Pirata Group’s First International Restaurants Now Open
Hong Kong-based hospitality company bring Pici and The Pizza Project brands to Shanghai, China in debut overseas move
Pirata Group is proud to announce the official launch of its first international restaurants: the expansion of core brands Pici Pasta Bar and The Pizza Project simultaneously into Shanghai, China. Now open and welcoming guests at Jing An Kerry Centre, these additions bring Pirata Group`s number of Pici pasta bars to seven, and The Pizza Project to three in total, with the remaining venues, alongside The Group`s other seventeen restaurants, located in their home Hong Kong market.
The opening of the new Shanghai restaurants marks a key milestone for Pirata Group and represents the company`s third and fourth new opening of the first half of 2021. After introducing hand rolled pasta made fresh daily to Kennedy Town on the 14th of May, the Shanghai outpost is Pici`s second new outing of the year. The beloved concept has struck a chord with Hongkongers since it launched over four years ago in the Starstreet precinct, with its simple, authentic and homey Italian treats.
The Pizza Project, meanwhile, is a newer concept with a casual, value-driven Italian pizzeria opening its original two venues within the past eighteen months in Hong Kong to great local acclaim.
The continued popularity, sound business fundamentals, and strong value proposition for guests of both Pici and The Pizza Project were key reasons why Pirata Group, in partnership with Kerry Properties, brought these specific brands overseas for the first time. The expansion effort has been overseen first-hand by Pirata Group`s Italian Corporate Chef, Andrea Viglione, ensuring that ingredient authenticity, quality of recipe and skill in cooking method have been preserved between both Hong Kong and Shanghai dining markets.
After careful consideration, the Jing An Kerry Centre was selected as the site to host Pici and The Pizza Project. Located in the heart of Shanghai`s Nanjing Road business district, Jing An Kerry Centre is the pre-eminent dining and entertainment destination for Shanghai`s urbanites. Custom designed by Pirata Group`s in-house team with a seating capacity of 57 for Pici, and 17 for The Pizza Project, both restaurants will be located alongside each other in the shopping complex and serve guests from 10:00 – 22:00 daily.
Remarking on the opening of the Group`s maiden overseas restaurants in Shanghai, Manuel Palacio, Pirata Group CEO and Co-founder, says, `Our casual Italian restaurant concepts continue to be a pillar of strength and have been a core growth driver for Pirata Group over the past 5 years. We have been exploring ways to grow these brands and geographic expansion will play a key role in our strategy. Encouraged by careful research and studies on the market, our Group has chosen Shanghai as our first overseas destination.
Moreover, the Jing An Kerry Centre is in a prime location to introduce our signature Italian pasta and pizza to the Shanghai market. Our Group will continue to pursue opportunities to expand our business regionally.`
