All interviews – Page 12
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InterviewsLittle Door & Co: ‘The possibilities are endless’
Co-founder and MD Jamie Hazeel discussed the house party-inspired bar concept’s journey and success at MCA’s Pub Conference
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InterviewsShrimp Shack focuses on cosmopolitan cities
Co-founder Raf Adam describes the concept as “a seafood version of Nando’s”, with its next two sites set for Birmingham’s Broad Street, and StarCity retail park
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InterviewsLoungers: ‘We exist to bring people together’
Group MD Justin Carter discussed his “huge pride” at the business’ contribution to revitalising high streets, Loungers’ broad consumer appeal, and what’s in store for the ‘pub of the future’, at MCA’s Pub Conference
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InterviewsNick Mackenzie: ‘We want to bring small business passion to Greene King’
The acquisition of Hickory’s has enabled Greene King to observe how the barbecue restaurant group operates as a smaller brand and the passion its people exude “day in, day out”
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InterviewsHow pubs are balancing profitability, people and planet
Operational emissions are the main focus for Fuller’s as the pub company aims to reach its net zero target, director of sustainability Ollie Rosevear told MCA’s Pub Conference
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InterviewsDrake & Morgan on a creative approach to sustainability
Turning food waste into new products and keeping employees engaged has benefited the bottom line, according to director Graham Hall
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InterviewsSeoul Bird: ‘We fully embrace the challenges of growing’
Founder Judy Joo tells MCA she is actively seeking new sites in London, alongside the USA, Middle East and continental Europe
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InterviewsGreene King retention levels ’the best they have ever been’
Strengthening its strategy around diversity and inclusion and sustainability helped the pub group to achieve a 12% improvement in retention levels last year
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InterviewsStonegate: ‘We have momentum despite everything thrown at us’
CEO David McDowall discusses the shared culture of “restlessness and curiosity” between Stonegate and BrewDog, and the ability to move at pace despite scale
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InterviewsDavid McDowall: ‘Craft Union is a jewel in the Stonegate crown’
The Stonegate CEO discussed the group’s data-led strategy, the beauty in the simplicity of the Craft Union model, and his confidence in the business achieving its balance sheet goals at MCA’s Pub conference yesterday
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InterviewsFresh Burritos acquisition ‘transformational’ step for Tortilla
CEO Andy Naylor discusses kickstarting expansion in mainland Europe, adding immediate scale, and the opportunity to ‘own’ the Mexican cuisine category across the continent
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InterviewsYoung’s: ‘The £10 pint remains far off for us’
CEO Simon Dodd speaks to MCA about how caution around pricing has helped drive returns, alongside a long-term strategy of investing in pubs, the offer, and people
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InterviewsPure plans more airport sites
Business catering provides a big growth opportunity, CEO Spencer Craig tells MCA, with further potential to grow outside the capital in UK airports
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InterviewsKibou looks North
The Japanese restaurant concept will make its debut in the region next year, with Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds all target cities, according to MD Sam Horswill
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InterviewsWhitbread restaurant exit plan ‘bang on’ target
The group has seen interest for the majority of its 126 restaurant sites currently on the market, and remains pleased with progress, according to CEO Dominic Paul
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InterviewsMcMullen’s: ‘The year is going incredibly well’
Halfway through 2024, the pub operator is seeing the volume growth it wants to see - off the back of breaking the £100m sales milestone in 2023, MD Heydon Mizon tells MCA
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InterviewsFuller’s: ‘Going to the pub is still good value for money’
The return of people to the office has helped drive a double-digit uptick in like-for-like sales - alongside extensive work on menu development and investments into the estate, CEO Simon Emeny tells MCA
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InterviewsJones the Grocer looks forward to ‘healthy future’ in UK market
The Australia-founded all-day dining brand is keen to grow the business in the UK as it launches its first site in Europe in partnership with TRG Concessions, CEO Jon Knight tells MCA
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InterviewsGravity sees potential for another 10-15 UK sites
Co-founder of the active entertainment business, Michael Harrison sees substantial room for domestic growth alongside international franchising, after signing a three-site deal for Morocco
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InterviewsSukho Group sees 7% like-for-like sales uplift
The Thai-inspired group believes there is potential to further roll out Gai Zaap, its new chicken shop concept, alongside a further two locations to be secured for Zaap Thai, MD Gerrard Marks tells MCA