North Wales restaurant group Dylan's is targeting opening two more waterfront sites in the region.
The pizza and seafood restaurant brand was launched in Menai Bridge on Anglesey seven years ago with a team of 12 kitchen and front-of-house staff.
Sat on the banks of the Menai Strait it was an immediate success with locals and the thousands of tourists who flock to the island each year.
It was followed by restaurants in Criccieth in 2015 and then Llandudno in 2017 - as well as a head office and production kitchen in Llangefni on Anglesey.
They employ close to 200 staff and turnover last year increased by 10% year on year.
Now David Evans and Robin Hodgson plan further sustainable expansion.
David - who founded the Hooch clothing range and helped lead global brand Bench from the wilderness to international acclaim - says they would like an additional two seafront sites in North Wales although they haven’t named where they would like to target.
He was talking about their plans as part of promoting a popular leadership programme that he says has helping develop their growing workforce.
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He said the Bangor University-based ION Leadership scheme has played a part in their success.
“We have come a long way in a short space of time, and that’s down to hard work, our dedication to this beautiful region, supporting local food producers and investing in our incredible staff,” said David.
“We are of course ambitious to keep growing organically and sustainably, but it’s more important we retain what we have and that our customers and staff are happy.
“That is why people keep coming back, and why we are proud to use, wherever possible, only produce from suppliers and independent providers in this area, to keep things fresh and strengthen our identity.”
He added: “We will continue to train and develop our staff, in-house and with ION, so they can blossom into future managers, chefs and leaders in other areas of the business.
“That’s what makes me proudest of all, and something that will always be a priority for Robin and I.”
Talking about the programme, he added: “We have placed 10 employees on the ION Leadership programme, and it has made a difference, helping them to grow with the company and step into new roles.
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“People are at the heart of every decision we make, not just profit, which is why we plan to send more of our team on the course and will continue to promote from within.
“That has been our attitude since the start, and part of the reason we secured a Gold Investors in People Award.”
One of those to have graduated from ION and risen through the ranks is Clio Evans, who joined Dylan’s as a waitress before being promoted to assistant manager at Menai Bridge.
“I’m proud to be a member of the team at Dylan’s; when I started, I never dreamed I would be helping to make decisions and manage the restaurant,” she said.
“The support we receive, and everything I learnt through ION Leadership, has helped me to develop personally and professionally.”
■ ION Leadership and 20Twenty Business Growth host the North Wales Means Business conference, exhibition and trade show at Venue Cymru in Llandudno from 8.30am-4pm on Wednesday November 6.
To register, visit the website: