The Citizens Theatre – Food & Beverage Business Plan Review

Montfort Catering Consultants are working with the Citizens Theatre (the Citz), Glasgow reviewing the business plan in relation to the future food, bar and wider hospitality offer.

The Citizens Theatre closed in summer 2018 to begin a transformation into a modern performing arts venue while preserving its Victorian heritage. Costing in the region of £40 million, the project is the first comprehensive redevelopment of the building since opening in 1878.

Transforming it into an accessible, community-focused arts centre, its expanded café-bar and foyer will serve both theatrical and daily audiences, aiding both public engagement and commercial viability.

A central component of the redesign is the expanded foyer, housing a new bar and enhanced social spaces:

• Located at street level within the new three-storey wrap, the bars will serve audiences pre-show, intermissions, and post-show, as well as daytime visitors, enabling the theatre to function as a community hub and income stream.
• Designed to improve accessibility and hospitality, these modern facilities are integrated into a brighter, glass-fronted foyer with the box office and bar visible from outside—encouraging walk-ins and social interaction.
• The new bars and cafés are part of the theatre’s strategy to bolster financial sustainability, delivering year-round revenue rather than only during performance seasons.

If you’re looking for support to develop your theatre or arts centre food and beverage offer, or would like to discuss how we could support you improve the potential of your existing catering and bars operations, financial return and audience experience, do get in touch for an informal talk with a qualified catering consultant.

Posted on July 4th, 2025