All articles by Georgi Gyton – Page 8
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InterviewsGreene King: ‘We want our pubs to be relevant and welcoming to all’
The pub group has been a driver of change on equity, diversity and inclusion in recent years. MCA speaks to its chief experience officer Andrew Bush on the progress to date, challenges around targets and why these issues matter, in the first of a spotlight series on EDI, sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic
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NewsActivist investor pushing for SSP takeover
Irenic Capital Management has been trying to drum up interest in a take-over deal for the food to go operator, after it increased its stake to around 3%.
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NewsPizzaExpress planning 50 more restaurant revamps in 2025
On the back of 74 restaurant refurbishments last year, “our remodel programme is track”, chief executive Paula MacKenzie told MCA, ”and we’ve already opened seven new pizzerias this year, with more to come”.
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NewsPizza Hut launches £5 portion format
The Crafted Flatzz range will be available across Pizza Hut’s restaurants in the UK & Ireland, and features four topping options on top of a lighter, hand-stretched crust.
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NewsHeavitree exec director moving into NED role
Former managing director and finance director Graham Crocker will be retiring from his current executive director role on 30 April 2026, and will step into a non-executive director position, as deputy chairman
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NewsSessions expands partnership with Mikos Gyros
The Greek food brand launched within 11 of Session’s delivery kitchens earlier this year, and will now roll out to a further 75+ locations in the coming weeks
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NewsBleecker appoints new director of operations
Tom Jennings has joined the better burger business which recently opened its 10th location, in Soho
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NewsMowgli founder dismisses weight-loss portion size trend as ‘gimmick’
Nisha Katona said fears the hospitality sector will be significantly impacted by consumers use of drugs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic were overdone, and that eating out would remain a big part of people’s lives.
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NewsThe Clink’s Brixton Prison restaurant facing possible closure
Opened in 2014, the restaurant, which serves food cooked and served by prisoners who are working towards hospitality qualifications, has been forced to reapply for its contract
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NewsCosta Coffee attracts smaller number of bids than expected
Stonegate Group and Popeyes owner TDR Capital is said to be among the reported bidders, however insiders diclosed the sale could fetch as little as £1.5bn
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Analysis & InsightWet-led occasions rose despite gloomy end to summer
Pubs and bars grew their share of occasions by 2.5ppts during the four weeks to 31 August 2025, versus the previous year, despite the gloomy and wet end to the summer, according to Lumina Intelligence
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NewsNotto to launch to-go concept at Broadgate Central
Chef Phil Howard’s pasta restaurant Notto is to launch in a new grab and go format at the new 1 Broadgate development, with Sandwich Sandwich and Sushinoya also taking space
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Analysis & InsightThe QSR spin-off: a potted history of fast-food extensions
With the QSR sector booming, Prezzo is the latest casual dining restaurant operator looking to cash in on its growth. But like that difficult second album, it’s not always easy to pull off, Georgi Gyton reports
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NewsHospitality job losses could total 111,000 by November Budget
UKHospitality is urging the government to reverse some of the damage done in the last Budget, by lowering business rates, fixing NICs and cutting VAT
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NewsStarbucks appoints new UK marketing director
Vic Robertson will oversee campaign and digital strategy as well as product innovation, including the Starbucks Rewards program and its brand partnerships for the UK.
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NewsChuck E. Cheese to launch in the UK
The US restaurant and entertainment brand has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement in the UK, which will see a “fresh expression of Chuck E. Cheese tailored specifically for the market”
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NewsNWTC promotes Amber Wood to CEO
The Graphite Capital-backed business, which reported a like-for-like sales increase of 7.4% in the 17 weeks to 27 July 2025, has also appointed Jon Hire as its new CFO, replacing Glenn Person, who stepped down in August.
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NewsChopstix Group achieves ‘resilient growth’ in FY24
The Asian QSR brand reported adjusted EBITDA of £6.97m for the 35-weeks to 31 December 2024, but a loss after tax for the period of £963k.
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NewsHydes Brewery ‘eclipses’ last year’s turnover with new record
The brewer and pub operator achieved a 3.9% increase in turnover for the year to 30 March 2025, to £40.8m, with the majority of its sales growth driven by performance its managed estate
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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