Alex and Saiphin Moore, founders of the Rosa’s Thai Cafe restaurant group, have bought the Ceviche restaurant group from administration in a management led buy-out deal.
The deal sees the Moore's acquire the Ceviche Group under Atomex - the turn around company set up by Alex Moore following the majority sale of Rosa’s Thai Cafe to TriSpan last year.
The Ceviche Group, founded by Peruvian-born entrepreneur Martin Morales, currently includes the original Ceviche site on Frith Street in Soho, Andina in Shoreditch and Casita Andina on Great Windmill Street, also Soho. Ceviche Old Street, Ceviche Notting Hill and Andina bakery - also in Notting Hill, closed last month.
Staff from all of the now closed sites were offered alternative roles within the business as part of the buy-out terms and 88 jobs were secured.
Founder Morales is no longer employed by the company, but will observe a brand ambassador role to the business moving forward.
Raquel De Oliveira (pictured right with Saiphin Moore) , who has worked with Morales since 2011 when he opened the first Ceviche site on Frith Street, Soho, remains as Ceviche Group MD and becomes a shareholder in the business. Her role will be to stabilise and drive the business in its new chapter with the support of the Moore's.
De Oliveira commented, “I am incredibly grateful for having the support of Alex and Saiphin in helping save our beautiful restaurants and our team's employment. Looking forward to working alongside them and creating a strong company once again.”
Group head chef, Daniel Ribeiro and group operations manager, Alessio Bascherini also remain with the business.
Alex Moore further commented, “Saiphin and I are incredibly excited about this opportunity as we have been fans of the Ceviche brand for years. We are looking to put a significant amount of time and resource in to supporting Raquel and to do so we have chosen to temporarily close our other venture Hoh Sek Noodles.”
Morales said, “It’s with a heavy heart that I step away from the business I created and love dearly, but know I am leaving it in Raquel’s very capable hands. She’s been with me on this journey from day one, and has so much passion for both Ceviche and Andina brands.
'I’m excited about what lies ahead and I am sure with Alex and Saiphin’s support, she can help grow the business, despite them challenging and uncertain economic times we are currently in.”
