All MCA Insight articles in August 2026
View all stories from this issue.
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Weekend PressNoma restaurant prepares to reopen under new leadership after abuse allegations
The world-class venue is puting a renewed focus on staff wellbeing under a new head chef after René Redzepi stepped down and apologised for his behaviour, The Guardian reports
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Weekend PressDrastic Dave faces his moment of truth at Diageo
The struggling drinks giant turned to Sir Dave Lewis at the start of this year. This week investors will hear first-hand how he plans to turn it around, The Sunday Times reports
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Weekend PressHugo spritz boom shakes Aperol’s fizz
US sales of Campari’s orange spirit were outstripped by Bacardi’s St-Germain elderflower liqueur, the Financial Times reports
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NewsJersey Mike’s ‘looking at the long term’ after IPO
The US sandwich chain, which has made a $1bn launch on the New York Stock Exchange, is planning 400 sites in the UK & Ireland as part of a franchise agreement with its founder Peter Cancro
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NewsYields of key crops ’very, very poor’ - NFU
The UK’s food supply could come under increasing pressure if drought conditions persist, the National Farmers’ Union president has warned
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InterviewsLola’s plans healthier range of cupcakes
The brand plans to introduce fresh handmade products that are higher in fibre and appeal to wellness-conscious consumers, according to managing director Asher Budwig
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NewsGiggling Squid launches largest ever menu update
Featuring 16 new items, served in generous portions, new dishes include Khao Mok Moo, a Thai take on biryani featuring wok-fried rice and chilli pork wrapped in a lotus leaf, as well as Yellow Noodle Tamarind Duck and a Whole Sea Bass Green Curry
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NewsDomino’s sees ‘strong’ trading momentum in H1
The pizza delivery group has reported a 6.1% increase in system sales, to £825.3m, for the first half of the year, with like-for-like sales growth driven by both pizza and its more recently launched Chick ‘N’ Dip range.
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NewsPadel worth £200m a year as participation doubles
Investors are rushing to capitalise on the demand for the UK’s fastest-growing sport as new courts spring up across the country
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NewsHarry Ramsden’s expands partnership with Morrisons Cafes
The deal will see the fish and chip shop group launch its fish, chips and mushy peas into 32 Morrisons cafes on 10 August, with plans to roll it out further later this year.
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NewsWahaca appoints new head of people
Tom Mercer was formerly people director UK at crazy golf concept Swingers, having left the business in April this year.
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Analysis & InsightMore than half of young people prioritise experiences over material things
The experience economy could be instrumental in unlocking future economic growth, according to a new report
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NewsWingstop UKI soars past £200m turnover as it nears 100 restaurant milestone
The fast-growing fried chicken chain saw revenue increase 73% in FY25, driven by both expansion and good underlying sales growth
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InterviewsKibou: ‘We are achieving double-digit growth’
Japanese premium casual concept Kibou is reaping the benefits of its refocused strategy to acquire larger capacity city centre sites with a “fantastic” 18 months of strong sales growth, MD Sam Horswill tells MCA.
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InterviewsHarts Group teases new concept as turnover rises
CEO Sam Hart tells MCA the group will launch an ‘exciting new project’ later this year and remains confident about its Middle East prospects despite recent instability in the region
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NewsPizzaExpress chooses Stevenage for first Houston Hot Chicken site
The Nashville-style hot chicken brand will land in the UK this autumn with plans to roll out 50 restaurants nationwide over the next three years
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OpinionWingstop isn’t selling chicken. It’s selling belonging.
How youth culture, rap and content built Wingstop UK beyond compare
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NewsIn pictures: Browns West India Quay
Mitchells & Butlers’ has introduced a contemporary new look at the premium casual dining brand’s 467-cover West India Quay site following an extensive renovation
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InterviewsNEOS eyes further conversions after Bristol success
CEO Russell Quelch said NEOS is aiming to convert six former Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites by the end of the year, following its pre-pack deal for 20 bars from the Revel Collective
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Analysis & InsightDomino’s CEO: ‘Chick ‘N’ Dip has the potential to be second growth engine’
Chief executive Nicola Frampton says the pizza group is beginning to see tangible results from its new strategy, with first-half trading delivering growth across all key financial metrics