All MCA Insight articles in April 2024 – Page 2
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NewsFraud charges denied by ex-Patisserie Valerie finance team
The former CFO of Patisserie Valerie along with three other defendants have denied being part of a plot to commit fraud at the collapsed cafe chain
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NewsPopeyes UK grows to £100m sales
The TDR Capital-backed business, which just opened a new drive-thru site in Salford, has plans for 25+ sites for the year ahead
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Analysis & InsightWould you pay hundreds of pounds to skip the queue for a restaurant?
Impatient diners are avoiding waiting lists by buying their way into London’s most sought-after venues
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NewsFamily calls for tougher pub rules
Landlords at the Stag and Pheasant in south Wales pleaded guilty to health and safety failings after a woman suffered a fractured skull due to dim lighting and poor signage
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InterviewsPrivate equity backing has made casual dining market ‘lazy,’ Hestia boss warns
Restaurateur and marketing expert Andrew Fishwick told City A.M. the market had become “really lazy” and “poor value”
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Analysis & InsightThe secret to success for restaurants, according to Britain’s longest-running venues
Several restaurants mark significant anniversaries this year – including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, which turns 40 – as one of Britain’s most celebrated restaurateurs, Jeremy King, returns. The people behind Britain’s longest-standing restaurants share the secrets of their success
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NewsToca Social announces new investment
The immersive soccer and dining experience, which has plans to open in major cities across the UK, has received an investment from Norwegian Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen
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NewsRevised Deposit Return Scheme ‘significant victory’ for hospitality
Hospitality venues will no longer be required to act as a return point, a key ask due to the cost and complexity involved, according to UKHospitality
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NewsChipotle keen to unlock growth potential in Europe
The new leadership team will drive forward a “compelling proposition,” says CEO Brian Niccol, as the fast casual Mexican chain reports $2.7bn in quarterly sales
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Analysis & InsightDeliveries continue to rise at expense of takeaways
Like-for-like delivery sales rose 5% year-on-year in March, while takeaway and click-and-collect orders dropped 3%, according to CGA
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NewsLoungers delivers record revenue
The all-day cafe, bar, and restaurant operator has reported £353.5m in revenue for the 53 weeks ended 21 April 2024, reflecting both strong like-for-like sales growth and the success of the openings programme
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InterviewsCoqfighter pivots back to bricks-and-mortar expansion
The fried chicken concept is keen to reach the 20-site mark as it prepares to open its first site in Brighton, with more to be added to the pipeline this year, co-founder Tristan Clough tells MCA
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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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Article
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