Gary is leaving his top FA job at Wembley to focus on his new leisure firm, and he's got big plans for three-floor Fat Buddha bar and restaurant
A leading businessman who swapped Wearside for Wembley has taken the reins at prominent Newcastle restaurant Fat Buddha, after returning to the North East to launch his own leisure venture.
Gary Hutchinson, the former Sunderland AFC commercial director, announced last month that he would be leaving his role as Head of Club Wembley working for the Football Association, to concentrate on a private leisure venture.
He has set up Chrysalis Leisure with plans to pursue a number of venues in the North East.
And his first move sees him take control of the 55 Degrees North-based venue, Fat Buddha Newcastle..
Under his ownership, Fat Buddha Newcastle will undergo a soft refurbishment, with a relaunched food menu, and the addition of a trendy new bar below the main restaurant space.
The relaunch will see Hutchinson open Nirvana Bar on the lower floor of the venue, a 500-capacity late-night bar, featuring live music and a DJ, as well as new decor and a new drinks menu.
Mr Hutchinson said: "The Fat Buddha has earned a deserved reputation as a brand that is ahead of its time - stylish, sophisticated but relaxed, and somewhere peopple come to for a quality experience, with great food, drinks and service.
"I want to build on the fantastic work of Bob and his team, and give the venue a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
"We have a uniwue venue and a stunning proposition overall at Fat Buddha Newcastle - we believe we can build on that and re-establish it, once again, as a must-visit Tyneside venue.
"We know we have a strong offer as a place for corporate functions and events, so we expect to see the company quickly establish itself, with Christmas fast-apporaching, and with a new menu and offer, we hope to attract a new crowd to come and enjoy the venue."
Mr Hutchinson said he hopes to ad more venues across the North East to Chrysalis Leisure's portfolio.
He has been researching new concepts around the UK and beyond, and plans to intorduce new exciting features to the Newcastle venue.
Once he has re-established Fat Buddha, he plans to take on consultancy projects across the UK, as another function of the newly incorporated business.
Bob Senior, who founded the restaurant in 2012, said: "IT's been five fantastic years since I set up Fat Buddha Newcastle, and I have thoroughly enjoyed opening a venue is in safe hands under his leadership, particularly as he has invested his own money in the project. I look forward to supporting him as he takes the business forward."