to grow at a steady rate. However, we are launching a taco truck, Mezcal On The Go, and we’ve got loads of events booked in already!”
As for how Ryan chills out he adds, “I enjoy going into other venues to see different things and what people offer. I’m a fan of Crabshakk in Glasgow as it’s got great food, atmosphere and service.”
Signature Group Edinburgh
Signature was established in 2005 and has had a very busy year so far! It operates 23 venues across Scotland and it has just completed a major refurbishment at The Rutland Hotel, plus associated venues The Huxley and Kyloe. Other venues include The Meadowpark in Stirling, The Saint in St Andrews, Badger & Co, The Queens Arms, McLarens on the Corner, Cold Town House and the Black Bull in Edinburgh, and Glasgow venues The Spiritualist, Smokin’ Fox and Church on the Hill.
Signature has just been named as one of the Sunday Times Best Places To Work 2024. Louise MacLean, Business Development Director for the group, says, “Making the Sunday Times list was one of our goals, and I am so proud we achieved it. We are nothing without our people, so it’s encouraging to hear they love working at Signature!” At present there are 716 staff. Louise adds that at the root of their success is Company Director, Nic Woods.
She says, “It’s his vision and desire to run a successful hospitality business in Scotland and lead by example. He wants to operate profitable venues he is proud of and create a team dedicated to giving the guests the best experience. Over the years, we have had good times and bad yet never lost our focus on the customer and never cut corners.
“The industry just now is all about survival. Profitability seems out of reach sometimes and often it’s seen as a “dirty” word. Profit should be celebrated, that’s what funds expansion and job creation. Also, opportunity comes from tourism, so we must keep Scotland on the map. We would like to grow our estate and have expansion plans for this year and beyond!”
So where will you find Louise on a night out? She shares, “There are so many great venues to choose from in Scotland! I really enjoy The Raeburn in Stockbridge as they’ve really nailed the ‘community’ aspect and for food I look forward to visiting and drooling over the menu at Ondine!”
The company also has a brewery Cold Town Beer.
