All interviews – Page 25
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InterviewsLoungers: ‘We must remember what it’s like to be a small business’
As the all-day operator marks the milestone of 200 sites under its Lounge concept, chairman and co-founder Alex Reilley speaks to MCA about the big target of reaching 600 locations, and how the business’ leaders are adapting to a larger profile as the company expands its footprint in high streets across the nation
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InterviewsBob & Berts: ‘We are building a very strong pipeline’
The Northern Irish coffee shop chain will focus on building brand identity in England over the next twelve months whilst continuing to invest in technological innovation to elevate the customer journey
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![Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive[80]](https://d36hgjhwuw81py.cloudfront.net/Pictures/100x67/2/0/9/303209_kevingeorgelchiefexecutive80_668299.jpeg)
InterviewsSt Austell: ‘We’re in good shape to deliver growth’
The pubco and brewer sees opportunities following its acquisition of Bath Pub Company, with 20% like-for-like growth in its managed estate, CEO Kevin Georgel tells MCA
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InterviewsBig Table to drive ‘strong improvements and synergies’ with Leisure acquisition
The group will find savings in the supply chain, overheads, and culture in its newly acquired business, CEO Alan Morgan tells MCA
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InterviewsDishoom: ‘We’ve always wanted to open a bar’
As Dishoom prepares to open its first entirely drinks-led venue in Brighton this November, MD Brian Trollip tells MCA that the venue is a passion project for him and CEO Shamil Thakrar
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InterviewsTRG: ‘We’re reviewing our options from a position of strength’
CEO Andy Hornby tells MCA that the group’s Wagamama and Pubs divisions have seen real volume growth and outperformed the market, with the pace of expansion accelerated accordingly
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InterviewsHydes: We’re in a good place to acquire
After putting the brakes on acquisitions after the pandemic, MD Adam Mayers tells MCA the pub company will take a slow and steady approach as it returns to the expansion trail
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InterviewsJeremy King on his return to hospitality: ‘There was no dilemma’
As he announces his first new restaurants since his departure from Corbin & King, Jeremy King sits down with MCA to discuss the allure of all-day grand cafes, why he strives for egalitarianism in his restaurants, and why his next project will be a contemporary, American-inspired affair
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InterviewsRosa’s Thai looks to ‘own UK’s Thai restaurant space’
The group is preparing to unveil a new menu and sees “huge potential” to be the authority on Thai food in the UK, CEO Gavin Adair tells MCA
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InterviewsSticky Mango eyes further central London expansion
The South East Asian dining concept recently opened at the former Cantina del Ponte site overlooking London’s Tower Bridge and will open a third site in Islington Square later this month
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InterviewsCoffee#1 sees ‘great potential’ for growth
The 113-strong, Nero Group-owned chain sees significant opportunity to expand at the edge of its current geography, managing director Bruce Newman tells MCA
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InterviewsJeremy King: ‘People were amazingly fond of Le Caprice’
The restaurateur, who ran the iconic destination with partner Chris Corbin during its 1980s heyday, speaks to MCA about bringing back Le Caprice and celebrating what made it a successful restaurant in the first place
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InterviewsPret ramps up prices as gross profits climb 83%
The price of an egg mayo sandwich is up 72% since 2020, compared to CPI inflation of 20% over the same period
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InterviewsKaleido Rolls: ‘We are trying to create a new food category’
The brand will push more experiential formats off the back of its first on-site rolling station and aims to establish its salad rolls as a new category
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InterviewsSessions: ‘We don’t see ourselves as a hospitality business’
Founder Dan Warne speaks to MCA about how restaurants can keep apace with consumer change and what the future of food licensing looks like
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InterviewsSides: ‘We want to be seen as food-first’
Founded by creator collective The Sidemen, the fried chicken concept has a strong pipeline across the country and will soon launch into retail, CEO Robin Mehta tells MCA
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InterviewsWingers launches franchising with plans for 50
The five-strong QSR fried chicken concept currently operates in the Midlands and plans to double its estate by the end of the year through franchising
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InterviewsRosa’s Thai ‘well ahead’ of the market
The Thai restaurant group’s strong like-for-like growth is largely covers-driven, as it looks to open its first sites in Scotland and grow further within and around London, CEO Gavin Adair tells MCA
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InterviewsHeart with Smart: ‘Our business is robust’
CEO Jens Hofma hit back at reports suggesting an uncertain future at the Pizza Hut Restaurants operator, telling MCA trading is “improving rapidly”
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Interviewsitsu reports record sales in last 8-12 weeks
Directors Greg Thorpe and Neil Miller break down the sales resurgence at the food to go brand, regional profiles across the estate, and the next steps in its digital journey