The troubled Byron burger chain has been saved from a potential third administration by a 21-year-old Gen Z investor, securing the future of the premium casual dining brand that has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
A New Generation Takes Over
Akshat Tibrewala, through his investment firm Niyamo Capital, has acquired the struggling business for £2.5 million, taking a majority stake in the company. The deal, first reported in The Times, was confirmed after Byron's former owner Tristar Foods announced plans to appoint administrators in September.
The London-based private equity firm Calveton UK will retain a minority holding in the business. The acquisition also includes Byron's sister brand, Mother Clucker, which specialises in fried chicken delivery through platforms like Deliveroo.
Rebranding for a Younger Market
Tibrewala is planning a comprehensive overhaul of the business designed specifically to appeal to younger consumers. His strategy includes updating the menu, enhancing digital capabilities, and expanding into international markets such as Dubai, which has seen significant growth in its young professional population.
"What we essentially want to do with Byron is look at the identity... and rebrand it for new consumer tastes and preferences," Tibrewala told The Times. "Whether that be smashed [burgers] or different concepts that are relevant nowadays."
The young investor specifically highlighted the growing British presence in Dubai as a key opportunity, believing the market will provide immediate brand recognition when Byron expands there.
From Boom to Near Collapse
Founded by Tom Byng in 2007, Byron initially rode the wave of the casual dining boom throughout the 2010s. By 2016, the chain was turning over more than £80 million across 65 sites, representing a remarkable success story in the competitive restaurant sector.
However, the business soon encountered significant controversy. In 2013, then-chancellor George Osborne tweeted a picture of himself eating a Byron burger just hours before announcing £11.5 billion in government spending cuts, leading to accusations that he was out of touch with working people.
The chain faced even greater scrutiny in 2016 when an immigration raid at its Holborn branch resulted in 35 workers being rounded up for deportation. Byron stated it was unaware workers were using counterfeit documents and had been legally obliged to cooperate with the Home Office, but the incident sparked widespread protests and boycott calls.
By 2018, rising costs and increased taxes on high street businesses placed Byron under severe financial pressure, leading to multiple ownership changes, hundreds of job losses, and the closure of numerous locations. The chain now operates just seven restaurants following two previous administrations.
Despite these challenges, Tibrewala remains optimistic about the business fundamentals, noting that Byron still generates over £11 million in annual revenue despite its reduced footprint. "We looked at the numbers, we figured that with some operational efficiencies and cost reductions, we can get this across into the green," he said, adding that "November was a good month for us."
