Harrogate-based independent restaurant, Cattlemens Grill, has secured six-figure funding from NatWest to purchase the Freehold of the premises and support the future of the business.
Cattlemens Grill was first established in 1975. Front of house staff Rob Watson and Andy Buckley and head chef Paul Waddington became shareholders in 2017, after each working at the restaurant for over 10 years.
The support from NatWest has enabled the trio to purchase the premises on Cheltenham Crescent where the restaurant has built a strong customer base over the last 45 years.
Cattlemens Grill is a steakhouse, serving premium cuts of meat and pork ribs as well as Mexican cuisine, burgers and a range of vegetarian options. The restaurant is best known for its infamous steak challenge where customers attempt to eat a 72-ounce rump steak with a 20-ounce portion of fries and onion rings in under an hour to win the meal for free, as well as securing a place on the winner’s wall.
Over the initial lockdown period, the restaurant adapted to meet coronavirus guidelines by enabling social distancing and enforcing the rule of six for customers. Hand washing and sanitisation stations have also been installed throughout the premises for both staff and customers to use.
Rob, Andy and Paul will continue to invest back into the business after purchasing the building Freehold, to maintain the success of the historic independent restaurant. The business currently has over 15 employees and can accommodate 70 covers for food.
Rob said:
Since taking over ownership of Cattlemens Grill in 2017, we have focused on developing the business and protecting its 45-year legacy. The funding from NatWest has enabled us to purchase the premises the restaurant has been in since it launched, something we wanted to do to strengthen the future of the business.
It has been a difficult time for the hospitality industry over the last six months, but we are proud of the success we have maintained thanks to our loyal customer base and by continually adapting the restaurant to meet government guidelines. We are now looking forward to the future of the business and being a culinary staple in Harrogate for years to come.
Peter Beresford, Broker at RedSky Corporate Services introduced the business to Broker Development Manager, Simon Steer and Jarrod Hoole, Relationship Manager at NatWest
Jarrod said:
The passion Rob, Andy and Paul have for the business is clear to see, from working in the restaurant for 10 years to becoming business owners. Supporting the purchase of the Freehold will help to further strengthen their success and we look forward to working with the restaurant in the future as its customer base continues to grow.
Congratulations!