Food Nation is our Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 12 Oct 2015Food Nation on Gloucester Road brings live barbecue to your own table which is a terrific and new experience for residents of and visitors to Bristol. 365Bristol caught up with owners Josson Lukose, Dennis Daniel and Happy Mathew to find out more about their restaurant :
When did you set up Food Nation Bristol?
We opened the doors to the public in November 2014. This is a dream project by three ambitious hotel management graduates from Kerala in India, all of whom worked and have experience of more than 15 years each in India and the Middle East form Multinational hotel chains like Taj, Marriott’s, Hilton and Kempinski.
Are you from Bristol?
Happy Mathew and Josson Lukose were the Senior Chefs at Bristol City Centre Marriott hotel for more than 8 years and Dennis Daniel worked for Hilton in Aztec West and the Macdonald Spa Hotel in Bath as Restaurant Manager.
How's business?
It's going well but of course can always be better. We have brought a new dining experience to Bristol so it's mainly about letting people know who we are and what we do. Once customers have been in to us we are seeing them return over and over again which is especially pleasing, meaning they like what we are doing!
Tell us about your business?
We decided to open our own restaurant but to learn the basics of business we took on the franchisee of Miss Millie's on Gloucester Road and ran it for the past 4 years. Then this property became available at 185 Gloucester Road so it's the perfect opportunity for us. It was, previously a restaurant but we have had to spend a lot to turn it around as Food Nation.
We are a Multi-Nation Cuisine restaurant with live barbecue at your own table. You can grill your own starters in a choice of flavours, with lots of marinades and sauces for you to choose from, and enjoy them right off the grill. The buffet is full-course with a full complement of soups, salads, main dishes and desserts. A mind boggling selection of beers, wines and spirits is also available. The menu comprises a wide range of fresh dishes including Chinese, Indian, Mexican & Far Eastern delights! It’s the ultimate place to unwind with your family and friends.
Hosting a perfect blend of style and sophistication, with a creative menu and atmosphere dedicated to comfort. Nothing beats our fresh food. So, if you are looking for great service and delicious food in Bristol, Food Nation is the best choice for you!
How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
As an independent restaurant we initially struggled to get going but Gloucester Road is a terrific location for us. It's been hard work but well worth it.
Where do you like to eat out in Bristol when not dining in Food Nation?
Being open 7 days a week it's rare for us to get out!
Where do you see Food Nation in 5 years time?
In the coming years we would like to open more restaurants similar to Food Nation across Bristol and the South West.
What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
In one word it’s a struggle to open any business which need 24 hour care and attention, so think and plan a lot beforehand. Time management and building a great team are essential.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
As the Mayor of Bristol if possible I would take out the parking restrictions on Gloucester Road to help support the local businesses.
Food Nation, 185 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8BG
Tel: 0117 9422322
Web: www.foodnationbristol.com
Email: info@foodnationbristol.co.uk