All articles by Georgi Gyton
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Analysis & InsightPret’s banking on a new game plan
New format stores, ‘Super Plate’ salads, and now meal deal trials. Pret may be keen to regain its place in consumers’ hearts – but will this slew of new initiatives be enough to turn things around for the brand? MCA explores its recent evolution
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NewsTonkotsu to grow regional presence with two new restaurants
The ramen restaurant group will open in Grand Central, Birmingham, later this year, followed by a site in Cardiff city centre in early 2026 – which will be its 20th location.
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NewsStonegate looking to sell 23 free-of-tie pubs
The available sites, which are all located in England, include: Admiral Macbride, Plymouth; Crown & Anchor, Bromley; and Dartmouth Arms, Forest Hill – the location of Scott Collins’ MeatLiquor pub-restaurant
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NewsXP Factory focused on ‘fewer, better, sites’ for Boom
The experiential lesiure operator is to rein in the expansion of its Boom Battle Bar business as the competitive socialising industry contracts, CEO Richard Harpham said on an investor call
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NewsCinnabon shutters entire UK estate
A “strategic decision” by UK master franchisee and operator EG On The Move to focus on its core convenience retail business has seen 12 Cinnabon sites close.
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NewsEvolv Collection to launch new chop house concept
Liverpool St. Chop House & Tavern will launch on 17 September, with the concept also being rolled out to two of its existing sites – Butler’s Wharf and Paternoster – “marking a pivotal moment in the group’s evolution”
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NewsTube strike will cost hospitality sector up to £110m
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union are staging a five-day walkout, which began on Sunday 7 September, and will run until Thursday 11 September
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Analysis & InsightPremium drinks see growth in pubs and bars
Cocktails and spirits both increased their share of occasions during the 52 weeks to 8 June 2025, according to data from Lumina Intelligence, driven by the growth in alcohol occasions from young consumers.
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NewsDe Nadas appoints non-exec director
The grab and go Argentinian empanada business has appointed former Temper and Gaucho ops director Michael Di Palma, as it looks to expand to 20 sites within the next five years.
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NewsWingstop UK makes people director promotion
Faye Ryder-Humphries joined Wingstop in April 2022, as people partner, before being made head of people in December of that year.
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Analysis & InsightReady-to-drink beverages: the next big trend in hospitality?
Sales of RTDs are booming in the retail sector, but how much is the category’s growth likely to spill over into hospitality? MCA explores what’s driving the expansion of the category, and the impact it might have in the on-trade
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NewsBlack Sheep Coffee promotes UK MD to new role
Isobel Childs has been appointed EMEA growth director & chief of staff, as the coffee shop business looks to scale further
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NewsMcDonald’s chief restaurant officer departs UK&I business
Zoe Hamburger has stepped down from her role at the fast-food chain, with Patrick Gerber appointed as her replacement, in the latest senior management team change
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InterviewsAzzurri Group: ‘Dave’s Hot Chicken is the perfect opportunity to push into Europe’
The successful precedent set by other US QSR brands, and the popularity of Dave’s Hot Chicken in the UK, gives Azzurri the confidence to dip its toe into international waters, CEO Steve Holmes tells MCA
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InterviewsWendy’s: ‘The UK remains a crucial market’
The US burger brand may be advancing further into mainland Europe thanks to new franchise agreements, but the UK remains a key market for future expansion, as well as a ”blueprint for new markets”, Michael Clarke, Wendy’s managing director, Europe, tells MCA.
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NewsKokoro committed to expanding UK presence
The Korean-Japanese QSR concept reported turnover of £36m in its latest accounts for the 15 months from 1 June 2023 to 31 August 2024, with profit after tax of £2.65m.
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Analysis & InsightGen Z trend for beer served ‘on the rocks’
More than one in four 18-35-year-olds (28%) put ice in their beer during the summer months, with many young people also adding ice to red wine, according to a new survey
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NewsHospitality leaders warn of ‘devastating’ impact of tube strikes
Inception Group CEO Charlie Gilkes and The Evolv Collection’s CEO Martin Williams have spoken out about the proposed industrial action, describing the strikes as “the last thing hospitality needs”
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NewsHeartwood Inns launches debut loyalty app
The scheme, called Treats, rewards guests each time they visit a Heartwood Inn, with five treats to collect before users reach VIP status
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NewsGordon Ramsay Restaurants MD steps down
Stephen Evans has stepped down after three years as managing director at the restaurant group.