US-style buffet set to open in the city
Business writer
BIG Lukes’ all-you-can-eat buffet is opening a new restaurant in the heart of Newcastle.
The popular restaurant originally opened in the Metrocentre in 1990 and sells American style food such as burgers, chicken and steaks.
It is now opening its second branch in Old Eldon Square, in the former site of Italian chain Prezzo.
Owner Shuaida Cheng said: “It will be slightly different as it will have a new menu.
“People can help themselves to what they want and it will have all the signature food from Big Lukes.
“There will be steak, sea bass, salmon and burgers, which will all be included in what you pay for.”
Customers will be also be able to order a range of food such as steaks, salads and pizzas which will be freshly prepared by the chefs. Mr Cheng had been looking to expand his business into Newcastle and decided to take the jump after receiving an offer from landlord Intu.
Intu owns both the Metrocentre and Eldon Square shopping centre.
He added: “I was searching for a place in the town centre but I needed the right location and the right size.
“When this came to market and I got an offer I was happy to accept it and have a Big Lukes in the town centre.”
He went on: “The location is a good size and it is a good standard, so we decided to take the unit and refurbish it as Big Lukes.”
The Newcastle branch of Big Lukes is expected open within the first two weeks of April.
Its launch will create a number of jobs in the city centre, with Mr Cheng hoping to employ 18 members of staff in the kitchen and 20 working front of house.
The site of the new Big Lukes was previously home to Prezzo before its owner - private equity firm TPG Capital - decided to shut its Newcastle and Cramlington branches.
The closure came last year when the company entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement CVA).
A total of 94 of Prezzo’s 300 outlets were closed across the country and the Eldon Square unit has stood empty since.