All articles by Georgi Gyton – Page 9
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Analysis & InsightGreggs eyes the international prize
After announcing a new outpost in Tenerife South Airport, MCA explores the opportunity for Greggs in a destination which sees more 6m British tourists a year, and the potential pitfalls and complexities in transporting such a British brand into an international airport environment
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NewsCosta Coffee to replace Starbucks at Cineworld
The coffee chain has announced a new partnership with Cineworld, which will see the coffee chain open in up to 26 cinema locations as part of a 10-year agreement.
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NewsMarston’s: ‘We have a 600-pub conversion opportunity’
Chief executive Justin Platt said there was a clear roll out opportunity, with market mapping of its current estate suggesting that around 250 of its sites would be suitable for conversion to its successful local sports bar format Grandstand.
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NewsSurge in takeaway closures due to spiralling costs
More than 500 takeaway food businesses closed their doors for good in the year to April, due to the rising cost of employment and food, with fish and chip shops particularly effected.
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NewsXP Factory remains confident about Boom despite continued sales decline
Chief executive Richard Harpham says the group remains confident in the future of its competitive socialising business Boom Battle Bar, despite an 8% drop in like-for-like sales during FY2026.
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NewsGreggs reports improving like-for-like sales performance
Greggs reports a 2.5% increase in like-for-like sales for the 19 weeks to 9 March 2026, as it gears up to open its first international airport location, in Tenerife.
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NewsMarston’s sees profits up despite revenue dip
Underlying profit before tax rose by 7.9%, to £20.5m, for the 26-weeks to 28 March 2026, with the pub group’s investment in new formats, including Grandstand and Two-Door, delivering strong sales momentum.
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Analysis & InsightDip in takeaway and fast food spend last month
The London Marathon boosted pub trade in April in an otherwise flat month for growth in the wider eating and drinking out sector, driven by declining spend on takeaways and fast food, according to the latest Barclays Consumer Spend Report.
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NewsEG On The Move and Taster team up on SpudExpress rollout
Fifteen locations are already confirmed to open in 2026, within EG’s petrol forecourt network, as part of wider plans for 30 sites over the next three years.
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InterviewsMarkus Thesleff: ‘The goal is always the same: creating experiences that make people happy’
With Thesleff Group opening its much-anticipated modern Japanese dining and drinking concept MA/NA, in Mayfair, last week, MCA speaks to its founder about the new venue, its focus on international expansion, and the growth of experience-led hospitality
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NewsUK drives international growth at McDonald’s
McDonald’s UK & Ireland has started the year with “strong momentum”, reporting like-for-like sales growth of 7.8%, as the business helped drive a strong overall performance within the business’ international operated markets
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Analysis & InsightHas Starbucks got its froth back?
Having popularised espresso-based coffee around the world, Starbucks has lost ground to an influx of innovative challenger brands and youth-focussed independents. After launching a well-publicised turnaround plan, MCA explores how its Back to Starbucks strategy is faring
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NewsPopeyes launches ‘university’ to support staff development
The fast-growing QSR brand will offer nationally recognised qualifications through a new apprenticeship programme and pathways to support progression
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Analysis & Insight‘Resilient’ fast food sector sees footfall drop in Q1 2026
Customer footfall across the UK’s top fast food, casual dining and pub groups fell 2.3% overall – the biggest decline since January 2024, according to new data from Meaningful Vision
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NewsBAO managing director to step down
Tom Ward joined the Taiwanese restaurant business in 2018, as operations manager, before being promoted to MD in 2024
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NewsPubs closing at rate of two per day
Around 161 pubs permanently closed their doors in the first three months of the year – a 26% increased compared to the same period last year, according to the BBPA.
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NewsGreene King reduces loss with strong operating profit growth in FY25
The pub and brewing group reported a set of improved numbers for the 53 weeks to 4 January 2026, increasing group revenue by 3.6% and narrowing its losses to -£23.4m, driven by strong peak trading and disciplined cost control
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NewsIn pictures: Individual Restaurants debuts new-look Piccolino
Its site in Chester is the first in its estate to debut a new refined look and feel, with warm neutral colouring, natural woods, terracotta tones and woven textures.
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NewsEG On The Move launches new bakery concept
The fourcourt operator has opened in-store concept Bill’s Bakery at four of its petrol stations, with plans to roll out the concepts to further sites nationwide.
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NewsBurger King UK: ‘We’re better than the competition’
Buoyed by fresh backing from its private equity and banking partners, alongside double-digit sales growth, CEO Alasdair Murdoch tells MCA he is feeling bullish about customer demand and growth prospects for the burger brand