Project Specification: To introduce South Carolina born Chef Ashbell McElveen to London, UK by creating a benchmark authentic Southern style restaurant in Notting Hill called Ashbells.
Delivered: After consultation with Ashbell, we devised business plan, raised finance, negotiated directors agreements, licences, solicitors, leases, contractors and all relationships to bring to life the first London based authentic and premium Southern Regional 'Soul Food' restaurant. It received 4/5 stars in opening month featured in The Sunday Times magazine by food critic AA Gill who acknowledged the depth and originality of concept as well as the superb southern dishes and cocktails. Ashbells restaurant was the first in a two step business plan with the following concept to be a scaleable soul food diner style venture.
Testimonial: "Sara introduced myself and another investor to this opportunity that as Americans excited us. Sara consistently demonstrated grace under pressure while maintaining a constructive, creative attitude. Available as advisor and interlocutor I have had the opportunity to look at several business opportunities since and she has shown the same level of commitment, energy and competence (across an impressive breadth of skills) that I had previously witnessed."Michael Frydman
Director and Investor Ashbells Restaurant, Head of Equities, Morgan Stanley International Trading Dept.