Mel Flaherty
Mel Flaherty is a columnist for MCA.
- News
Swingers secures site for US debut
The Institute of Competitive Socialising, the group behind Swingers, has secured a site in New York for its first overseas operation, MCA has learnt.
- Opinion
Rejoice in the salad days
When Vincent McKevitt cobbled together a student loan, a bank loan and five credit cards, he started Tossed. Mel Flaherty discusses his vision of a cashless, health-conscious future.
- Analysis & Insight
Down Mexico way
There’s nothing like the start of a new year to get all and sundry dusting off the crystal ball to predict the ‘next big thing’. It does not seem very long ago that Mexican food was being touted by the annual soothsayers as the category to watch in the UK. How time flies
- Opinion
Ramen home a good idea
When Emma Reynolds began a noodle business with her flatmate, she never expected the potential to be realised so quickly and in such an impressive manner. Mel Flaherty catches up with the former microbiology student
- News
Power of good for D&W chief
As Mel Marriott prepares to unveil the fifth Darwin & Wallace pub, this time at the new Battersea Power Station site, she talks to Mel Flaherty about how the area provides the style for each outlet and the potential for expansion, especially outside London
- Analysis & Insight
Affordable quality at Flat Iron
From his first pop-up to a fourth site in London, Flat Iron Steak founder Charlie Carroll has kept a cool head for business as his affordable steak concept takes off. Mel Flaherty reports
- Analysis & Insight
Kings maker
Mixing business and pleasure is part of Jason Katz’s ‘daily grind’. In fact, to the founding partner of Kings Park Capital, the specialist private equity firm dedicated to investing in the leisure industry, they are one and the same. And that’s just how he likes it.
- Analysis & Insight
Ready to Ignite
There may have been a few recent wrinkles that are being ironed out, but Matt Hermer and his Ignite Group are financially firing on all cylinders and looking confidently ahead to expansion
- Analysis & Insight
Aussie feels passion of food in his bones
Having established several Bone Daddies restaurants in London, former rugby player Ross Shonhan tells Mel Flaherty how the ramen business is going and about his beginnings as a chef
- Opinion
Success is history for Dishoom’s cousins
Although raised in England, cousins Shamil and Kavi Thakrar have taken the theme of Iranian immigrants’ cafés in Bombay from almost a century ago to define Dishoom. Mel Flaherty reports
- News
Iberica secures further growth fund
Iberica is on the brink of signing a £3m deal with Santander to fund the next stage of its expansion
- Analysis & Insight
It’s a funny old business running Yummy
Tim Foster, ‘head of mischief’ at Yummy pubco, talks to Mel Flaherty about his childhood influences and adult acceptance of his shortcomings
- Opinion
The enlightened restaurateur
Simon Mullins is not only passionate about food and drink, he also has a passion for the people who work for him. The Salt Yard Group boss opens up to Mel Flaherty
- Analysis & Insight
Feasting on a US fraternity model
The frat-house concept so beloved by American educational institutions may never have caught on over here, but that hasn’t stopped entrepreneur Jez Hall using it to full effect at his Earlham Street Clubhouse
- Opinion
Clevely on track
Gastropub pioneer Rupert Clevely is turning his hand to a new concept, with the opening of Refreshment Rooms - The Cyclist last week, an innovative cafe bar at Brighton train station. Mel Flaherty talks to him
- Opinion
Sparking diners’ imagination
For Charterhouse Leisure CEO John Gater, theatre is of paramount concern at the company’s successful Coal Grill & Bar chain, where he’s mastering the art of delegation. Mel Flaherty reports
- Opinion
How three Australians ground out success
Nick Tolley tells Mel Flaherty how he and two siblings turned the coffee-shop brand Harris+Hoole into a booming business
- Opinion
Working on many fronts
James Horler, CEO of 3Sixty Restaurants, tells Mel Flaherty about the firm’s turtle-like rate of growth and why restaurant diners just want to be entertained
- Analysis & Insight
Taking Mexican street food to new heights
Wahaca co-founder Mark Selby’s entrepreneurial approach to business development is helping to grow the number of sites and expand the concept
- Opinion
The little chain with Bigg ambitions
Led by Richard Bigg – a man who excels in creating authentic Spanish eating and drinking experiences – highly regarded Camino is on the cusp of an ambitious programme for growth