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Analysis & Insight
The immense potential of generative AI
As big brands latch onto the potential of artifical intelligence, Simon Brooke looks at how the likes of Chipotle, Domino’s, Roasting Plant Coffee and more are driving efficiencies, controlling costs and creating consistency in their businesses
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Analysis & Insight
Deliveroo: ‘The foundation is trust’
The delivery company shares new insights into how it is harnessing customer data as well as opportunities for restaurant partners to build loyalty on the platform
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Analysis & Insight
Location vs Brand Delivery: Getting the balance right
Compromises can be necessary when fitting a brand into a given location, but operators should be wary of making trade-offs which impact the guest experience, team delivery and ultimately the return on investment of the site, Jay Heathcote writes
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Analysis & Insight
‘Still lots of whitespace for Loungers’
Despite continuing to expand at pace – with 17 new sites opened in the 24 weeks to 6 October – analyst Berenberg is confident it still has “significant amounts of white space in which to roll out sites”
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Analysis & Insight
Marston’s turns round ‘historically disappointing’ cash generation
Analysts said the pub company’s latest trading update was “highly encouraging,” with increasing balance sheet flexibility and the potential for an upward revision of its property valuation
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Analysis & Insight
Unlocking potential: How hospitality operators are giving prison leavers a second chance
With prisons in England and Scotland nearing maximum capacity, and amid high re-offending rates, could the labour-challenged hospitality sector play a part in the rehabilitative solution? MCA speaks to operators working with prisoners looking to turn their life around, featuring Greene King, Pret and Redemption Roasters
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Analysis & Insight
Cost-conscious consumers continue to cut spend
Pubs, bars, and clubs saw limited year-on-year growth at 0.6% in September 2024, down from 3.2% in August, while restaurants fared better at 1.4%, according to Barclaycard
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Analysis & Insight
Friends reunited at Amber Taverns
Bill Priestly, whose firm Epiris has acquired Amber Taverns, previously backed a management buyout of the James Baer-led community pub company in 2010 as part of LGV, when it had just 56 pubs
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Analysis & Insight
Dishoom’s new menu is a strong mass market offer
Fourteen years since it was founded, Dishoom has a well-earned position as a leader in Indian cuisine in the UK, introducing the British palate to flavours that go beyond the curryhouses of old. As it shifts its influence further to northern India, the offering shows a maturing group favouring comfort and broad appeal over risk-taking
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Analysis & Insight
Drinks sales down in soggy end to September
Widespread wet weather pushed drinks sales into negative year-on-year performance last week, according to CGA by NIQ’s Daily Drinks Tracker
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Analysis & Insight
QSR: Newcomers vs incumbents
As more homegrown and international quick service brands enter the market, operations specialist Jay Heathcote explores how these fare against the more established brands, in terms of offering, digital, service, upkeep, relevance and vaue
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Analysis & Insight
The value of brand partnerships
From Heinz’s collaborations with GDK and Morley’s, Papa Johns x Tabasco to PizzaExpress’ tie-up with Schwartz, MCA explores the emerging trend for brand partnerships, and the potential for increased brand visibility, customer engagement and mutual growth
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Analysis & Insight
Deliveroo unveils vision for the future
A focus on personalisation, integration, and a user-led experience will lead the outlook for the delivery platform, alongside more social elements and health-led trends
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Analysis & Insight
Modern British – fusion phoenix rising
While historically banished to the realms of ‘bland’ and ‘boring’, British cuisine continues to be expertly yanked back onto the culinary map by pioneering operators making their own rules, writes Egg Soldiers’ Tom Gatehouse
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Analysis & Insight
Restaurants ponder price increases as new tip-sharing law comes into force
Ban on using optional payments to cover costs or boost profits has bosses and their staff worried
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Analysis & Insight
Alcohol moderation on the up as young people prioritise health
The number of consumers drinking zero-alcohol or low-alcohol drinks has increased by 6% since last year, according to Drinkaware’s 2024 Monitor, with one in four 18-24-year-olds teetotal.
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Analysis & Insight
Pizzarova: Genuine and authentic customer service
Operations specialist Jay Heathcote tips the Bristol-based sourdough pizza operator as one to watch, where he finds intelligent, effective customer service driving impressive volume across multiple sales channels
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Analysis & Insight
Restaurants achieve strong summer of delivery sales
Year-on-year increases in deliveries have been comfortably above the rate of inflation throughout 2024, according to CGA by NIQ
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Analysis & Insight
Quick service: Why fast food franchising rules the roost
With convenient locations, good value for money and quick service, Simon Brooke hears how strong brands and their independent operator partners are sharing the spoils of the QSR boom
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Analysis & Insight
A fresh start for Frankie & Benny’s
MCA visits the Italian American concept’s newly revamped outpost at The Strand to explore whether the new direction and brunch can re-energise the legacy brand