Diversified hospitality operator, Australian International Hospitality Group (AIH) has announced another purchase at the same time as confirming that it had completed the deal to purchase high profile Sydney restaurant La Sala.

The latest new buy for AIH Group is one of Brisbane’s leading catering companies, Loaves and Fishes.

AIH Group executive chairman, Rodger Powell, who is spearheading an aggressive acquisition strategy for the company said both were very different operations but each reflected the qualities that AIH was looking for in properties.

“La Sala and Loaves & Fishes will help AIH achieve our vision of consolidating high quality , strategic, restaurant and hospitality assets to create Australia’s first diversified hospitality group,” Powell said.

Backed by investor Hawkesbridge Private Equity, AIH Group has quickly expanded over the past year from its base of Sydney Tower Restaurants and Liquidity Restaurant & Bar.

The additional properties now in its portfolio include major restaurants and catering brands including La Grillade in Sydney’s Crows Nest, Watt Modern Dining at the Powerhouse on Brisbane River; and award-winning Trippas White Catering which holds the catering rights for the prestigious Art Gallery of NSW, Botanic Gardens Restaurant and Emirates First & Business Class Lounges in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

AIH said La Sala was considered “hot property” when the former silent partner in the restaurant was keen to release his stake to pursue other investments.

“AIH Group’s portfolio is premium, unique and varied and La Sala fitted our strategic goals,” Powell said. “The key strengths of La Sala are its combination of sensual design, authentic food and service along with its trading performance, neighbourhood support and further opportunity for growth.”

Loaves and Fishes Catering was initially established in 1975 by respected Brisbane ‘foodie’ Jan Power. Powell says “with a high profile reputation in Brisbane Loaves & Fishes affords us exciting opportunities in events, institutional contracts, corporate catering and further traction in the south east Queensland region.”

AIH Group said La Sala’s executive head chef, Ruben Martinez, and popular maitre’d, Marie-Ange Fournel, along with the majority of staff would continue to operate La Sala, while at Loaves and Fishes, Julie Carter would also stay on in her role of operations manager. New appointment, Belinda Christie, will join the team in the role of sales manager.