All interviews – Page 18
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InterviewsEgo Restaurants: ‘The runway just got a lot bigger’
With Mitchells & Butlers acquiring the remaining 60% stake in the chain, Ego now has the balance sheet to accelerate expansion, CEO James Horler tells MCA
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InterviewsCity Pub Group gears up for economic uptick
The premium pub company sees “good opportunities” in the market for pub acquisitions, but is primarily focussed on organic growth within the existing estate, CFO Holly Elliott tells MCA
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InterviewsBoxpark: ‘We feel we’ve created a successful model’
CEO Simon Champion speaks to MCA about the new BoxHall concept, soaring sales over the Easter weekend, and creating value through the loyalty programme
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InterviewsBaton Berisha: ‘Manzi’s will be the gem of Soho’
The Wolseley Hospitality Group CEO is preparing to launch two major projects this year, Manzi’s in Soho in June, and The Wolseley City later in the year. Speaking to MCA, he discusses why he had to rip out and modernise Manzi’s, staying mindful about keeping the company’s DNA intact, and constantly striving for an exceptional customer experience
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InterviewsRed Oak Taverns: ‘We have the firepower for a large acquisition’
The leased and tenanted business has the capital to almost double its estate – but finding suitable site opportunities is proving a stumbling block to growth, co-founder Mark Grunnell tells MCA
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InterviewsETM: ‘St Austell venture will create something special’
CEO Ed Martin speaks to MCA about opening premium sports bars with St Austell, what the offer will look like, and focusing on experiential hospitality
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InterviewsVagabond looks to airports and sites outside London
Founder Stephen Finch discusses how the upcoming opening at Gatwick opening will be the equivalent of “four or five Vagabonds”
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InterviewsYotam Ottolenghi: ‘There’s a religion of food which I try not to be part of’
The chef who brought meze to the masses on his unusual education, running his business like a kibbutz — and why he’s taking his brand to Paris, the FT reports
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InterviewsGail’s Bakery boss is ready to rise to the occasion and sell more sourdough
A passion for fresh food has driven a former McKinsey consultant’s high street ambition, The Times reports
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InterviewsLunar Pub Company targeting organic growth
The group aims to offers a country pub experience in London and will look to expand its concept to more neighbourhoods, owner director Hubert Beatson-Hird tells MCA
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InterviewsCraft Union: ‘We think big but act small’
Operations director Frazer Grimbleby speaks to MCA about the Stonegate acquistion, reaching the 500-site landmark, and how the beauty of the offer lies in its simplicity
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InterviewsCraft Union: ‘We’ve been a driving force in the recovery of Stonegate’
Operations director Frazer Grimbleby speaks to MCA about growing the estate, premiumising the drinks range, and modernising while maintaining a value-conscious and community-led offer
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InterviewsOowee to move towards mixed concept
Oowee is gravitating towards a “mixed” concept that will blend offers from its Diner and Vegan brands, founders Charlie Watson and Verity Foss tell MCA
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InterviewsClosing early, cooking less — the energy crisis is pushing businesses to the brink
As government support ends, a surge in bills is causing an ‘existential threat’ to 370,000 firms, The Sunday Times reports
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InterviewsSushi Daily to further expand kiosk business
Following the launch of a new partnership with Tesco, the sushi concept is looking to further increase its points of sale, global brand director Romy Miller tells MCA
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InterviewsRekom UK: ‘We are focused on expanding our party bar estate’
With fewer opportunities for large nightclub sites and a strong existing portfolio, Rekom is looking to drive future growth through its pub and bar venues, chairman Peter Marks told MCA.
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InterviewsCasa do Frango: ‘Nobody is doing what we're doing’
The winner of Best Emerging Concept at the Retailers’ Retailer Awards, MJMK Restaurants co-founder Marco Mendes speaks to MCA about what makes Casa do Frango different
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InterviewsBaton Berisha: ‘I’d love to open an Asian restaurant’
The Wolseley Hospitality Group CEO is considering multiple expansion opportunities, including a pan-Asian concept in Mayfair, a London rollout of The Bellanger, and taking The Wolseley and Brasserie Zédel international
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InterviewsAmorino: ‘We’re confident in going outside London’
As it expands its UK estate from 21 to 50 stores, the gelato chain is confident in its scope to go beyond the capital, franchise director Roman Aslamzada tells MCA
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InterviewsTortilla focuses on travel hub and European expansion
The fast casual Mexican-inspired brand will expand its partnerships with SSP and Compass Group, while looking to gain traction in international markets, CEO Richard Morris tells MCA