All articles by Georgi Gyton – Page 12
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Analysis & InsightKFC: AI will have a big role to play in future of restaurants
With 70% of all orders now digital, the QSR chain has been testing AI chatbots for ordering and has found rising ticket values, UK&I CTO Jatin Chandwani told MCA’s Hostech conference
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InterviewsMental health in hospitality: ‘There is still a long way to go’
People are the backbone of hospitality businesses, so supporting their mental health needs is essential, Kelly’s Cause founder Tobie-Anna Durk tells MCA
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NewsBlacklock in talks with investors
The chop house restaurant group, founded by Gordon Ker, is understood to be working with advisers at BDO to explore options, The Telegraph has reported.
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NewsBreal and Calveton acquired TGI’s for £9.55m
As a result of poor trading performance in 2024, Hostmore and Thursdays (UK) began to experience significant cash pressures, with administrators called in earlier this month
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NewsHospitality leaders urge government action on quadrupling of business rates
CEOs from the UK’s largest pub and restaurant groups have signed an open letter to the Chancellor, calling for action on business rates, which would quadruple in April if current relief ends as planned.
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NewsMcDonald’s UK reports significant drop in profit after tax
Profit after tax at McDonald’s Restaurants Limited was £35m in 2023, down from £129m the previous year, despite an increase in turnover
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds-up the biggest openings stories from the past week, featuring Pizza Pilgrims, Wagamama, Boojum, Wingstop, Lena Lu and more
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InterviewsGiggling Squid: ‘Bigger sites offer us better economies of scale’
With labour costs continuing to soar, the BGF-backed Thai restaurant group is actively looking to open larger footprint sites where appropriate, CEO Andy Laurillard tells MCA
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NewsGDK makes senior leadership appointments
Tommy Edmond joins the company as chief financial officer (CFO), while Amit Pancholi steps into the role of UK franchise development director
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NewsValiant Pubs reaches 70-site milestone
The community-focused pub group is looking to grow its foothold in the south of England, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its market position across the UK.
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NewsMarston’s to set out pure-play hospitality strategy
Chief executive Justin Platt said Marston’s was ”embarking on a new and exciting chapter” and would lay out its five pillar strategy at a Capital Markets Day later today.
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NewsChipotle UK records significant uplift in turnover
The fast-casual Mexican restaurant operator reported a 147% increase in revenue for the full year to 31 December 2023, from £17.9m to £26.3m.
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NewsBrewDog co-founder attacks government over planned tax rise
James Watt said hiking up capital gains tax would “destroy entrepreneurial spirit” and which would, in turn, severely damage the UK economy.
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NewsJust Eat reports positive momentum in UK delivery market
Orders at its UK and Ireland business decreased by 1%, from 60.8m in Q3 2023 to 60.1m in Q4 2024, but Gross Transaction Values were up 6%, to €1,764m, over the period.
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NewsWhitbread accepts offers on 51 F&B sites
The accepted offers amount to a total consideration of £56m, and form part of the Premier Inn operator’s plans to exit 126 restaurants and convert 112 others into hotel rooms as it rationalises its F&B estate
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NewsIncreasing National Insurance would risk hospitality jobs
Reports the government could increase employer’s National Insurance Contributions would be “a tax on jobs”, UKHospitality has warned.
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NewsAzzurri Group appoints new tech director
Jim Hingston has joined as its new digital and technology director, replacing Joel Robinson who will continue in his role as founder and CTO of the group’s data platform Openr.
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NewsCoco Di Mama launches retail range in Sainsbury’s
The Azzurri Group brand has begun a nationwide partnership with the retailer which will see six premium Italian-inspired baguettes listed in more than 650 Sainsbury’s stores
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InterviewsCUPP exploring universities as route to growth
The bubble tea brand, which is targeting 15 new locations in 2025, opened a site at Leicester De Montfort last month with discussions taking place with other universities, director Angharad Jackson tells MCA.
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NewsGavin George and Charlie McVeigh join Revolution operator
The Revel Collective (formerly Revolution Bars Group) has appointed the former Laine Pub Company CEO and former Draft House founder as non-executive directors.