All articles by Georgi Gyton – Page 2
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InterviewsJoe Blake’s looks to triple its estate
The London coffee and bakery business is looking to reach 20 sites over the next two to three years, MD Colin Doyle has told MCA, with a rebrand of the concept also underway.
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NewsPret appoints new UK marketing director
Claire Small joins the food to go retailer from contract catering company Elior UK, where she had worked since September 2021.
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NewsAI tools driving almost one fifth of decisions on eating out
Many consumers are already using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to help them plan visits to hospitality venues, with 50% considering adopting them into their decision-making process, according to a new report
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NewsWendy’s UK reports increased profits as its ups fees
The UK burger restaurant business has reported a £7.1m increase in turnover, to £41m, for the year to 31 December 2025, after it increased management fees for its UK restaurant services.
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![PizzaExpress Hot Food To Go 1[36][65]](https://d36hgjhwuw81py.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/9/6/7/407967_pizzaexpresshotfoodtogo13665_862931.png)
NewsPizzaExpress to debut food-to-go range at Thorpe Park
Launching in partnership with Merlin Entertainments and Aramark, the hot single portion pizzas will be served from a branded PizzaExpress Airstream at Thorpe Park’s Halloween Fright Nights this month.
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NewsAdmiral Taverns acquires Mountain Pub Company
Following completion of the deal, Mountain Pub Company’s 10-strong operator managed pub portfolio will be housed within Admiral Tavern’s community wet-led operator division Proper Pubs.
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NewsSpinners gears up for national expansion with new senior hires
The Gresham House Ventures-backed business has appointed Francis Ireland as head of growth, George Whittaker as finance director and Georgina Roberts as head of marketing, in advance of its fifth site opening in Q1 2027
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NewsCamerons continuing to look for growth opportunities
The pub and brewing company said a much-improved balance sheet has enabled the group return to its strategic expansion plans, with the business looking for opportunities for growth across its two divisions.
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NewsFarmer J reports 50% revenue jump
Turnover grew from £27.9m in 2024, to £41.1m last year, driven by new openings and continued like-for-like sales growth, with at least five new UK sites planned for 2027 and two further US openings
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NewsValiant Pub Co achieves 45% increase in revenue
The community-focused pub group, which surpassed the 100-site mark post year-end, achieved revenue of £42.9m, for the year to 29 March 2026, following its continued expansion and strategic investments.
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NewsJoe Blake’s appoints MD to lead London expansion
The London coffee shop brand has appointed former Zia Lucia and Breakfast Club MD Colin Doyle as its managing director as it looks for further growth opportunities across the capital.
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Analysis & InsightVAT cut likely to drive up eating out frequency
More than a third of consumers (39%) have said they would eat out more often if the much campaigned for VAT reduction resulted in lower menu prices, according to a new report from OpenTable.
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Analysis & InsightMajority of hospitality employees blame high staff turnover on unfairness and exclusion at work
Half of the respondents to Be Inclusive Hospitality’s latest survey also said their employers showed little or no meaningful action on the issue
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NewsStarbucks rolls back on green targets in cost-cutting drive
The global coffee chain has scaled back or scrapped its green goals, with staff on its sustainability team let go, as looks to cut $2bn in costs.
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NewsScottish government gives backing to #VATsTheProblem campaign
Deputy First Minister Jennifer Gilruth has written to the UK government backing the campaign to reduce VAT and urging it to listen to the sector’s calls.
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NewsPopeyes achieves 50% revenue increase in 2025
The fast-growing QSR chicken brand increased revenue from £119m to £178m, in the 52 weeks to 31 December 2025, driven by the addition of 44 net new openings during the period.
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NewsTortilla sees significant boost to like-for-likes from delivery sales
Total UK like-for-like sales up 13.9%, made up of a +6.5% uplift to in-store sales and +32.7% in delivery sales, in the 26 weeks to 28 June 2026.
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NewsAtis further extends category offering with move into wraps
The brand, known for its salad bowls, is to begin rolling out the new four-strong wraps range from 6 October, alongside a refreshed autumn menu. It’s also lined up a new site in Bayswater, which is due to open in November.
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InterviewsFred Bakery owner seeking further growth opportunities
The relative affordability of high-quality bakery products is helping drive growth in the sector, co-founder Burak Demirelli tells MCA.
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the latest openings news, including a second site for Borough Market’s Roast restaurant, a new blueprint cafe for Chaiiwala and Market Place Food Hall’s new train station location.