Expansion plans heating up for restaurant chain after successful Blackburn launch

A restaurant chain inspired by the ancient tradition of cooking meat on hot stones, plans to expand its locations across the region after successfully opening a new outlet in Blackburn. 

The Firepit Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, a family business originating from the Rossendale Valley in Lancashire, has opened a restaurant in the Cathedral Square in Blackburn.

Founded in 2014, with outlets in Rawtenstall, Southport and St Annes, and now in Blackburn, managing director Andrew Novak has his eye on more locations across the North West.

Andrew said: “The Cathedral Quarter was an ideal location to open a restaurant in Blackburn. This area has been transformed following investment and when a suitable location became available, we acted quickly to grab it.  

“The Blackburn restaurant has had great start to business since opening and we look forward to a busy summer.”

“I am now keen to secure additional locations across the region to expand the business, with my sights set on opening restaurants in Preston, Lancaster and Warrington.” 

The method of cooking meat on hot stones was an inspiration after a family holiday abroad. It was then adapted as a novel way to offer meat dishes in the family’s original Rawtenstall restaurant.

The stones are heated to 350 degrees and served at the table with the seasoned and seared meat on them. Guests then finish off cooking the meat to their liking at the table. It became so popular that the family then started to expand the business.

The Firepit Restaurant & Cocktail Bar employs now over 100 people across its three established outlets and has created a further 30 jobs at its new Blackburn location. Its expansion plans will potentially provide an additional 100 jobs across the region.

Laura Bradley, from Harrison Drury’s commercial property team, who advised Andrew on the lease of its Blackburn premises said: “It is always a pleasure to work with inspiring and successful business owners that have a real vision for expansion and growth.

“Not only do Andrew’s family’s restaurants provide a unique eating experience, the successful restaurant chain supports employment in the local areas in which it operates. Andrew has great plans to open more outlets and we are ready to support him along the way.”

Andrew added: “Laura was extremely helpful in ensuring the lease agreement for the Blackburn restaurant was secured smoothly with a fast turnaround. We were then able to get the property refurbished and ready to open during the easing of lockdown.” 

The Firepit Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Blackburn currently seats 100 guests with the potential to host 120 guests when able to operate at full capacity. As well as offering the novelty of cooking meat over a hot stone, it has a broad menu which includes vegetarian options. Patrons can also enjoy live music and evening entertainment.