Hanul lui Manuc celebrates 220 years of culinary heritage

City Grill Group, the largest restaurant chain with Romanian capital, is directing an investment budget of EUR 6.5 million in 2026 towards locations with a strong identity. The main pillar of this strategy is Hanul lui Manuc, a historical monument in Bucharest celebrating 220 years of documented existence, which, alongside the Caru’ cu Bere and Hanu’ Berarilor brands, consistently generates the highest average ticket values within the group.

For 2026, City Grill Group targets a consolidated turnover of EUR 100 million, up from the EUR 90 million recorded in 2025. This expansion is supported by the traditional segment, where the group already invested EUR 550,000 in 2025 for the modernization of the Hanul lui Manuc restaurant, out of a total budget of EUR 3 million allocated for modernizing locations that year. The strategy relies on the capacity of these historical spaces to constantly attract a significant flow of foreign tourists and Bucharest residents.

The 220th anniversary of Hanul lui Manuc is marked by the campaign “220 years of culinary tradition at Manuc”, which brings back historical dishes to the menu as limited editions. The campaign promotes six representative chefs from various eras of the inn’s history and integrates into its visual identity the coat of arms of the Cantacuzino family, the rightful owner of the monument, which was definitively retroceded in 2007. The anniversary program also includes wine promotions and a series of monthly “lăutărească” music concerts in the inn’s historical courtyard, scheduled until October.

Founded in 2004 by Dragoș Petrescu, the City Grill group operates a diversified portfolio of brands, including Pescăruș, Buongiorno.Italian, La Boheme hotel, Aubergine, Marty Restaurants, and the Zooma events complex. Hanul lui Manuc, built between 1806 and 1808 on Franceză Street by the Armenian diplomat Emanuel Mârzaian (Manuc Bei), is the only historical caravanserai in continuous operation in Southeast Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is City Grill Group’s investment budget for 2026?

City Grill Group is directing an investment budget of EUR 6.5 million in 2026 towards locations with a strong identity, with Hanul lui Manuc as the main pillar.

How old is Hanul lui Manuc?

Hanul lui Manuc is celebrating 220 years of documented existence, having been built between 1806 and 1808 by the Armenian diplomat Emanuel Mârzaian (Manuc Bei).

What is City Grill Group’s turnover target for 2026?

The group targets a consolidated turnover of EUR 100 million in 2026, up from EUR 90 million in 2025.