All MCA Insight articles in August 2025 – Page 4
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News
Dave’s Hot Chicken launches in Manchester
The QSR concept will expand further in the North, with its Manchester opening contributing to a 37% increase in visitor numbers
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News
Loungers celebrates 300 sites
The all day café/bar/restaurant group continues to see potential for 600+ sites in the long term, and marks its 300th opening this week with Antico Lounge in Alton
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News
Gerry’s Hot Subs looks to add two
The premium sandwich concept has offers in place for two sites in high-footfall commuter stations, founder Andre Blais confirms to MCA
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News
David Page steps down as Meatliquor non-exec
The former exec chairman at Fulham Shore has stepped down as a director at Scott Collin’s MeatLiquor business, following his newly-announced role at Tasty, but he will remain a shareholder, Page confirmed to MCA
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News
XP Factory sees ‘marked turnover’ in like-for-likes
The experiential leisure group said its Boom Battle Bar and Escape Hunt brands had returned to growth following a challenging first quarter due to the unseasonally warm weather and economic instability
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News
Dishoom reports 17% increase in turnover for 2024
The Indian restaurant group, which recently received investment from L Catterton, delivered substantial revenue and EBITDA growth in FY24, with positive momentum continuing into 2025
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Analysis & Insight
Hospitality continues to ‘bear brunt’ of job losses
Around 84,000 jobs have been lost in the hospitality sector since the government announced changes to NICs contributions last year, with younger workers the hardest hit, UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls says
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Opinion
Emotional intelligence: The new frontier in guest experiences
Increasingly, the most memorable guest experiences are not defined by luxury amenities or flawless execution, but by emotional resonance, moments of empathy, recognition, and genuine human connection
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News
McDonald’s UK&I: 'Additional franchisees key to growth plans'
The fast food chain is looking to double the number of franchisees it recruits on an annual basis in order to reach its goal of opening 100 restaurants over the next 18 months – and beyond, chief executive Alistair Macrow shares
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Interviews
The Salad Project targets travel hubs and neighbourhood locations
The London-based concept is expanding its format mix into travel hubs and neighbourhood locations, alongside the launch of a new beverage offer and retail line, co-founder Florian de Chezelles tells MCA.
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News
Chopstix debuts ‘small box’ format at Butlins
The pan-Asian QSR chain has launched a new concept with a smaller, 20sq m, footprint and lower capital investment than a traditional Chopstix store
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Interviews
Bear Café eyes Midlands-to-South expansion
Co-founder Craig Bunting says the eight-strong brand is focused on growing its presence in the South, while refining its menu, investing in new tech platforms, and exploring future formats
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News
Wenzel’s signs first franchising deal, plans rollout
The British bakery chain has signed its first franchise agreement with Southern Co-op, as it looks to expand in new regions, with Guildford as its first opening under the partnership
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Interviews
EL&N readies new formats, new markets and UK travel hub push
The London-born café brand is set to accelerate expansion, with CEO and founder Alexandra Miller revealing plans for more compact, high-traffic formats, experiential flagships, and entry into new territories
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Analysis & Insight
Restaurants, cafes and bakeries boost hospitality spend
Consumer spending on eating and drinking out in restaurants, cafes and bakeries increased by 1.9% in July, according to Barclays latest Consumer Spend Report, however spend dipped at bars, pubs and clubs.
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News
Greene King transitions 30% of managed pubs to fully electric kitchens
The pub giant said 473 kitchens now operate without gas, with further conversions underway as part of pub investment projects
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News
Star Pubs to create nine flagship darts pubs
The £120,000 investment will help increase dwell time, boost sales and encourages repeat visits, as well as building atmosphere and energy in pubs
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News
Just Eat Takeaway takeover approved
The European Commission has approved the €4.1bn takeover of Just Eat Takeaway by Prosus, after the technology investment group offered to make significant concessions in order to gain permission for the food-delivery deal
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News
In pictures: Giggling Squid York
The Thai restaurant chain launched in the former Banks Music Room on Lendal last week, opening a 213-cover venue spanning two floors
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Interviews
Buzzworks sees ‘no shortage’ of opportunities
Following a recent family MBO, the Scottish operator hopes to add multiple new sites by the end of the year, amid plans to expand into accommodation, MD Kenny Blair tells MCA