All MCA Insight articles in December 2022
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsRail strikes: 'Drop in footfall greater than anticipated'
UKHospitality had forecast a £1.5bn hit to sales from industrial action in December and early 2023 but has now revised this to £2.3bn as the cold weather led to further bookings being cancelled.
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ArticleMerry Christmas from MCA!
This morning’s newsletter will be the last until we return on Tuesday 3 January. We’d like to wish all our subscribers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous festive trading period throughout.
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NewsPret to shelve Veggie Pret concept
Pret will concentrate instead on expanding the vegetarian and vegan range within its core estate. The retailer has also announced an agreement to launch the brand in Israel
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Analysis & InsightMore consumers eating dinner out of home
Fifty-six percent of orders were ordered for consumption onsite for dinner in the last quarter, compared to 30% that were ordered for delivery, according to Lumina Intelligence
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Analysis & InsightMarket penetration up but consumers still cutting back
Consumer confidence was boosted following the announcement on the energy price cap and the appointment of a new prime minister, though in the more recent four weeks that has slipped as temperatures declined and households faced more pressure on bills, according to Lumina Intelligence
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InterviewsRaz Helalat: ‘I don’t like operating in safe mode’
The Brighton-based Black Rock Restaurants isn’t letting one of the bumpiest restaurant launches in recent memory interfere with its expansion plans
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NewsGrind sees partial bounce back
The coffee shop operator’s larger venues have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but smaller city sites are still struggling with decreased footfall
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NewsGreene King appoints investment director
Charlie Gale was previously investment manager at Star Pubs & Bars, and will join Greene King’s Premium, Urban and Venture Brands division in the new year.
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NewsWetherspoon announces more closures
Three more pubs will close in the coming weeks, in addition to the 29 already up for sale
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NewsNominate your Rising Star
Business leaders are urged to consider who is the stand-out performer tipped for future success in your company, for a special category at the Retailers’ Retailer Awards 2023
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NewsNew rail strike day announced
Members of the Aslef union will stage industrial action on 5 January, adding to the RMT strikes already planned for 3-4 and 6-7 January.
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NewsDelay to announcement on energy support
Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UKHospitality, said the postponement of the government annoucement was “disappointing news” as businesses urgently need clarity
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NewsDrake & Morgan reports ‘resilient’ performance
The 18-strong Bowmark Capital-backed group said its performance had continued to improve in the current financial year with strong trading so far this Christmas
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Analysis & InsightOperators hit with higher costs for temporary chefs
The average hourly pay for temporary chefs has increased by as much as 20% in some parts of the UK as the hospitality sector struggles with recruitment.
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Analysis & InsightAn unfortunate ending – but a fortunate boost to pubs
Despite its controversy the Qatar World Cup gave the pub and bar industry a much-needed short-term injection after a tough summer, writes Flora Zwolinski, senior insight manager, Lumina Intelligence
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NewsWingstop's master franchisee records +182% revenue uplift
Lemon Pepper Holdings said it was anticipating “aggressive development” through 2023, with several new locations already secured for the new year.
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News‘Our industry needs a level playing field’
Pub companies and brewers tell MCA they welcome news alcohol duty will not rise till August - but warn a “lighter touch on unnecessary regulation” is needed in the current trading environment
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Analysis & InsightSheffield and Southampton fastest growing restaurant destinations
The cities saw an increase of +210% and 156% respectively in seated diners since 2019, according to data from OpenTable.
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Analysis & InsightCustomisable dishes offer chance to charge premium
There has been a 20-percentage point increase in the share of dishes that are customisable, which is enabling operators to charge more, according to Lumina Intelligence.
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NewsItsu: Digital transformation, one year on
Chief customer officer Neil Miller returns to Hostech in 2023 to update on the brand’s digital transformation