CONGRATULATIONS to Croma, one of the unsung heroes of the Manchester food scene. This Manchetser chain is celebrating 15 years of more than holding its own against the national big boys in the competitive pizza and pasta market.
The original Croma is still gong strong in Clarence Street in the city centre, while its Chorlton venue on Wilbraham Rod is amazingly now a decade old.
To mark these big birthdays the award-winning group has sealed a deal with ODEON Cinemas to trial an innovative ‘pizza-at-the-movies’ offer at the Trafford Centre.
Called Croma Pizzapoint, it will be launched for the premiere there of the new blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December.
It is hoped that following the success of this pilot, the concept – freshly baked pizza, each made to order – will feature at many more ODEONS throughout the UK.
Along with further eateries in Prestwich and Didsbury, Croma includes three 100-seat franchises at ODEON cinemas in Tunbridge Wells, Edinburgh and Loughborough.
Croma led the way for numerous Manchester-based independent leisure groups, formed by founding shareholders Andrew Bullock (pictured above) and Bob Dunn after the pair left their Pizza Express franchise in South King Street in 2000.
Three years running, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Croma was voted most Family-Friendly restaurant at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards, so it’s appropriate the 15th birthday celebrations include a family fun day in the Chorlton branch on Sunday, November 8.
Below the Croma team celebrate the anniversary at a special media lunch on November 10 at the Clarence Street branch.
