The company was started in London by New Zealanders Adam Wills, Greg Driscoll, and Brandon Allen in 2001. Chef Peter Gordon, a New Zealand-born, London-based chef, oversaw the menu development and the first restaurant opened in 2001, bringing the concept of 'gourmet burgers' to London. GBK is known for its "large" burgers, fresh produce and casual service style.[citation needed] The initial success of the Battersea restaurant led to further openings across London.
In 2005, the owners sold the business to Clapham House Group PLC[1] who added a total of 53 restaurants across the UK. In 2010 the restaurant chain was sold to Capricorn Ventures, most notable for operating Nando's.[2] GBK expanded to 60 restaurants across the UK, and had plans to continue growing. Franchises operate in Ireland, Dubai, Greece and Oman.
In September 2016, the South African firm Famous Brands bought the company for US$143.3 million.[3] In August 2018, the company reported huge losses due to a decline in sales.[4]
In October 2018, Gourmet Burger Kitchen reported a £47m loss amid tough trading conditions. Later that month, Gourmet Burger Kitchen announced plans to close 17 restaurants.[5]
In October 2020, it was announced that Ranjit Singh Boparan had acquired the company from administration. However, as part of the deal, 26 restaurants would remain closed, with the loss of 362 jobs. 35 restaurants will remain open.[6]
^Tobin, Lucy (30 September 2014). "Former PizzaExpress chairman puts an AIM listing on The Real Greek menu". Evening Standard. London. Retrieved 2 October 2014. Page is famous for rising from being a dishwasher at PizzaExpress to manager, franchisee, chief executive and then chairman, before he set up Clapham House. It bought and then expanded Gourmet Burger Kitchen, The Real Greek and Bombay Bicycle Club before being taken over.
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