Brother Marcus swaps head office for a support office as it plans its next openings

Brother Marcus, the east Mediterranean restaurant group, is investing in leadership and culture ahead of its next stage of growth, its founders have told Propel.

The plan - Eight restaurants in London, with the business marking its tenth anniversary this year - Up to three new restaurants possible in 2027 - A strong summer, which the group put down to demand for Mediterranean food and outdoor trading - The founders have spent time in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow but say any move outside London will be measured - Maureen Sandbach, formerly of 23.5 Degrees, BaxterStorey and Honest Burgers, has joined as interim people director

From head office to support office Co-founder Tasos Gaitanos said: "We know that if we grow past this eight-mark, we can't operate as a head office. We've got to operate as a support team and make sure every GM is empowered to lead their own restaurant." Fellow co-founder Alex Large added: "The success of opening more sites isn't about property; it's about having the people ready to lead them."

What it means for operators: eight sites is often where founder-led groups hit the limit of running everything from the centre. Brother Marcus is deciding that before it adds sites, with a people director in post and GM autonomy as the model. For groups at a similar size, the question is whether your GMs could run their P&L with the centre stepping back, and whether you have the next GMs ready before the next lease is signed.