All MCA Insight articles in August 2025 – Page 2
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InterviewsChopstix explores new growth opportunities through format innovation
The pan-Asian QSR brand’s new modular ‘small box’ format “significantly broadens” the brand’s reach into markets where a traditional site would not be viable, MD Jon Lake tells MCA
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Event NewsNew sessions announced for MCA’s Innovation Conference
Azzurri Group, Starbucks, Star Pubs & Bars Papa Johns have joined the line-up at the new conference on 9 October.
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Analysis & InsightHospitality businesses operating at reduced capacity
Almost three-quarters (69%) of those surveyed were operating at or below 85% of required capacity, after the government’s tax rises have forced them to cut their workforce, a new sector survey has found.
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Analysis & InsightPub and bar visit frequency up 4.3% in past year
Growth in pub and bar visits is being fuelled by younger, more affluent consumers, with the channel also growing its overall share of occasions, a new Lumina Intelligence report has found.
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NewsRestaurant launches UK’s first bottled water menu
La Popote, a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant in Cheshire, has introduced what is believed to be the UK’s first bottled water menu, priced between £5 and £19
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NewsPunch Pubs to double single-site acquisitions in next 12 months
Head of acquisitions Andrew Cannons said both single-site and package deals are already in the pipeline, with the company committed to growing its estate
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InterviewsThorley Taverns: 'The NI changes were catastrophic for hospitality'
The 18-strong pub chain has reported strong summer trading across its estate on the Kent coast, though director Philip Thorley warns rising costs and government policy are damaging margins
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InterviewsHeavenly Desserts: ‘We are likely to beat our openings target’
The 60-strong dessert café franchise has opened six UK sites this year and optimistic it will beat its “conservative” target of 10 openings, with international growth to come on top of that, managing director Yousif Aslam has told MCA.
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NewsNTIA warns on ‘devastating’ pub losses as more than 200 close in six months
Data analysed by Ryan shows 209 pubs in England and Wales closed permanently in the first six months of the year, the equivalent of eight a week
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NewsKnoops appoints Martin Long as CFO
Long, former CEO of Game Group, joined Knoops as a NED earlier this year and now takes on the CFO role following the departure of Lorraine Dunbar
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NewsLondon pub introduces bar service charge
Glendola Leisure has introduced a 4% service charge on food and drink at its Well and Boot pub in Waterloo station, according to reports
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NewsHomeslice creditors approve CVA as part of rescue plan
The London pizza concept has entered into a CVA after its restructuring proposals were approved by members and creditors
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InterviewsWatchHouse to add ten sites across UK and US by end of financial year
The premium café chain is preparing for its next phase of growth with new tech, an expanded US presence, and the launch of international franchising
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NewsSoho House & Co signs take-private agreement; appoints new CFO
The London-based operator of private members’ clubs has signed a $1.8bn agreement with MCR – the US’s third largest hotel operator, in a deal which will see it exit the New York Stock Exchange.
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NewsBrakspear reports fall in adjusted EBITDA
The Henley-based pub operator saw adjusted EBITDA decline by 2%, to £10.7m, for the year to 29 December 2024, however turnover was up 7% to £41.3m
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NewsChaiiwala opens first motorway service station site
Opening at Watford Gap Roadchef Services, the new container-base format supports the Indian street food and café brand’s strategy to expand through the more diverse formats, in high-footfall, on-the-go locations.
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NewsSoho House closes in on $1.8bn take-private deal
A group of investors headed by headed by New York-based MCR Hotels is nearing an agreement to buy out Soho House’s remaining public shareholders at about $9 a share, according to reports
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NewsWahaca returns to profit
The Mexican restaurant group reported a profit before tax of £0.7m for the 53 weeks to 30 June 2024 – up from a loss of £0.7m the prior year, according to its latest accounts
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NewsMcWin & TriSpan team up to acquire Flat Iron
The two private equity firms have secured a co-control majority investment in FI Holdings Limited, which operates the 18-strong chain of Flat Iron restaurants, for an undisclosed sum, with existing investor Piper to exit the business as part of the deal.
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Weekend PressHow a flood of cheap British octopus is changing restaurant menus
Today, the common octopus is finding its way onto the plates of diners across the country after an influx of the cephalopods to British oceans not seen for 75 years