Lunya, a well-loved Spanish restaurant with two locations in Liverpool, has announced a major change in its ownership structure. The award-winning eatery, located on Hanover Street and the iconic Albert Dock, will now be an Employee Owned Trust, marking a significant transition for both the business and its staff.
Owners Peter and Elaine Kinsella revealed the news, drawing comparisons to the business model of John Lewis. In their announcement, Peter explained:
“We have been hinting at this for months, but we can finally announce that Lunya has become an Employee Owned Trust – a very similar model to John Lewis.”
This move allows the dedicated staff, who have been integral to Lunya’s success, to effectively own the business via the newly formed trust.
Peter and Elaine have been at the helm of Lunya for over a decade, establishing it as a leading destination for authentic Catalan and Spanish cuisine. However, the decision to transfer ownership stems from personal reasons, particularly the couple’s plans for retirement and Elaine’s ongoing health concerns. Elaine, who has been battling Myeloma, a form of blood cancer, requires further treatment as the illness has become active again.
“We’re not getting any younger and we need to plan our retirement.”
While Elaine has already stepped back due to her health, Peter plans to continue leading the business for the next several years. He will oversee Lunya’s operations as they transition to the new ownership model, with long-term plans to retire in about seven years. The future leadership of Lunya will be in the capable hands of Operations Director Tom Cavanagh and Executive Head Chef Dave Upson.
The Kinsellas emphasised that the new model secures the future of Lunya, ensuring that both staff and customers will continue to benefit from its success.
“Becoming staff owned is a great way for us to recognize and reward our wonderful staff. It keeps it safe for our staff and provides a way for them to benefit from its future success.”
In a hospitality sector that has faced its share of challenges, this shift bucks the trend, providing a rare piece of positive news. Lunya is now poised to serve its loyal customers for many more years, offering the same exceptional food and service they’ve come to love. The Kinsellas also expressed their deep gratitude to their customers.
“You, our customer base, are the life-blood of the business, and we cannot wait to continue serving you for decades to come.”