Industry Retail outlets Founded 2001 | Headquarters London, United Kingdom Type of business Private | |
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Key people Alex Heynes (Founding Director) John Moulton (CFO) Graham Turner (Chairman) Paolo Peretti (Managing Director) Products Salads, Soups, Juices, Smoothies and Breakfast Profiles | ||
Vital Ingredient is a UK company which operates a chain of made-to-order salad and soup bars in London, mainly based in the City and around Soho.
Contents
The vital ingredient kelong with stellar s executive chef christopher millar
History
The company was founded by Alex Heynes, with the first Vital Ingredient store opening in Soho in 2001. It expanded to 5 stores by 2008.
In 2011 the company doubled its number of outlets after American property developer Paul Oberschneider became a principal investor and in 2015 opened its 17th outlet on Artillery Row in Victoria. In early 2015 Paolo Peretti was appointed managing director with 2015 being a record year for both sales and profit
In 2011 Vital Ingredient secured £2.75 million in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial’s Breakthrough programme. The company's annual turnover has since doubled to £12 million.
In April 2016 the chain underwent a management buyout which was backed by private equity house LDC. The chain also secured £4 million in growth capitol from Santander as they look to grow to over 40 stores
Menu
Vital Ingredient primarily markets its own range of tossed salads and soups made on site. Juices, smoothies and hot breakfasts are also included on the menu. Each store utilises an American style counter service format to assemble meal orders from individual ingredients within view of the customers. The company claims their packaging is 100% recycled or recyclable.
Finances
The holding company, Outbrand Retail Ltd, made a loss in 2013 of 672k, falling to a loss of 320k in 2014.