Southampton: Innovation Centre serves up another occupier

A restaurant chain specialising in American comfort food has made Southampton its operational base for expansion across southern England. Co-founded by Matt Mollicone and Rich Zammit, 7Bone Burger Co booked into Ocean Village Innovation Centre with a four-desk space.

The ‘dirty’ burger specialist required a serviced office location in their home city as the business looks to roll out a presence in various towns and cities following private equity backing.

7Bone Burger Co’s first outlet opened in Portswood Road, Southampton, three years ago. That was followed by Bournemouth and Camberley, with Reading due to open in late February and Newbury in spring.

To date, 105 are employed by the business.

Rob Greenberg, centre manager at Ocean Village Innovation Centre, said: “Matt and Rich are very much on the expansion trail with 7Bone Burger Co and they chose us because of our convenient location and entrepreneurial support.

“We have 40 businesses working at our vibrant centre and this is the first time we’ve had one from the restaurant sector. It brings a new exciting dynamic to an energising, diverse mix.

“It may well be that our latest occupier buys in the expertise of other companies on site because of a thriving ecosystem where customers conduct business with one another."

Mollicone said: “7Bone Burger Co has caught the imagination and taste of diners because of our classic, good-value American comfort food is dished up in the atmosphere of a feel-good speakeasy joint, with fast and casual eating.

“Our new operational base at the innovation centre will put us in good stead as we roll out the brand across the country, with financial support from private equity backers.”

According to recent industry figures, the UK restaurant sector rose by 5% in 2015 to £20.9 billion, with the ‘fast casual’ market helping drive revenues.

OVIC, which has 70 serviced offices and is operated by Oxford Innovation, Britain’s leading operator of innovation centres for start-ups and early-stage firms, has 85% occupancy, with just 40 workstations available.