Owner of Glasgow's Old Salty's on new venue amid cost of living crisis

Lawrence McManus, who has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, is opening Jojo Macs tomorrow. 

Located at the corner of St Vincent Street and Renfield Street in the unit once occupied by Bread Meats Bread, the businessman explained that his main goal is simple - to serve delicious meals and create a welcoming space.

Lawrence McManus outside of the restaurant (Image: Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

He said: “The menu is burger, lobster and barbeque, anything from a grill.

“Our menu is going to be, hopefully, very open and well-priced. People are struggling enough at the moment.

“All of our costs have increased enormously but we are not going to be expensive.

“Certain items may cost a little more but a lot of our items will be around £10."

The inspiration behind the lobster-packed menu comes from the demand for the delicacy at Lawrence's other restaurant Old Salty's in the city's Byres Road as he explained. 

"When lockdown was on, Old Salty's could do takeaway and once the grill was out, we did burger and lobster.

“People loved the way we did lobster. It is expensive but our secret is to do it real simple. So, it's not a big posh dining experience."

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Looking back on his vast experience in the industry, the Glaswegian explained that Jojo Macs is his last venture.

He said: “I have had many restaurants over the years. Just before Covid, we sold a few restaurants including Chelsea Market and Nick’s.

“I have served Glasgow everything from Italian to French, fish and chips, you name it.

“This is the last thing that I am ever doing. I want to do this and have good fun. I hope it’s going to be well received.

“We want to make money, of course, what businessman doesn’t? But the key thing for us is fun, we want to enjoy this."

To ensure success, Lawrence is putting customers at the heart of the eatery and he wants to bring them joy.

He said: “I think the Glasgow public will love it.

“Glasgow has always been a bit edgier than the East Coast or down South, we set trends and, I think, people respect that.

“We are trying to do something bespoke on that great location."