D&D London co-founder Des Gunewardena leaves restaurant group after 16 years

The co-founder of D&D London, Des Gunewardena, is leaving the restaurant group to pursue other ventures.

D&D has appointed its co-founder, COO, and deputy chairman David Loewi as interim CEO.

Loewi and Gunewardena co-founded the group in 2006, having met and worked together at Conran Restaurants.

During Gunewardena’s tenure as CEO, D&D London has expanded to own and operate more than 40 restaurants across the UK and internationally, including London’s Le Pont de la Tour and Coq d’Argent. 

The business has also made a number of new landmark openings in recent years, launching sites in Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol, as well as overseas in New York and Paris.

News of Gunewardena’s departure comes as D&D prepares to open its first venture in Birmingham. Orelle, an 88-cover modern French restaurant, café and bar located on the 24th floor of 103 Colmore Row, will launch on 14 October.

Gunewardena said: ‘I am very sad to be leaving D&D which I love and have seen grow from its first restaurant opening over 30 years ago in its Conran days to the fabulous business it is today.

‘Though I will now be focusing on existing and new ventures outside D&D I wish David and the management team every success for the future.’

Loewi said he will continue to lead D&D through its post-Covid recovery.

‘Our restaurants are trading well as the UK leisure and hospitality scene recovers with workers returning to offices and business travel coming back,’ he said.

‘This resilience has enabled our group to retain a strong cash position and financial headroom. 

‘However, we are also acutely aware of the challenging economic environment, particularly for our industry in the face of inflation and skills shortages, and so remain pragmatic over the outlook for sector and continuously keep our operations and strategy under review.

‘Des has been an important part of D&D London’s success and history, and we wish him all the best for the future.’

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