GLUT, a new American-style diner in George Street in Oxford, is on schedule to open by mid-April.

Young entrepreneur Sami Mahfouz, 24, a former pupil at Cherwell School, had hoped to open the restaurant selling burgers and fries on April 1.

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But he said the opening would now be mid-April, with the opening date to be confirmed in the near future.

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He said: “We are very close - and completing the finishing touches.”

Oxford Mail:

Mr Mahfouz said earlier he was confident his independent restaurant, using locally sourced ingredients to serve customers popular dishes including burgers and fries, would be a recipe for success.

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

Oxford Mail:

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.

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

Oxford Mail:

“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.

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“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.

Oxford Mail:

“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.”