All MCA Insight articles in April 2024 – Page 5
-
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
-
News
Just Eat grows UK sales by 11%
The delivery company accelerated gross transaction value (GTV) growth in Q1 2024, according to an update to the London Stock Exchange
-
News
Revolution Bars sets out restructuring plan
If implemented, the strategy aims to return the company to profitability by improving EBITDA, reducing debt, and enabling a recommencement of the refurbishment program
-
News
Des Gunewardena to launch Engel and Jang
The restaurateur has revealed details about two distinct concepts - a cocktail bar and Korean-Japanese restaurant - launching in the London Royal Exchange this summer
-
News
Hostmore to acquire franchisor TGI Fridays US
The proposed reverse takeover would bring together the casual dining brand’s largest franchisee with its global franchisor for an enterprise value of £177m, with the combined group to be renamed TGI Fridays plc
-
Analysis & Insight
Branded coffee shop operators remain cautious
High inflation has eroded coffee’s affordable luxury status, despite the UK branded coffee shop market achieving sales growth well above pre-pandemic levels, according to the World Coffee Portal
-
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
-
News
Gymkhana Fine Foods raises £2.4m in seed funding
The retail spin-off from JKS Restaurants and former Mars executive Gulrez Arora is being backed by venture capital firm CAVU Consumer Partners
-
News
Bistrot Pierre launches new concept
All-day dining venue Pierre’s focuses on a value for money offering of coffees, cocktails and small plates, and will make its debut in Newport, South Wales next month
-
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
-
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
-
News
BrewDog Bars 2.5% down in 2024
CEO James Watt put the performance down to a challenged start to the year for hospitality, adding that BrewDog remained 10% ahead of the wider industry
-
News
Asahi: Low & no will generate 50% of global sales by 2040
The Japanese brewing company, which owns Fuller’s beer, is expanding its line-up of low & no beverages through investments in start-ups, to cater to a growing number of health-conscious consumers turn away from alcohol
-
News
Fulham Shore turnover nears £100m
Franco Manca and The Real Greek brands both reported strong revenue and estate growth in 2023
-
News
Greggs plans 50 Outlet stores by 2025
The stores serve unsold products at a discounted price, and aim to tackle food waste while helping those living in disadvantaged areas to buy food
-
News
Pret refunds subscribers unable to use app
Cubscribers to Club Pret, which allows customers to order up to five hot drinks a day for a monthly fee of £30, have experienced technical issues and were unable to claim their drinks
-
News
Cooks Coffee sales up 17% to £27.9m
The Esquires operator plans to open more than 10 outlets in Q2 2024
-
News
Pret under pressure to offer all subscribers compensation
Consumer experts have said that the food to go chain could be breaking the law following technical issues with its app
-
News
UK food security at risk because of record rain
The National Farmers’ Union is seeking extra support for growers after England suffered its wettest 18 months since 1836
-
News
Little Chefs: What happened to the roadside diner chain
With 439 restaurants on major routes across the UK, Little Chef once enjoyed a near monopoly on roadside dining. The BBC explores why the restaurant chain disappeared