'Really proud': Wolverhampton all you can eat world buffet restaurant Cosmo celebrates 15 years of success after serving more than two million meals at its all you eat buffet
Wolverhampton's popular COSMO restaurant at Bentley Bridge retail park marked its 15th anniversary with a vibrant celebration attended by local dignitaries, loyal customers and suppliers.
The event on Friday June 20, which featured a traditional lion dance and speeches, commemorated a significant milestone for the all you can eat buffet establishment which serves up dishes from around the world.
Multi-award winning entrepreneur Kan Koo, director of COSMO Restaurant Group, expressed his delight at marking the anniversary, saying: "It's a milestone. I'm feeling really good and really proud."
He acknowledged the current difficulties facing businesses in the hospitality sector amid the cost of living crisis but affirmed Cosmo's resilience, saying: "It's very challenging for the hospitality sector right now with the cost of living crisis, lots of other businesses are going down, but we're ploughing on and keeping our heads above water. We always remain positive."
Mr. Koo, who has been in the restaurant industry for 40 years, was made an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King's New Year Honours List for his services to the hospitality industry and he was presented with the honour at Windsor Castle on May 13 by HRH Prince William.
Mr Koo, who has picked up numerous accolades over the years for COSMO including Golden Chopsticks Awards and a top award for the UK's best buffet at the annual Food Awards England in 2023, said he was overjoyed with the Royal recognition.
He added: "I didn't even know who nominated me. It was a really pleasant surprise. I'm delighted with the recognition."
The honour acknowledges his significant contributions to the sector.
Shortly before receiving news of the honour at the end of last year, he also appointed Honorary President of the UK Chinese Culinary Culture Association which works to elevate Chinese cuisine in the UK and Europe to new heights.
COSMO's success is evident in its impressive numbers, catering for approximately 3,000 covers a week and 150,000-160,000 a year - equalling more than two million meals over the past 15 years.
Beyond Wolverhampton, the COSMO brand encompasses a further 20 other UK restaurants, with Mr Koo also owning the COSMO eatery in Derby.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, was among the guests at Friday's celebration.
He said: "This branch of COSMO is more than a restaurant, it's a gathering place, a second home, a place where families celebrate, friends reconnect and cultures are shared plate by plate."
The Mayor praised Mr Koo for "being the beating heart" of the restaurant. He said: "From opening day to today he has led with passion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
"It's no surprise that this was recognised nationally when he was named business person of the year 2023 at the London Hilton and again when he received the diversity and inclusion award in Birmingham earlier this year."
He added that Mr Koo's MBE, awarded last month, was a moment of pride, not just for the recipient but for the Wolverhampton community.
