Hong Kong-based Pirata Group is to launch five new venues, including a new bakery concept and its first international branches, during the first half of this year.
The launch is part of the group’s expansion plan to strengthen its presence in the territory, despite the challenging period for the restaurant industry, in the wake of Covid-19.
The first store to open this year is a temakeria and sake bar concept, TMK (pictured above). Named “TMK: Rap & Rolls”, the store will be launched on Wan Chai’s Star Street Precinct next month. The 600sqft venue will feature design elements inspired by the golden era of hip hop, including imagery of rap stars, a wall of sound made from vintage boomboxes, and newly commissioned artwork from local artists.
In April, the group will introduce a bakery concept called “Pane e Latte” in the seaside suburb of Stanley. The Italian-style bakery will span 4000sqft over two stories, offering a full range of sweet and savoury artisanal baked goods for breakfast, all-day dining, onsite retail and takeaway.
The group will also open pasta bar Pici’s sixth outlet, in Kennedy Town. Launched in May, the eatery on Cadogan Street will have a capacity of 50, featuring daily handmade fresh pasta and home-style Italian treats.
Two other restaurants, Pici and The Pizza Project, will mark the first time Pirata Group concepts expand internationally. The two brands will be co-sited in a 1560sqft venue, which will be split into separate businesses.
A Pirata Group spokesperson declined to confirm whether the overseas market was Mainland China or Singapore. “We will have more news about our overseas expansion later,” the spokesperson said.
“My co-founder, Christian Talpo, and I have been daydreaming for years about bringing some of our most cherished brands outside of our home Hong Kong market,” said Manuel Palacio, co-founder and CEO at Pirata Group. “We believe in Hong Kong and are planning to stay and grow here for the long term.
“Like other operators, the last two years have taught us many tough lessons but thanks to the tremendous effort of all our team members and the improving business environment in Hong Kong, we can once again chart a path for growth,” he said.
