• Swindon & Wiltshire Support
• Wednesday April 10 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Mexican-inspired restaurant receives six figure funding boost from South West Investment Fund

A new Mexican-inspired restaurant has opened in Bristol after owners Can.Bristol Ltd received a six-figure funding package from the South West Investment Fund.

Condesa has been launched on Whiteladies Road in Clifton by the team behind well-loved local restaurants Bravas, Gambas, and Cargo Cantina.

Funding to support the new restaurant has been provided by the South West Investment Fund (SWIF) via appointed fund manager FW Capital.

Up to 20 new jobs have been created with plans to expand further as the business grows.

Husband and wife Kieran and Imogen Waite opened their first restaurant after travelling the world. Using experiences gained from their travels the duo set up Bravas inspired by the back street tapas bars of Andalucia.

Today they have multiple successful sites and have gained a growing reputation for providing high-end casual dining experiences, with restaurants that are well-known for their open kitchens and talented chefs.

Imogen Waite, co-founder of Can.Bristol Ltd said: “It’s fantastic to be embarking on our most recent journey opening the Condesa. We’ve been busy completing the internal fit-out and menu developments to bring a vibrant new food choice to the Bristol restaurant scene.

“It’s an exciting time. Condesa offers a similar format to our other restaurants serving premium Mexican dishes and drinks in a fun and vibrant atmosphere with indoor and outdoor eating areas.

“The support from Jordan Berg at FW Capital has been great and the funding has been instrumental in supporting us with the fit-out and launch of the restaurant.”

Jordan Berg, investment executive at FW Capital added: “The investment we have provided from the South West Investment Fund has made a real difference, providing valuable assistance to opening costs as well as ongoing working capital as the new site establishes itself.

“It’s great to see how this funding is helping diverse businesses like Can.Bristol to grow and create new jobs. Condesa brings authentic and exciting Mexican-themed food and cocktails to the popular Clifton area of Bristol and I look forward to seeing their ongoing success.”

Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager, nations & regions investment funds at the British Business Bank said: “We’re delighted the South West Investment Fund has provided the support needed to get this new restaurant off the ground and is helping to provide new employment opportunities for Bristol.

“The duo has a long history of establishing successful restaurants in the area and this marks an exciting step in their business journey. We wish them every success for Condesa.”

The South West Investment Fund covers the entire South West region and provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

Fund manager FW Capital provides debt finance using the South West Investment Fund to businesses in Bristol, Gloucestershire, North and North East Somerset and Wiltshire.

The purpose of the South West Investment Fund is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the South West.

The South West Investment Fund is increasing the supply and diversity of early-stage finance for South West smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and helping to break down barriers in access to finance.