All interviews
Interviews with the leading voices of the UK eating and drinking out industry
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InterviewsPopeyes UK: ‘We see our use of tech as a point of difference’
The fast-growing QSR brand’s chief technology officer David Carey talks to MCA about AI, the development of its app and why the brand wants to “own the customer experience” through building its own tech stack
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InterviewsSides to appoint UK MD and target 14 UK stores
The QSR brand launched as a cloud kitchen concept in 2021, now operates six brick-and-mortar sites and aims to reach 14 by the end of the year, CEO Robin Mehta tells MCA
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InterviewsPhat Buns targets 20 UK sites
The fast-growing burger brand aims to operate 20 UK sites by the end of 2025 and has begun international expansion with two openings planned in the UAE
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InterviewsDong Hyun Kim: ‘A lot of people eat sushi, but the quality has gone down a lot’
The Wasabi founder is keen to avoid going down the well-worn route of high street sushi chains with his new venture Sushinoya – instead focusing on the quality of the fish, the variety on the menu, and the experience for the customer, he tells MCA.
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InterviewsMaki & Ramen: ‘We’d like to open in every major UK city’
The ten-strong Scottish restaurant company is targeting 30 sites by 2027 and has recently launched a franchise operation to help it grow at a faster rate, founder and CEO Teddy Lee tells MCA.
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InterviewsSalt Beer Factory focuses on pub refurbishments and hybrid models
The brewer and bar business is prioritising investment in its existing pub estate with a focus on site refurbishments, hybrid models and collaboration with street food vendors, MD Edd Simpson tells MCA
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InterviewsBrucan explores experiential concept and university town expansion
The five-strong pub group is considering the launch of a new experiential leisure concept, alongside its existing premium pub portfolio, group director James Lyon-Shaw tells MCA
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InterviewsCheshire Cat Pubs eyes ‘bolt-on’ growth through rooms and events
The pub group and recent Publican Awards winner is driving operational performance through steady reinvestment, enhanced training, and careful expansion of its accommodation and events businesses
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InterviewsYard Sale Pizza: ‘We want to be bigger and better’
The Piper-backed pizza delivery brand will look to accelerate investment in digital and tech to enhance customer retention following its recent acquisition, co-founder Johnnie Tate tells MCA
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InterviewsSessions targets 10 Chick‘n’Sours’ sites and Ivan Ramen UK debut
The growth platform is targeting around ten Chick‘n’Sours’ delivery locations by the end of 2025, as part of an expanded partnership with Deliveroo, COO Jack Anderson tells MCA
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InterviewsFlight Club prepares loyalty launch and next-gen tech rollout
The social darts pioneer is preparing to launch a new loyalty programme, supported by a next-gen tech platform designed to enhance the customer journey and drive repeat visits
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InterviewsMarcel Khan: ‘We are nowhere near peak Franco Manca yet’
The sourdough pizza brand is maintaining positive sales momentum and preparing for future growth opportunities, according to its CEO
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InterviewsBoss Pizza lines up eight locations
The independent pizza delivery chain has confirmed 70 franchise partners to support its ambitions to grow to 50 sites across the UK, CEO Ajmal Mushtaq tells MCA
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InterviewsThe Breadstall: ‘Pizza is more popular than ever’
Founder Seb Vince, along with Philip Eeles and Dorian Waite – two of the founders behind Honest - speak to MCA about launching the next disruptor brand and upending the pizza market
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InterviewsWahaca considers breakfast launch
The ’premium-casual’ Mexican chain is exploring the return of breakfast menus for the first time in more than a decade, CEO Mark Selby tells MCA
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InterviewsNEOS Hospitality on a new direction for the business
The party bar operator, previously known as Rekom UK, has a strong pipeline in place as it transitions to a more agile approach, CEO Russell Quelch tells MCA
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InterviewsMcDonald’s UK&I: ‘Innovation, growth and development continues to be priority’
The fast food chain remains focused on its goal to open 200 restaurants over the next four years as well as the ’reimaging’ of its UK & Ireland estate, McDonald’s’ new vice president, development, Mike Spencer tells MCA.
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InterviewsBrakspear: ‘We are trying to evolve what we do’
With two acquisitions announced this week, it’s an exciting time for the business, chief executive Tom Davies tells MCA
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InterviewsBlack Tap: ‘Iconic locations, iconic cities’
The New York-founded craft burger and beer concept has a standout offering that will resonate in the UK market, founders Julie Mulligan and Chris Barish tell MCA
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InterviewsThe Real Greek launches grill-led menu as part of brand repositioning
The brand is repositioning itself for growth with a new, grill-led menu and strengthened brand proposition, CEO Marcel Khan tells MCA