PizzaExpress breaks the £100 million profit barrier for first time in 50-year history

PizzaExpress has smashed through the £100 million profit barrier for the first time in its 50-year history as it cashed in on the recovering economy with consumers eating out more often.

The restaurants chain, which backed down this year over its controversial decision to skim 8% of tips left by credit and debit cards for staff, racked up a sales boost of 9.5% to £427.7 million in the year to June 28.

Chief executive Richard Hodgson said a revamped menu, strong sales of its pizzas, dressings and pastas through supermarkets, and the takeover of 27 franchises in China helped underlying pre-tax profits rise 12.9% to £100.2 million.

PizzaExpress launched a delivery service last month, with two restaurants covering selected London postcodes.

Hodgson descried the scheme as successful and said the company expects to roll it out.