New openings: The Big Easy for Covent Garden?

Reports suggest The Big Easy will replace a branch of The Mongolian Barbeque on Maiden Lane, on a site which it already owns.

Carluccio's is to open in Pinner, succeeding a branch of Brasserie Gerard on the town’s high street. It hopes to open in the spring.

Mexican chain Wahaca has acquired a site on Charlotte Street from MARC Restaurants. The restaurant, the chain’s seventh, will open later this year. MARC will use the premium from the deal to open in Mayfair.

Also opening up on Charlotte Street is fast-growing bistro chain Cote. It is taking on the lease of Indian restaurant Rasa and will open a new 110-cover restaurant on the spot soon.

Denmark-based Sticks n Sushi will open its first UK site in Wimbledon in mid-March, as forecast last year by Peach Report. The 100-cover restaurant joins nine branches of the chain in Denmark.

Department store Harrods is to launch new two new Asian restaurants in its food hall. South east Asian style Pan Chai and Thai concept Mango Tree will both open in April, and are being launched in collaboration with restaurateur Eddie Lim and chef Ian Pengelley.

Chimichanga, the casual Mexican chain from Prezzo, will open its 15th restaurant in Bournemouth next Thursday (1 March).

Le Pain Quotidien is opening up in Chiswick. It will succeed Balans on the High road there. The chain currently has 13 sites in London, with more lined up in Wardour Street and Kendal Street too.

Loungers has picked up two more sites for its Cosy Club format in Cardiff and Salisbury. The Cardiff site will be in the city’s St David’s 2 shopping centre, while the Salisbury one is in the city’s former arts college. Loungers already runs successful Cosy Clubs in Bath, Taunton, Stamford and Exeter.