Asian-inspired restaurant itsu opens first branch in France

The opening is in partnership with restaurant operator Groupe Bertrand.

The Asian-inspired restaurant brand, itsu, has opened its first restaurant in France in partnership with multi-brand restaurant operator Groupe Bertrand.

The opening of the branch in France marks the start of a new partnership between itsu & Groupe Bertrand, as part of their plan to expand to 50 restaurants in 5 years, with 3 new stores set to open by the end of 2023. This is itsu’s next step on a journey to expand further into Europe.

“Groupe Bertrand has an incredible wealth of experience opening restaurants for some of the largest fast-food chains in the world. Their passion and commitment to quality, healthy food at an affordable price, cements Olivier Bertrand as a perfect partner to help make itsu available to more people in more places across France,” Julian Metcalfe, Founder of itsu.

Groupe Betrand, founded in 1997 by Olivier Betrand, are opening itsu’s first restaurant, near the Champs Elysees, which is where it opened its first franchise site back in 1997. 

The move into France is part of itsu’s expansion of its franchising model launched last year, when it opened its first European restaurant in partnership with Autogrill in Brussels. Itsu currently operates 78 franchised & owned restaurants in the UK & EU, with their franchise operation, now totalling nine sites.