Hannah Currie
Hannah is the News Reporter for MCA News
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0)1293 846530
- Email:
- hannah.currie@wrbm.com
Analysis & InsightRestaurant outlet growth to stabilise
The sector is moving towards consolidation, with companies optimising operations and scaling up through strategic restructuring and acquisitions to boost financial outcomes, according to Lumina Intelligence
NewsIn pictures: Albert’s Schloss unveils London debut
The Bavarian bier palace concept will open its doors on Shaftesbury Avenue on 5 July, with a spacious 18,000 sq ft venue featuring five bars and an on-site bakery
InterviewsTortilla: ‘London is really booming’
CEO Andy Naylor speaks to MCA about strong recovery in the capital, the current trading landscape, franchising opportunities, and a directional change in food innovation
InterviewsTOCA Social ‘just scratching the surface’ of demand for competitive socialising
The immersive football and dining experience has long-term plans to open venues in every major city across the UK, president Alex Harman tells MCA
NewsAfrikana lines up six new openings
The African-inspired restaurant group looks towards openings in Ilford, Kingston, Holloway and Hounslow this year, with further sites lined up in Tooting and Reading
NewsUber Eats signs new exclusive partnerships
Detroit Pizza, Eggslut and Four Seasons have exclusively joined the delivery platform, as it adds a slew of London eateries including Coqfighter, Taro and Yori
NewsGrind partners with Tesco
The coffee roaster, bar and restaurant group will now stock its packaged wholebean and ground coffee, pods and ready-to-drink (RTD) cans at the supermarket giant
NewsIn pictures: Gail’s reveals latest store design
The new bakery in West Bradbury Yard, Brentford, is housed in a listed warehouse building, and has taken inspiration from its industrial heritage
NewsFive Points Brewing reports strong sales growth
The independent brewery has agreed terms on a new London pub to open this summer, as its latest crowdfund draws to a close
NewsUK-EU youth mobility would be ‘huge success’ for hospitality
The EU Commission has proposed negotiations to facilitate new youth mobility agreements, allowing young people from the EU and UK to study, work and live in each other’s countries
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, including Leon, Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, Fuller’s and Shake Shack
InterviewsSan Carlo ‘well positioned’ for future growth
MD Marcello Distefano tells MCA the business is focused on expanding its Signor Sassi and Cicchetti brands abroad, and is “chomping at the bit” to bring fresh concepts to the market
NewsWagamama aims for 200 restaurants
The Pan-Asian restaurant chain said it had clear visibility of a profitable openings programme with a healthy pipeline in place, including ten further sites lined up for FY25
NewsClean Kitchen co-founder steps down as animal products added to menu
Verity Bowditch has announced she will step away from the formerly vegan restaurant, as the move does not align with her values on animal welfare
NewsHospitality inflation eases slightly
Data from the Office for National Statistic shows inflation continues to soften across the wider economy, as the Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.2% in March, down from 3.4% in February
NewsNPD taps into global flavour trends
A flurry of seasonal menu refreshes see Subway lean on a growing trend for smokehouse concepts, Loungers inspired by Brixton’s finest Caribbean restaurants, while Pret introduces Thai-style salads and wraps
NewsRevolution Bars sets out restructuring plan
If implemented, the strategy aims to return the company to profitability by improving EBITDA, reducing debt, and enabling a recommencement of the refurbishment program
Analysis & InsightBranded coffee shop operators remain cautious
High inflation has eroded coffee’s affordable luxury status, despite the UK branded coffee shop market achieving sales growth well above pre-pandemic levels, according to the World Coffee Portal
NewsBistrot Pierre launches new concept
All-day dining venue Pierre’s focuses on a value for money offering of coffees, cocktails and small plates, and will make its debut in Newport, South Wales next month
InterviewsPapa Johns harnesses the power of culture to fuel innovation
International R&D director Adam Wilcock tells MCA how the brand intends to stand out in a cluttered pizza market and focus on innovation that stays true to cultural nuances in the UK