Following the launch of its equity crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, Porky’s BBQ announced that it has received funds from Saracens players Alistair Hargreaves and Chris Wyles.
The company, which is currently looking to raise £650,000, was founded by husband and wife, Joy and Simon Brigg, who were former owners of Fogg’s Restaurant. They started Porky’s after traveling to Memphis, Tennessee and discovering the best BBQ food they have ever tried. Within the course of three years, they have opened five sites (Camden, Bankside, Shoreditch, Crouch End and the recently opened site in Chelsea) through the city of London and are now looking to open two new sites this year.
“Pushing our Memphis style BBQ as a unique selling point has been a challenge, but not one without reward. They’ve had good reviews in Time-Out and regular interest from magazines such as Esquire and GQ. This year, they were even been shortlisted as a finalist in the National Burger Awards hosted by Casual Dining magazine.”
Porky’s BBQ locations currently have and average £100,000 turnover per week and has remained self-funded since its launch. The company noted that by welcoming investors into its organization, it hopes to triple the size of the business in the next three years, operating across 12-15 sites. Besides the locations, funds from the campaign will also go towards continuing to grow its team.
During a recent update, the company declared:
“We have recently been given a boost by two Saracens rugby playing champions. Alistair Hargreaves and Chris Wyles, domestic and European cup winners, have invested for their part of the business, and will also become drinks partners after introducing their Wolfpack Lager to us.
“Those who have been to a Saracens game will recognise the Wolfpack bus that serves its popular lager to fans. Team players and businessmen, Alistair and Chris, are already selling their beer in 15 bars across London, and will add all 5 of Porky’s BBQ restaurants to their roster of taps in the coming weeks.
“We caught up with the boys at Wildman Craft Beer recently and managed to taste their brew – it was an instant winner. Naturally we mentioned our exciting Crowdcube raise to them and they were keen to jump onboard. Having them as both business and beer partners will be great for future events and collaborations.”
The campaign is set to close at the end of June.
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