All interviews
Interviews with the leading voices of the UK eating and drinking out industry
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Interviews
TGI Fridays deal ‘pretty huge win’ for both businesses
Speaking after an agreement was announced for Hostmore to acquire the US-based TGI Fridays in a reverse takeover, chairman Stephen Welker tells MCA how the business has not received due credit in the market for its turnaround
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Interviews
Gail’s: ‘We’ve kept the brand at its purest’
MD Marta Pogroszewska speaks about the premium bakery concept’s approach to scaling nationwide and its appetite for testing new models, as it prepares to open its 131st shop this week
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Interviews
Papa Johns harnesses the power of culture to fuel innovation
International R&D director Adam Wilcock tells MCA how the brand intends to stand out in a cluttered pizza market and focus on innovation that stays true to cultural nuances in the UK
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Interviews
Portobello Pubs: Darwin & Wallace a ‘highly complementary’ acquisition
Chairman Mark Crowther tells MCA the group has already begun harmonising its supply chain and sharing best practice, and is “delighted” to add seven high-volume venues in prime locations under its umbrella
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Interviews
Little Caesars sets sights on bigger city locations
The US pizza chain sees the UK as a key market for global expansion with a vision to develop 20 stores in the next five to six years, according to Carlos Vidal, VP of International Development.
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Interviews
Arc Inspirations: ‘There’s huge opportunity in London’
The BOX and Manahatta operator sees potential for 20-30 sites in the capital, CEO Martin Wolstencroft tells MCA
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Interviews
Individual Restaurants: ‘We’re a better version of ourselves’
As the Piccolino operator gears up for a summer of new openings, CEO Andrew Garton tells MCA the business is in good shape and reports strong sales and cover growth in recent months
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Interviews
Dishoom: ‘We’re very excited about Permit Room’
The drinks-led concept retains classic Dishoom dishes but stands on its own two feet, with plans to open at least one more Permit Room this year, managing director Brian Trollip tells MCA
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Interviews
Hestia Hospitality: ‘There’s never a better time to be in acquisition mode’
The newly launched investment vehicle is looking to make a further two investments this year as part of a three-year target to reach revenues of £100m, CEO Andrew Fishwick tells MCA
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Interviews
Nightcap: ‘2024 looks to be a year of consolidation’
The late night sector is being reshaped through restructuring and consolidation, and Nightcap will continue to keep a close eye on opportunities - despite challenges with profitability and an exodus of capital, according to directors Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd
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Interviews
Westmorland Family: Another way of doing motorway services
CEO Nabil Subuh explores why there is space in the market for a roadside brand committed to providing seasonal, locally sourced food, and giving back to communities
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Interviews
Keystone Brewing Group: ‘We fell in love with the beer sector’
Following the rebranding of Breal Group, Keystone’s head of brewing operations, Mark Williams, speaks to MCA about resuscitating ailing breweries while building an estate of pubs - all part of a plan to grow sales to £100m by 2028
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Interviews
Wetherspoon eyes franchising abroad
Chairman Sir Tim Martin said the business is considering opening franchise pubs in airports outside the UK, as it makes its way towards the 1,000 pub milestone
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Interviews
Thesleff Group targets strategic expansion
The Markus Thesleff led business is gearing up for its most ambitious project to date; the 14,000 sqft Los Mochis London City, whilst the group eyes international brand expansion in the US and Middle East
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Interviews
Shepherd Neame: Normal patterns of demand and investment are returning
CEO Jonathan Neame discusses improving footfall and dwell time in London, the dampening impact of inclement weather on coastal towns, and when falling inflation might boost net disposable income among consumers
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Interviews
Bubba Oasis sets sights on London expansion
The neighbourhood clubhouse brand sees opportunity for its unique positioning as daytime co-working space and late-night party spot
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Interviews
Bewiched Coffee shifts focus to drive-thru
The Midlands based business has five drive thru sites in the pipeline, and looks towards opening the first with a coffee roastery on site at Wellingborough Glenvale Park, founder Matt Fountain tells MCA
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Interviews
Naan Staap aims for 10 sites in 2024
The Pakistani café brand has ambitions to open 20 UK stores by the end of 2025 and sees strong potential for international expansion, according to founder Zohaib Shahnawaz
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Interviews
MB Chicken: ‘We want to be the premier global chicken brand’
The Canada-founded chicken brand is spearheading international expansion in the UK, with plans for rapid growth with a select group of franchise partners, VP International Development Dylan Powell tells MCA
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Interviews
BP: Multi-mission, frictionless interactions top of mind
With increasing digitisation, longer dwell times and made-to-order food offers, BP’s forecourts are evolving, Jo Hayward tells MCA’s Food to Go conference