YOUNG entrepreneur Sami Mahfouz wants to eat into profits made by chain restaurants when he opens a new American-style eatery in Oxford’s George Street.

The 24-year-old, a former pupil at Cherwell School, knows competition on the high street is tough.

But he is confident his independent restaurant called Glut, using locally sourced ingredients to serve customers popular dishes including burgers and fries, will be a recipe for success.

As a result he has bought the lease on the George Street premises previously occupied by chains Giraffe, then Thali, before they closed.

READ AGAIN: Yo!Sushi in George Street set to close as Glut gears up to open next door

Mr Mahfouz, from Jericho, who took a degree in economics in London, said his family background has prepared him perfectly for the challenge of running his own restaurant.

Oxford Mail:

He said: “I’ve been working in the hospitality trade since the age of 12 because my father Mimo runs a hotel.

“I’ve always wanted to open an American comfort food restaurant and I have been keeping my eye out for a suitable premises for quite a while.

“I am passionate about food and I know a lot of suppliers in Oxford, so our meat will come from Aldens, and bread and cheese will also be sourced locally.

“There are chain restaurants in George Street and at Westgate but I will be offering something different - I’m hoping local people will support me because I am local and the food comes from local suppliers.

“Of course we will welcome anyone who wants to come and eat at the restaurant, including students and tourists.”

Mr Mahfouz is promising customers at the premises, which will be able to seat 80 diners, that their meals will not be too expensive.

He expects to charge about £7 for burgers and about £2.50 for fries.

Filter coffee will cost about £1.50 a cup with refills for free.

Oxford Mail:

“I’m calling the restaurant Glut because I want people to get the idea there will be food they can indulge in,” he said.

“A local Oxford boy opening a new restaurant happening in George Street does not happen every day.

“It will be good food for the local community and I think people will support that.”

Mr Mahfouz said he was aware there would be tough competition for a middle market restaurant but he was prepared to meet the challenge.

READ MORE: Hot competition forces Indian street food restaurant Thali to close

Refurbishment work is now taking place and artists from Brighton are being asked to design murals for the walls, which could include depictions of Oxford gargoyles.

Glut is expected to open in the next four to six weeks.

Earlier this week Japanese chain Yo!Sushi has become the latest casualty of intense competition on George Street and will close on Valentine’s Day, February 14.