Skip to content

Guernsey investors buy Jersey restaurant company

News imageBBC A glass door to a restaurant, with a black frame. On the glass, it says 'Oyster Box'. Above the words is a hollow white circular logo. Reflected in the glass, white metallic chairs are visible. On the black door frame are the words 'push' and 'pull' in white writing.BBC
JPRestaurants said the investment would "support the long-term future" of its brands

A group of Guernsey-based investors has agreed to buy one of Jersey's "most established hospitality businesses".

JPRestaurants, which runs Banjo, Oyster Box and Jersey Crab Shack, has been acquired by CI Hospitality Limited for an undisclosed sum.

The consortium last year also purchased Randalls, which produces drinks including Breda and owns more than 20 pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops across Guernsey, Alderney and Sark.

JPRestaurants said its sites would continue to operate as normal throughout the change of ownership.

'Building on legacy'

In a statement announcing the deal, JPRestaurants said the investment would "support the long-term future" of its brands.

There would be "a focus on maintaining the character and heritage of each venue", it said, although "enhancements" would also be introduced, it added.

Managing director Robert Jones said he would remain the company's "only other shareholder" and that he would retain a "significant" stake.

"In 2027, we will have been delighting islanders and visitors for 80 years and this new partnership brings a real opportunity to build on that legacy," he said.

"The investment will help us adapt to Jersey's dynamic restaurant scene and ensure we continue creating the experiences that our customers value most.

"We've built a loyal customer base over many decades, and there is a great deal that will remain unchanged, from our friendly, knowledgeable teams to our iconic locations.

"At the same time, guests can look forward to some carefully considered updates that will keep our sites fresh, exciting and fun."

News imageA dining room in a restaurant. The walls are adorned with dark, patterned wallpaper, while the ceiling is white. A light fitting hangs from the ceiling above the bar, at the far end of the room. In the foreground are green marble tables set with wine glasses and side plates. There are beige / light coloured fabric chairs pulled up to the tables. The dark wooden floor is covered by dark red rugs.
Banjo in St Helier is one JPRestaurants' sites

Brian O'Mahoney, head of Corporate Finance at Ravenscroft Capital, owners of Channel Island Hospitality Ltd, said that JPRestaurants had "a strong identity and deep roots in the local community".

He said: "Our approach is to invest in great brands and talented teams, not to dilute what already works.

"We see enormous potential in Banjo, Oyster Box, and Jersey Crab Shack; and we're excited to support the business with investment, strategic insight, and long-term commitment, while preserving the individuality that makes each venue special."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

More on this story