All interviews – Page 28
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InterviewsTortilla: ‘We’re excited by the opportunity in Europe’
The fast casual Mexican brand plans to open eight new corporate-owned sites in the UK in 2024 with a focus on shopping-centre locations, and is sizing up European markets to target in the future.
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InterviewsM&B: ‘Our strategy is to appeal to different parts of the market’
Mitchells & Butlers has adopted a brand-specific approach to its digital evolution, Richard Whitehouse, director of digital product and transformation, told MCA’s Hostech
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InterviewsRare Restaurants: ‘There is a huge growth opportunity in the UK’
The Gaucho operator’s expansion strategy will combine a focus on “obvious” city locations and its proven neighbourhood model, CEO Martin Williams tells MCA
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InterviewsVarious Eateries sees ‘big opportunity’ for Noci
The modern pasta concept’s distinctive “food-led” approach makes it well placed for growth as it targets further expansion in London, executive chairman Andy Bassadone tells MCA
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InterviewsAzzurri: ‘2024 will get stronger as the headwinds dissipate’
CEO Steve Holmes discusses the ASK and Zizzi operator’s full year results and prospects for the year ahead, with growth from Coco di Mama and Boojum
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InterviewsRed Engine refocuses on the bar to drive dwell time
Adapting brand messaging to foreground its bar element has increased dwell time by around 30 minutes, at the Flight Club and Electric Shuffle operator, marketing director Juliette Keyte told MCA’s Hostech conference
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InterviewsUrban Pubs & Bars considers steps outside London
Co-founder Nick Pring, whose group recently reported double-digit sales growth, believes its pub formats will work well outside the capital
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InterviewsCreams: ‘AI has been a boon’
Speaking at MCA’s Hostech conference, CMO Simran Sablok discussed how the move into AI has helped boost productivity and speed in terms of copywriting and CRM
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InterviewsPizzaExpress pushing loyalty across all touchpoints
The omnichannel pizza brand is harnessing its PizzaExpress Club app to better understand consumer habits, improve advocacy, and drive frequency and spend, digital and loyalty director Arslan Sharif told delegates at MCA’s Hostech conference yesterday
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InterviewsMcWin: ‘It’s about looking for great opportunities’
Harry Goss, partner at the sector specialist investment firm, speaks to MCA about the Sticks’n’Sushi acquisition, the demand for value across price points, managing a resilient portfolio, and why the investment strategy is all about well-run businesses
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InterviewsBurger Drop targets major cities for nationwide expansion
The North- East craft burger company is targeting the UK’s largest cities, from London to Glasgow, with long-term plans to take the brand international, co-founder Hasan Hamid tells MCA.
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InterviewsHawksmoor’s Rising Star is ‘constantly ready to reinvent’
During her ten-year tenure at the steakhouse group, Louisa Richards has been critical player in setting the tone for culture and standards at new openings in London and beyond, CEO Will Beckett explains
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InterviewsI worked in military intelligence — now I’m determined to fix Diageo’s problems
Debra Crew’s tenure at the drinks giant has left investors nursing a huge hangover. She insists she has the recipe for recovery, she tells The Sunday Times
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InterviewsBoojum: ‘We’re confident the brand will resonate’
Founder David Maxwell speaks to MCA about the underpenetrated Mexican fast casual category and having a great partner in Azzurri Group as Boojum gears up for UK expansion
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InterviewsGail’s Bakery: ‘We can provide a better alternative’
Founder and CEO Tom Molnar discusses the craft bakery’s three-pronged approach to sustainability and how its progressive ethos has been baked in since day one
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InterviewsGreene King: ‘We’re trying to build a long-term, sustainable business’
Chief people officer Andrew Bush speaks to MCA about the pubco’s transformative journey in a finalist profile for the Diversity Award at MCA’s Hospitality Awards
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InterviewsGreene King: ‘Collaboration on net zero is absolutely vital’
Sustainability officer Assad Malic explains how the pub company’s Engage platform plays an essential role in its decarbonisation journey, in the latest finalist profile for the Sustainability category at MCA’s Hospitality Awards
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InterviewsDrake & Morgan: 2023 was transformational
Director Graham Hall discusses how the group’s young workforce are driving change as the business looks minimise its environmental impact, in the latest series of articles profiling finalists in the Sustainability category of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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InterviewsArc Inspirations: ‘One of our core values is to care’
The group’s senior team discuss the journey towards a more inclusive business, as part of a series of finalist profiles for the Diversity Leadership Programme category at MCA’s Hospitality Awards
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InterviewsUrban Greens encouraged by return of City workers
The London-based salad concept Urban Greens will open two of its next three sites in the capital’s financial district, encouraged by strong mid-week sales