Marco Pierre White helping him expand restaurant chain

According to a report in the Sunday Times, Italian jockey Frankie Dettori and his business partner, Marco Pierre White are planning to open a branch of 'Frankie's' restaurant in Chiswick.

The popular Italian eaterie in Knightsbridge is a joint venture between the two and W4 appears to be a key part of their plans to turn the business into a chain. They are also looking at plans to convert the Criterion restaurant at Piccadilly Circus into a 400 cover branch of the new chain. Franchises in the Middle East are also being considered.

The possible move to Chiswick will renew speculation about the likely future of the Fouberts site. Another Italian chain restaurant, Carluccios was rumoured to be interested in opening on the prime Chiswick High Road spot. Although the premises are widely believed to have changed hands, there are no confirmed reports of who the new owners are.

May 22, 2005