All MCA Insight articles in February 2026 – Page 3
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Analysis & InsightRise in premium fast food a long-term trend
Inflation has changed the way consumers eat-out with fast-casual and premium fast food operators the most resilient, according to new data from Meaningful Vision.
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NewsDave’s Hot Chicken lines up three more
Openings are now confirmed for Leicester, Sheffield, and Bristol, as the Nashville-style chicken concept pushes towards 60 sites in the UK
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InterviewsGrind expecting to deliver ‘accelerated growth’ rate this year
The omnichannel coffee business is expecting to deliver an accelerated growth rate of around +25% in its current financial year, following a year of significant growth in FY2024/25, CEO and founder David Abrahamovitch has told MCA.
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NewsTransaction growth, menu innovation drives sales for KFC
KFC UK & Ireland grew system sales by 6.8% in 2025, supported by sustained growth in transactions, delivering growth across formats and a particularly strong performance in Q4
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InterviewsPitch tees up smaller format to support expansion drive
The competitive socialising brand will launch a smaller footprint venue in London this year with co-founder Chris Ingham telling MCA it will unlock greater expansion opportunities both here and overseas
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InterviewsHow The Alchemist has embedded neurodiversity training and awareness across its business
In our latest spotlight article on EDI, sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic, The Alchemist’s Hannah Plumb tells MCA how supporting neurodiversity in the workplace has improved retention, raised awareness and boosted confidence amongst staff
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NewsTurin-based coffee roaster Costadoro makes UK debut with double London opening
The Turin-based business has launched sites in Clapham Junction and Beckenham, describing it as ‘a new step’ in its international growth strategy
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NewsChipotle: ‘Central London is our biggest opportunity’
The fast casual Mexican chain’s central London locations have reached strong cash-on-cash returns, unlocking growth for the UK market, according to global CEO Scott Boatwright
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NewsTaco Bell UK to launch Live Más ‘experiences platform’
Billed as a rewards programme spanning food, fashion, and music, the platform will go live later this year, after Taco Bell’s UK business delivered a “standout” performance in its Q4 results
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NewsPizza Hut to close 250 US sites
The brand’s strategic review is expected to complete later this year, with parent company Yum! Brands proceeding with its ‘Hutt Forward’ program as part of turnaround efforts
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NewsLaine MD Russell Danks steps down
Previosuly marketing and strategy director at sister company Punch Pubs & Co, Danks took leadership of the Laine when co-founder Gavin George stepped down as CEO in September 2024
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NewsBrandon Stephens appointed group CEO for Tortilla as Andy Naylor steps down
The multiple board and management changes, which also include Mac Plumpton joining as UK CEO, come as the fast casual Mexican chain prepares to enter its next phase of development
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NewsFall in hospitality jobs contributes to biggest hiring downturn since financial crisis
Staff numbers in the UK’s services sector – which includes hospitality – have fallen each month since October 2024, with UKHospitality reporting 100,000 job losses since the first Labour budget
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OpinionJamie Oliver: ‘We are in the throes of a culinary brain drain’
The celebrity chef and restaurateur has warned the hospitality sector is being crushed by a combination of astronomical business rates, a rigid VAT system and a mountain of bureaucracy
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NewsCamerons Brewery to dispose of four sites
The Northeast operator is marketing two Head of Steam venues as well as The Wheelhouse in Washington and The Mitre in Bishop Auckland after a strategic review of its estate
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NewsChopstix owner QSRP appoints new CEO
Kevin Derycke will take over leadership of the European quick-service restaurant platform having previously spent three years leading Burger King’s operations in Italy
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NewsDomino’s rolls out CHICK’N’DIP nationwide
The chicken sub-brand, described as “highly complementary” to Domino’s core pizza offer, is designed to meet growing demand for chicken and expand Domino’s range of occasions
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, including Hoppers’ fourth restaurant, Tonkotsu’s Welsh debut, and Cotti Coffee’s UK launch
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NewsEatphoria adds to senior team
The hybrid QSR group has appointed Matthew Chapman to lead the expansion of its brick-and-mortar franchise network as head of sales
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InterviewsMcMullen’s: ‘Loss of business property relief was seismic game-changer’
While it had toyed with the idea of disposing of its leased and tenanted business in the past, the impact of the last two Budgets was the clincher for the pub and brewing business, MD Heydon Mizon told MCA.