Smoke fires up the BBQ in Leeds to create 35 new jobs

Tue 15 Sep, 2015

A leading Sheffield barbecue restaurant is bringing its first-class smoked-meat menu to Leeds with a brand new site at the Arena Quarter.

Smoke Barbecue has completed an agreement worth more than £1million over 15 years with Merrion Centre owners, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) on 4,462 sq ft unit on Merrion Way.

Investing £500k into the refurbishment, owners, Duka Nagy and Sean Gregory are in the process of a unique fit out that will complement their Texas inspired menu. The restaurant is due to open late September and will create 35 jobs over the few weeks.

Smoke Barbecue has ambitious growth plans with its third outlet planed in Glasgow by the end of the year and plans to look at other potential locations which may include London.

Duka Nagy said; “Our first restaurant in Sheffield has been a huge success and we’re confident that this can be repeated in other city’s, starting with Leeds. There’s such a hub of activity going on in the Arena Quarter especially with the shops in the Merrion Centre and the first direct Arena, we are confident that customers will love this new offering.”

“Having worked in the hospitality industry for years, Sean and I are both aware of the challenges and pitfalls in the restaurant industry. We’re confident in our offering and ensure we provide the best possible experience to customers which is at the heart of our approach.”

Smoke Barbecue is the latest addition to the Merrion Centre’s food offering, with long standing tenants Fuji Hiro, Costa, LAB bar and eatery and others being joined by Dunkin’ Donuts just last month.

Helen Green, associate director of estates for TCS said: “We are very pleased that Smoke have chosen the Merrion Centre as an attractive location from which to operate.”

Mrs Green continued “The Arena Quarter is a top destination with restaurants, bars, shopping, convenient parking and the first direct Arena all giving visitors reason to come and see us, we are very excited to add Smoke Barbecue to the offering.”