All interviews – Page 15
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InterviewsPrivate equity backing has made casual dining market ‘lazy,’ Hestia boss warns
Restaurateur and marketing expert Andrew Fishwick told City A.M. the market had become “really lazy” and “poor value”
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InterviewsCoqfighter pivots back to bricks-and-mortar expansion
The fried chicken concept is keen to reach the 20-site mark as it prepares to open its first site in Brighton, with more to be added to the pipeline this year, co-founder Tristan Clough tells MCA
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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
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InterviewsThe Little Door & Co: ‘We like to do things differently’
Jamie Hazeel and Kamran Dehdashti, co-founders of the house party-inspired bar concept, speak to MCA about picking up expansion and defying the late-night sector downturn
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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
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InterviewsStonegate: ‘People are socialising differently’
CEO David McDowall describes a shift in consumer behaviour as customers opt for lunchtime and afternoon pub visits over nights out
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InterviewsIncipio Group: ‘Continual evolution is essential’
With 10 million annual visitors expected at London’s Olympia development, Incipio Group will draw inspiration from existing brands while creating entirely new concepts to cater to a wide range of drinking and dining experiences, CEO Edward Devenport tells MCA
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InterviewsChestnut Group: ‘We want to build an iconic collection’
Founder Philip Turner speaks to MCA about achieving 14% like-for-like sales growth, investing in the accommodation business, and “constantly giving people reasons to come back”
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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
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InterviewsTGI Fridays deal ‘pretty huge win’ for both businesses
Speaking after an agreement was announced for Hostmore to acquire the US-based TGI Fridays in a reverse takeover, chairman Stephen Welker tells MCA how the business has not received due credit in the market for its turnaround
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InterviewsGail’s: ‘We’ve kept the brand at its purest’
MD Marta Pogroszewska speaks about the premium bakery concept’s approach to scaling nationwide and its appetite for testing new models, as it prepares to open its 131st shop this week
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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
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InterviewsPortobello Pubs: Darwin & Wallace a ‘highly complementary’ acquisition
Chairman Mark Crowther tells MCA the group has already begun harmonising its supply chain and sharing best practice, and is “delighted” to add seven high-volume venues in prime locations under its umbrella
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InterviewsLittle Caesars sets sights on bigger city locations
The US pizza chain sees the UK as a key market for global expansion with a vision to develop 20 stores in the next five to six years, according to Carlos Vidal, VP of International Development.
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InterviewsArc Inspirations: ‘There’s huge opportunity in London’
The BOX and Manahatta operator sees potential for 20-30 sites in the capital, CEO Martin Wolstencroft tells MCA
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InterviewsIndividual Restaurants: ‘We’re a better version of ourselves’
As the Piccolino operator gears up for a summer of new openings, CEO Andrew Garton tells MCA the business is in good shape and reports strong sales and cover growth in recent months
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InterviewsDishoom: ‘We’re very excited about Permit Room’
The drinks-led concept retains classic Dishoom dishes but stands on its own two feet, with plans to open at least one more Permit Room this year, managing director Brian Trollip tells MCA
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InterviewsHestia Hospitality: ‘There’s never a better time to be in acquisition mode’
The newly launched investment vehicle is looking to make a further two investments this year as part of a three-year target to reach revenues of £100m, CEO Andrew Fishwick tells MCA
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InterviewsNightcap: ‘2024 looks to be a year of consolidation’
The late night sector is being reshaped through restructuring and consolidation, and Nightcap will continue to keep a close eye on opportunities - despite challenges with profitability and an exodus of capital, according to directors Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd
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InterviewsWestmorland Family: Another way of doing motorway services
CEO Nabil Subuh explores why there is space in the market for a roadside brand committed to providing seasonal, locally sourced food, and giving back to communities