Type=image;ImageID=3105;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Proprietor Richard Brown serving customer Gwen Sanchirico;TitleClass=strong;
Richard Brown has opened The Hungry Bistro in Lichfield Street, offering a range of British and travel inspired dishes, coffees, wines and world beers.
Richard entered the Wolverhampton Portas Pilot Idea2Reality competition and battled dozens of other budding entrepreneurs for a share of the first prize.
To help him set his venture up, the 26 year old who is from the city, was given business support and cash grants to assist him in setting up his business. Richard has also worked with the Princes Trust scheme which offers support and guidance for young entrepreneurs.
He said: "We have been working hard to push the Bistro forward and I'm so excited that we are now serving up lunch and pre theatre meals to Wolverhampton's busy City Centre users.
"I'm a Wolverhampton guy through and through and to me it makes perfect sense to open this Bistro in the City I know and love.
"We are offering great quality, seasonal, freshly prepared food at reasonable prices, and creating a number of locally based jobs in the process."
The Hungry Bistro is the fifth and final Portas Pilot venture to get off the ground in Wolverhampton.
Alternative fashion outlet Corpse Clothing has opened up in the Mander Centre while the Shop in the Square, showcasing a range of products from different entrepreneurs is now trading in Queen Square.
The Fish Stall, which sells a range of exotic fish meals and is based in Worcester Street and Polish delicatessen Kabanos, in Cleveland Street, both opened their doors last month.
Nicholas Pitt, Idea2Reality chair, said: "I am delighted to welcome The Hungry Bistro to the city centre.
"This opening follows on from Small Business Saturday and demonstrates our support and commitment to help local entrepreneurs prosper.
"We are excited to see the ventures that emerged from our Portas Pilot competition get up and running and we are proud of the effect Idea2Reality is having on the city centre."
- released: Friday 20 December, 2013