Romanian entrepreneur sells Divan restaurant chain to Turkish investment fund

Romanian investor Andrei Iusut sold the Divan restaurant network to a Turkish investment fund, the entrepreneur announced on Monday. The Divan group is made of four restaurants and three fast food units, located in the center of Bucharest. The value of the transaction was not disclosed, but Iusut said it covers the value of the three brands he has developed, namely Diva, Meze Taverna, and Kuzina. “After eight years during which I developed three restaurant models, I decided to take a break and dedicate my time to the family,” Iusut said. He added that he’s interested to explore other areas besides the HoReCa sector in the future, but he will definitely stay in the services area. The group was founded in 2009, with the opening of the first Divan restaurant in Bucharest’s Old Town. It was followed by the launch of Meze Taverna, a Greek restaurant also located in the Old Town, in 2012, and the second Divan restaurant, in Floreasca, in 2013. In 2014, Iusut developed the Divan Express concept, a kebap fast food. He has opened three units, in busy areas in Romana Square, Victoriei Square, and Pipera. The Divan Express unit in Romana Square has made a turnover of EUR 1 million in the first nine months. Last year, the chain added the restaurant Kuzina in the Barbu Vacarescu area. editor@romania-insider.com