Daniel Harrison, Nick Kourie and Emily Luke, who also own Pilgrim Bar on the Capital’s Robertson’s Close, have purchased Hector’s on Dunbar High Street.
The 40-seater artisan pizza restaurant opened its doors five years ago and has become a popular addition to the town’s dining scene.
Mr Harrison told the Courier: “We are excited to announce ourselves as the new owners of Hector’s and see a great deal of untapped potential in the business.
“We had been looking for other business opportunities that fit our criteria and came across Hector’s through our network of contacts.
“Emily and myself have a background in property and business development, with Nick bringing extensive experience in the leisure and hospitality sector as an operator of multiple food units, to the table.
“We are all heavily involved in the business on a day-to-day level and each bring our own specialisms to bear.”
Hector’s has been open in the centre of Dunbar for more than five years (Image: Contributed)
The business, which also includes takeaways and online delivery, employs more than a dozen members of staff.
Since its launch, it has focused on using local suppliers, including flour from Mungoswells Malt & Milling, near Drem, and meatballs made by East Linton’s Linton Butchers.
Within the short period of time since the trio took over, changes have been made, including an investment in new kitchen equipment and the introduction of a new lunch menu, introducing a folded sandwich with three different offerings weekly.
A new drinks menu has also been introduced, with carefully crafted cocktails, new draft beer options and a new wine selection tailored to the food offering.
The menus have gone down well, with the sandwiches proving “a very popular lunchtime addition”.
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Mr Harrison added: “We definitely felt there was untapped potential in Hector’s and that we, with our skills and expertise, could upgrade and elevate the offering to the local community.
“It’s good that Hector’s already uses local suppliers, as this is an area we want to maximise.”
Mr Kourie echoed those comments and felt that there was more to come from the town centre business.
He said: “Everything is moving in the right direction.
“We hope shortly to begin an upgrade of the restaurant interior.
“If the Dunbar public can continue to get behind the business, there is a great deal we can achieve.
“We would like to thank them for their loyal custom.
“Too many hospitality businesses have folded since the pandemic and we certainly don’t want Hector’s to be one of them.
“We will continue to look at showcasing the artisan produce of the area.”