Karali Group Strengthens UK Dining Presence with Côte Takeover

Côte Restaurant Group has officially been acquired by the Karali Group, marking a significant shift in the UK casual dining landscape. The sale comes just weeks after speculation that Côte’s previous private equity owner, Partners Group, might inject new capital into the business rather than pursue a sale. Instead, advisers were appointed over the summer to explore strategic options, leading to the brand’s acquisition by the Janmohamed family’s expanding hospitality business.

Founded in 2007, Côte quickly established itself as a go-to destination for modern French dining, opening its first restaurant in Wimbledon before expanding nationwide. Partners Group rescued the brand from administration in 2020 with a £55 million acquisition, at which point Côte operated nearly 100 sites. Today, the chain runs approximately 70 restaurants across the UK, offering everything from freshly baked croissants to brasserie classics under the guidance of executive chef Steve Allen, whose pedigree includes Pétrus and Claridge’s.

Emma Dinnis, chief executive of Côte, hailed the deal as a major milestone:

“I am proud to have led the brilliant Côte team to a sale that is a huge positive for all involved. The sector continues to face challenges, but with the strength of our people and a clear vision, I’m confident we’ll ensure Côte remains everyone’s favourite brasserie. With a delicious new menu amplifying what we do best and exciting plans for the future, we will continue to transform and grow this brand.”

She also extended thanks to Partners Group for their support and praised Côte’s team, suppliers, and landlord partners for their resilience and professionalism through a challenging period for casual dining.

For the Karali Group, the acquisition represents another decisive step in its transformation into a powerhouse of hospitality brands. The family-owned company, led by Salim Janmohamed OBE and Karim Janmohamed, has spent over four decades operating in the quick-service restaurant and casual dining sectors. Once the UK’s largest Burger King franchisee, Karali exited its 74 sites in 2022 in a deal recognised as “Deal of the Year” at the Asian Business Awards. Since then, it has become the country’s largest Taco Bell operator with 46 outlets, signed a master franchise deal with Marugame Udon, and expanded its presence into the United States with 32 Burger King sites in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Karim and Salim Janmohamed expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating:

“We have long admired the much-loved Côte Brasserie and are thrilled to welcome this fantastic brand into our growing portfolio. We are looking forward to working with both management and the broader team on the exciting plans for the brand and welcome them all individually to the Karali family.”

The acquisition raises wider questions about the future of casual dining in Britain. With inflationary pressures, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits reshaping the sector, brands with both heritage and adaptability are increasingly attractive to investors. Côte’s ability to maintain its reputation for quality French-inspired dining, coupled with Karali Group’s track record of scaling and transforming restaurant portfolios, may prove to be a powerful combination.

As the dining industry continues to recover from the shocks of the pandemic and adapt to evolving consumer expectations, the partnership between Côte and Karali signals not just a new chapter for the brasserie brand, but a broader story about resilience, reinvention, and the continued appetite for eating out in Britain.