A CHAIN of New York-style, jazz-themed coffee shops would come to Edinburgh under ambitious plans by the founder of the Beanscene chain.
Gordon Richardson, who quickly built Beanscene from one coffee cart into a national brand, with 15 outlets, is eyeing up around half a dozen sites in the Capital for his new coffee chain Pico.
The chain has opened its first outlet in Glasgow's Wes
t End and is now planning an expansion drive into Edinburgh.
Mr Richardson's new company, One Big Groove, is also looking for a site in the city for a new music venue and restaurant development. But he expects the Pico coffee chain to get sites tied up quicker.
"Edinburgh is definitely on the agenda," he said. "It is a concept that would fit in comfortably in Edinburgh.
"We want it to feel a bit like downtown New York, with blues, soul and jazz music and a very dynamic American-style food offering."
Among the food on offer will be an all-day breakfast menu, a selection of house specials and a selection of deli sandwiches and bagels.
Mr Richardson is focussing on his new firm One Big Groove, which will have four hospitality sector operations.
He is currently on the lookout for a site for his new restaurant/music venue. It will have a casual dining restaurant on the upper floor, connected to a live-music basement venue for up to 150 people.
The cabaret-style music venue will showcase a range of genres, with acoustic shows in front of audiences.
"People will pay to see an artist they like in a conducive environment – one that is not a pub or a music festival," said Mr Richardson. "The idea is that people will sit, have a glass of wine and a snack and enjoy some acoustic music.
"It will hark back to the basement jazz clubs of the 50s and 60s and really be something entirely different to what is already on offer.
"I don't think it's being done just now, and the way the market is going there needs to be more happening like this that will appeal to everyone."
Mr Richardson left Beanscene earlier this year following a difference of opinion at board level, but is now confident his new fund can grow quickly through managed premises initially then through franchises.
Graham Bell, a spokesman for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "Gordon has a proven track record of success and he is an ebullient character who leads from the front.
"He has shown already that he can go into what is apparently a crowded marketplace and deliver success
"I am sure his new business will be a welcome addition to the Edinburgh economy."
