All MCA Insight articles in February 2025 – Page 10
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InterviewsIndividual Restaurants: ‘AI could be a gamechanger for us’
The 32-strong group is aiming to be a leader in the use of AI in hospitality, seeing technology and data as paramount to future success, CEO Andrew Garton tells MCA
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NewsNero Group posts record sales in H1
The owner of Caffe Nero, Coffee#1 and 200 Degrees, reported record sales of £310m for the first half of its financial year
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NewsAI adoption in hospitality outpaces other sectors
More than half (53%) of hospitality businesses are now using AI technology, a rate that exceeds adoption levels across other industries, according to Access Hospitality’s Tech Trend Guide 2025
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NewsMayor of London launches new Nightlife Taskforce
The taskforce, which includes UKHospitality’s Kate Nicholls and Night Time Industries Association’s Michael Kill, will look to address the challenges and opportunities for the capital’s nightlife
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Newsitsu ‘embraced technology too quickly’
Founder Julian Metcalfe said the brand would add more staffed tills back into stores, after rolling out 600 kiosks in six months
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NewsNightcap acquires Brighton i360 viewing tower
The Sarah Willingham-led late night group will operate the viewing tower and hospitality areas of the attraction, in a “fresh start” for the i360
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NewsSoBe Burger expects to have 50 restaurants by 2026
The Miami-inspired burger concept is accelerating UK expansion with the backing of Sessions, with plans to open three restaurants a month and reach 50 by the end of 2025
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InterviewsValiant Pub Co has capability to acquire ‘100 pubs a year’
Originally conceived under a wet-led, operator-managed model, Valiant has since expanded its horizons to include food and rooms. Co-founders Gerry Carroll and Mark McGinty tell MCA how they are “set up for growth” under an evolved model
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NewsWagamama issues £330m in senior debt
As part of a refinancing and new capital structure, The Restaurant Group has been split up into three separate divisions. A source said there were no imminent plans to break up the group
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InterviewsGreene King: ‘What we believe to be right is including everybody’
Chief experience officer Andrew Bush talks to MCA about building a new legacy, in this finalist profile for the Diversity Leadership Programme category at the MCA Hospitality Awards
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NewsSacha Lord calls for urgent action to prevent closures
Rising costs have already led to job losses, venue closures, and stalled expansion plans, according to the chair of the Night Time Industries Association
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NewsEG On The Move completes Applegreen UK acquisition
EG On The Move will own and operate c.151 petrol forecourt station locations, plus more than 200 foodservice concessions
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NewsDiageo faces profit hit over Trump tariffs
The drinks company is under pressure from new tariffs and has removed medium-term guidance due to uncertainty in many of its key markets
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NewsVarious Eateries encouraged by growing momentum
The group reported 9% revenue growth in FY24 and a solid start to FY25, including a strong festive period that reinforced confidence in its trajectory
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NewsDaisy Green grows turnover by 27%
The Aussie-style cafe-restaurant operator, which trades from 17 venues in London, generated turnover of £22.7m in FY24 and looks to continue investing in new sites
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NewsIncipio Group achieves 21% like-for-like growth
The bar group has also made a series of senior appointments ahead of its anticipated launch at a 39,000 sq ft space in London’s Olympia this year
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InterviewsUrban Pubs & Bars: ‘There is plenty to go for in London’
The Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual-backed pub and bar group is “super active in the acquisitions market” and is set up for growth, managing director Chris Hill tells MCA
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NewsBoxpark Shoreditch to remain open until September
Boxpark Shoreditch has secured a lease extension and will remain open until the end of September 2025, providing certainty for the 47 independent businesses operating at the site
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EventsMCA Hospitality Awards 2025
The MCA Hospitality Awards is a prestigious annual celebration of the very best concepts, individuals and deals in the UK eating and drinking out sector.
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NewsGrind grows coffee shop sales by 13%
The coffee shop operator and roaster has raised £10m in additional funding, after growing sales by 38% last year to £30m