Food Studio has made a significant advancement in its growth strategy with the introduction of two new dining concepts, Primo and Smashy, at Arcade Independence Square. This marks a pivotal moment for the company, as it ventures beyond conventional mall settings. The opening signifies the fourth outlet for Primo and the inaugural standalone location for Smashy, underscoring a trend towards independent, high-potential lifestyle venues.
Founded by Liberty Lands & Developments, Food Studio serves as a multi-brand dining initiative aimed at developing scalable, in-house culinary brands. Since its establishment, the company has progressively expanded its offerings, with Primo being its fastest-growing brand, and Smashy making its first appearance earlier this January. The launch at Independence Arcade Square represents a new chapter in Food Studio’s journey, bringing its brands closer to customers in their everyday environments.
The recent opening highlights the momentum behind Primo, whose swift growth reflects increasing consumer interest and an effective alignment with market demands. Concurrently, Smashy’s transition to a standalone venue showcases Food Studio’s belief in the potential appeal of its offerings outside traditional malls. Collectively, these brands aim to provide a more accessible and convenient dining experience, enhancing the ease of ordering for delivery.
Situated in one of Colombo’s key lifestyle areas, the new location is anticipated to boost customer engagement and enhance brand visibility in a bustling, experience-driven environment. This launch also reinforces Food Studio’s commitment to the long-term viability of its homegrown brands and its capacity to expand their reach.
Naveed Cader, Managing Director of Food Studio and Group CEO of Liberty Lands & Developments, remarked, “Food Studio’s move away from traditional mall environments aligns with the evolving direction of Liberty Lands. We are honing our focus on critical growth sectors such as cinema, food and beverage, hospitality, and selective real estate projects. We see significant long-term potential in developing quality Sri Lankan brands that resonate with contemporary consumers. Brands like Primo and Smashy have already achieved strong local acceptance, and we believe they possess the capability to grow well beyond their existing locations. Our vision is not only to support Food Studio’s ongoing expansion in Sri Lanka but also to explore how these local brands can enter international markets through effective management and franchising opportunities.”
Nadeem Rajabdeen, CEO of Food Studio, added, “We initially operated as a food court, but it became evident over time that we could capitalize on the opportunity to establish our own brands with a strong identity, quality, and long-term potential. Transitioning to standalone venues is a part of that evolution, allowing us to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Primo and Smashy as homegrown concepts.”
Jesse Aston, Culinary Director of Food Studio, emphasized, “Primo and Smashy are built around the principles of offering fresh, high-quality food that is both unique and approachable. From the localized flavors at Primo to the simple, freshly prepared burgers at Smashy, everything is made in-house with quality and value in mind. We are thrilled to provide this experience in a dynamic location like Arcade Independence Square.”
Looking ahead, Food Studio intends to continue its expansion both domestically and internationally, furthering its goal of developing distinctive dining brands that can thrive in varied settings while adapting to changing consumer behaviors and lifestyle preferences.
