All MCA Insight articles in April 2026 – Page 5
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NewsPuttshack warns of ‘material uncertainty’ over parent company covenant breaches
The competitive socialising group says its parent company is actively discussing refinancing options amid forecasts it will breach it covenants at various testing dates over the next year
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NewsDigital kitchen solutions supplier BOTINKIT raises $50m
The robotics- and AI-powered supplier has successfully closed B+ and B++ financing rounds, as it prepares to launch its new ‘Restaurant as a Service’ model
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NewsGail’s considers reformulating menu to reduce calories
Speaking at the Food & Drink Expo, operations director Edyta Stec revealed that the premium bakery chain is exploring how it can better cater to health-conscious customers, as well as those on GLP-1 drugs
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NewsEL&N slows down expansion in favour of profitability
The premium all-day café group, which operates 13 sites in the UK alongside a substantial overseas estate, will take a more selective approach to growth, according to UK director Hani Taleb
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NewsBow Street Group is ‘moving at pace’ to improve trading
While FY25 revenue declined as expected, the group has seen trading stablise across its Wildwood and dim t restaurant brands as a result of its new growth strategy, with strong like-for-like sales growth in FY26 to date, and is in active discussions with several potential acquisition targets, spanning European and Asian cuisine.
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NewsVeeno goes into administration for second time
Joint administrators from Exigen Group have been appointed to Vintage Corporation Limited, the parent company of the Italian wine bar and restaurant chain, after it has struggled with cost pressures
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NewsFranco Manca to close 16 sites under CVA
Fulham Shore CEO Marcel Khan says the process will see ‘a minority proportion of restaurants closing where they are no longer sustainable in this cost environment’
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NewsStonegate: ‘Constructive discussions ongoing with landlords’
The pub and bar group is working with advisors at FRP to restructure its leasehold business in response to inflationary and tax pressures
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Analysis & InsightThe growing appeal of ‘kids eat free’ deals
For parents and caregivers, the appeal of children eat free offers are undeniable – and it’s a promotional tool an increasing number of operators are using to get customers through the door. But what’s driving this growth and what are the risks involved?
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NewsTilray: ‘We see a clear path to rebuilding BrewDog towards $1bn valuation’
The brewery business’s new owner says it expects BrewDog to be cash flow positive in 2027 and is making targeted investments in its brand and brewpub estate
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NewsHalf of Franco Manca closures to be based in London
MCA understands eight of the 16 restaurants earmarked for closure are in the capital with the rest spread across the UK covering sites in Glasgow, Hove and Plymouth, amongst others.
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InterviewsBow Street Group: ‘We’re only interested in profitable businesses’
The Wildwood and Dim T operator is looking to announce its first acquisition ‘as soon as possible’, with potential targets including everything from Asian cuisine to cafés and casual dining, executive chairman David Page tells MCA
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NewsWar in Iran could lead to food shortages in Britain this summer
There are fears the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will lead to carbon dioxide shortages, impacting food and drink supply chains in the UK that could hit hospitality hard
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NewsHow Joe & the Juice’s Maya Jama collab is elevating matcha
The limited-edition, collagen-infused drink sees the brand continue to branch out beyond its core offer, as it looks to drive footfall among younger consumers and capitalise on the rapidly growing matcha category
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NewsEsquires Coffee reports strong systemwide sales growth across UK and Ireland
The Cooks Coffee-owned brand has reported a 22.8% increase in full year group store sales, supported by ongoing expansion of its franchised estate
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NewsYousif Aslam exits Heavenly Desserts
Aslam, who founded the dessert café franchise with Mohammad Imran back in 2008, says he leaves the business in the hands of ‘a highly capable and committed leadership team’
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NewsJoe & The Juice valued at £1.35bn
The Danish juice and food to go brand has secured a strategic minority investment from Emirates International Investment Company (EIIC), with General Atlantic to remain majority shareholder following the deal
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NewsMEATliquor appoints administrators
The official confirmation comes after the brand closed restaurants in Islington, Clapham Junction, Queensway and Brighton last month
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NewsUber adds £200m stake to Delivery Hero
The US tech company will acquire an additional 4.5% stake in its rival in an opportunistic deal, as Delivery Hero’s owner Prosus has agreed to sell down its stake to comply with EU competition rules
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InterviewsGiggling Squid focuses on larger city sites
Alongside enhancing its delivery offer, the Thai-inspired restaurant group is launching multimillion-pound investments in Exeter and Newcastle, the latter its biggest venue yet, CEO Andy Laurillard tells MCA