George brings more than 28 years of leadership experience in the hospitality sector to his work with Chickpea Group. He stepped down from his position as CEO of Laine last year.
At Chickpea, Gavin will work closely with the board to advise on and support the delivery of the company’s next period of growth, bringing his experience in creating pubs, brand building, and exploiting unique opportunities.
Chickpea Group says it “aims to reimagine rural pub hospitality by reinvigorating rural assets and developing the brilliant teams it employs to deliver excellent hospitality across its estate in the south-west.”
In June, Chickpea launched its 10th site, as part of the business’s move to expand out of its Wiltshire heartlands and further into Dorset.
‘A massive step’
Chickpea Group co-founder and CEO Ethan Davids said: “This is a massive step for our business, and I am beyond excited to work with Gavin as we embark on the next phase of growth. We have traded strongly in the last 12 months which is why we are looking to capitalise on the momentum we have built to acquire and reignite iconic country pubs with rooms.
“Gavin’s own professional journey, together with his deep knowledge of the sector, and unique ways of thinking are exactly the attributes we were looking for. On a personal level I have always been a huge fan of Laine and the business that Gavin built, and so I am delighted that Gavin has chosen to work with us.”
‘Breathing life’
Gavin George added: “Despite Ethan’s modesty about what Chickpea has achieved in such a short time, I sensed that he and his colleagues were doing something special with their business and I was keen to know more. I have subsequently been blown away by the passion, creativity, energy and dynamism displayed by Ethan, Jordan, Tommy and the Chickpea team, and am hugely impressed with their vision.”
“At a time when, tragically, hundreds of country pubs are closing their doors throughout the nation, Chickpea is breathing life back into stunning rural assets and bringing warmth and colour to the communities they serve. It’s a great business and I’m thrilled to have been asked to join the board to support them in growing it.”
Chickpea Group’s estate includes pubs The Fleur de Lys in Cranborne, The King’s Arms in Shaftesbury, and The Manor House Inn in Ditcheat.
It also owns two strong pizza brand Nole Pizza, which has sites in Salisbury and Wilton.
