A food business launched in lockdown has proved such a success that the couple behind it are opening a restaurant in York.
Frango Eduardo opened in Spark:York on Piccadilly a year ago. Offering a taste of Portugal with piri piri chicken and more, it was quickly a success, despite the pandemic restrictions.
“It’s gone from strength to strength really. Then an opportunity arose in Colliergate and we’re just hoping to expand a little and see how we go,” said co-owner Ted Hustler.
Together with his partner Emma Hargreaves and her father Steve, they are now planning to transform what was the Cast Iron Bath Company shop at number 9 Colliergate into their first proper restaurant.
“It’s absolutely stunning – a really pretty shop,” Ted told YorkMix. “It fits nicely with our vision – somewhere nice and airy, fairly rustic and simple.”
Like at Spark, the “main focus will be on a good food offering – Portuguese-inspired dishes with a nice drink selection, good wines and beer.
“We want a really relaxed atmosphere where people come and have a great time.”
Simple tasty menu
He said there was a lot of work to be done at the property before they could open, but he hoped Frango Eduardo could be serving its first customers by May.
Ted comes from a property background. “But I’ve spent a lot of time in Portugal over the years, as has Emma,” he said.
“I just like the simplicity of the food. The nice relaxing environment, top quality ingredients. We thought there wasn’t really any offering similar in York.
“And one thing led to another.”
The name comes from ‘frango’ – the Portuguese word for chicken – and a European twist on Ted’s name.
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Over summer Frango Eduardo catered for people who used the Thor’s Tipi in the grounds of the Principal Hotel.
The team plan to expand the menu once they move from Spark to Colliergate.
“There’s some really great Portuguese food out there,” Ted said. “We want to have some nice small plates, some special fish dishes.”
He said some supporters of the business have invested in the brand. “We’re bringing something a bit different to York and creating a few jobs,” he said.
They have applied to open from 8am to 11.30pm daily, and to serve alcohol between 10am and 11pm.
Earlier in the day it will be open to serve coffee and pastries, before becoming more of a dining destination in the evening.