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Analysis & InsightRestaurant outlet growth to stabilise
The sector is moving towards consolidation, with companies optimising operations and scaling up through strategic restructuring and acquisitions to boost financial outcomes, according to Lumina Intelligence
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NewsIn pictures: Albert’s Schloss unveils London debut
The Bavarian bier palace concept will open its doors on Shaftesbury Avenue on 5 July, with a spacious 18,000 sq ft venue featuring five bars and an on-site bakery
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InterviewsTortilla: ‘London is really booming’
CEO Andy Naylor speaks to MCA about strong recovery in the capital, the current trading landscape, franchising opportunities, and a directional change in food innovation
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MAY 2024
MCA’s May edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore the ascent of specialty coffee and how challenger brands have risen in a space previously dominated by mass market behemoths. Our newest writer, Simon Brooke, analyses the struggles of late night operators and the emergence of new, evolved concepts fighting for a share of consumers’ wallets. The edition also includes interviews with Dishoom as the much loved restaurant brand expands a new bar concept, and with Wahaca on its reimagined brand proposition as the company returns to the expansion trail. We also speak to Wingstop about the brand’s meteoric rise as it gears up for a record-breaking year, as well as Keystone Brewing Group on the outlook for breweries at a challenging time. Trends strategist Tom Gatehouse explores the rise of the smashburger phenomenon, while industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their view on engaging with a new administration, reducing Scope 3 emissions, and Hostmore’s acquisition of its franchisor TGI Fridays.
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NewsNew senior appointments at State of Play
The experiential leisure operator has promoted Nicola Blackford to chief commercial officer and Sam Pollard to UK MD as it continues to look for expansion opportunities overseas
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NewsRedemption Roasters closes investment round
The specialty coffee chain plans to open 17 new sites in London by 2026, with revenues forecast to exceed £25m
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NewsThree Joes confirms site closures
The Neapolitan pizza concept said it had struggled to keep some of its venues viable amid the cost of living crisis, albeit three locations remain open and trading
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NewsPret announces board changes
JAB partner Konrad Meyer has been appointed chairman, succeeding Olivier Goudet, while Pret co-founder Sinclair Beecham rejoins the business
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NewsTortilla looks ahead to improved consumer outlook
The fast casual Mexican group reported a 14% increase in revenue at 3.6% increase in like-for-like sales in 2023, with consumer demand expected to further recover later this year
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InterviewsThe Little Door & Co: ‘We like to do things differently’
Jamie Hazeel and Kamran Dehdashti, co-founders of the house party-inspired bar concept, speak to MCA about picking up expansion and defying the late-night sector downturn