All interviews – Page 13
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InterviewsSt Austell: ‘We’re looking for more iconic pubs’
Alongside the top line, the Southwest-based brewer and pub operator has grown market share - and remains on a ‘clear growth agenda’ with a focus on accommodation, CEO Kevin Georgel tells MCA
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InterviewsAdmiral Taverns aims to remain at forefront of M&A activity
The community pub operator, which recently acquired 37 freehold pubs from Fuller’s, has seen resilience in its wet-led model amid an increase in consumer spending and confidence, CEO Chris Jowsey tells MCA
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InterviewsCrosstown sees ‘real opportunity’ in direct-to-consumer space
CEO Howard Ebison tells MCA the premium doughnut and coffee concept has always been a destination location for foodies, with the Karali Group investment helping it continue this journey
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InterviewsSmacks Hamburgers targets nationwide expansion
The South London smash burger brand is targeting high footfall locations in major towns and cities, with its next store set for Brighton, franchise director Mark Salter tells MCA
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InterviewsBear looks South for next expansion push
The Midlands-based coffee and lifestyle brand is exploring new markets as it looks to raise £2m, with the South coast a key target for new locations, co-founder Craig Bunting tells MCA
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InterviewsEstrella boss accuses British rivals of misleading customers with Spanish beers
International managing director Aitor de Artaza claims a “lack of transparency” among companies selling beer that appears to be Spanish but is brewed in the UK
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InterviewsSarah Willingham: We have a moral responsibility to look after workforce mental wellbeing
The Nightcap chief credits the legacy of Covid for moving mental wellbeing higher up the corporate agenda
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InterviewsThe future of branded bars at the Pub Conference
As the high street weathers turbulence, leaders from Loungers, Piper, OakNorth Bank and UK Hospitality will discuss how businesses are adapting to meet challenges and the outlook for investment across Britain’s towns and cities
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InterviewsChicken Shop: ‘We’re going at a rate of knots’
Having undergone a significant rebrand, the business has seen cumulative like-for-like sales growth of 60% this year and will open its first site outside of London next year, CEO John Nelson tells MCA
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InterviewsNotto sets sights on becoming a high street brand
Co-founder Julian Dyer tells MCA the pasta bar concept is built for scale as it looks towards opening a third site in South Kensington, and further expansion in central London
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InterviewsLiberation Group: ‘Our growth is hard-earned’
CEO Jonathan Lawson speaks to MCA about double-digit growth in accommodation, prioritising quality over scale, and giving customers a reason to keep coming back, as the pub operator and brewer reports group revenues up 20%
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InterviewsBread Ahead envisions global brand presence
The artisanal bakery brand which started in Borough Market in 2013 is making strides in the Middle East with 30-plus locations set to open over the next three years, according to founder Matthew Jones
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InterviewsGerman Doner Kebab: ‘There’s lots of whitespace crying out for a GDK’
The chain plans to open its first drive-thru by early 2025 as it nears the 150-site milestone, while flexing its offer to take advantage of new formats and day parts, CEO Simon Wallis tells MCA
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InterviewsOakberry targets 100 UK locations
UK managing director Jonathan Coxon tells MCA the international açaí brand is focused on securing high footfall, central locations, with an emphasis on primary high streets and shopping centres.
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InterviewsApplebee's ‘very excited’ about UK market
Dine Brands, the US-based IHOP and Applebee’s operator, has prioritised the UK as a key market and is seeking multi-unit operators, Enrique Kaufer, VP, international franchise development tells MCA
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InterviewsTopgolf builds UK pipeline
The competitive socialising business envisions opening three to four new locations in the UK over the next few years, senior director Michael Angelides tells MCA
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InterviewsJoe & the Juice: ‘We’re far from saturation point in the UK’
The juice and food to go specialist is working towards a goal of growing its global estate to 1,000 stores in the next five years, and sees potential for 300-500 in the UK alone, CEO Thomas Nørøxe tells MCA.
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InterviewsCreams leverages innovation to meet market challenges
CEO Everett Fieldgate tells MCA how consumer-led innovation that leans into portability and social media trends is key to the dessert café brand’s approach to new product development
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InterviewsMitchells & Butlers could grow ‘sizeable’ Mediterranean estate
CEO Phil Urban tells MCA the business sees potential to grow recently acquired Ego and Pesto restaurant chains to 80+ sites, both of which he feels will cater to a premium-focused and health-conscious consumer
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InterviewsComptoir Group: ‘The business is in a good place’
The business continues to focus on developing its Libanais and Shawa brands, now with the senior leadership team in place and all brands in growth, CEO Nick Ayerst tells MCA