All interviews – Page 42
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InterviewsShepherd Neame: ‘A 2024 recovery feels right’
Jonathan Neame, chief executive of the family brewer and pub operator said the decisions it is making now will act as building blocks to capitalise on a post-recession boom
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InterviewsPho: ‘We will maintain our regional bias’
MD Patrick Marrinan told MCA the strength of its business outside London was a “saving grace” throughout the pandemic, with the regions to be key pillar of its annual target of up to seven new openings
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InterviewsBrewhouse & Kitchen: ‘People still want something different’
CEO Kris Gumbrell spoke to MCA about premiumising and evolving the offering, as well as leveraging experiences and liquor margins
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InterviewsAdmiral Taverns: ‘Funding for acquisitions isn’t an issue’
The community pub group has the support of its should suitable opportunities arise, CEO Chris Jowsey told the Pub Conference
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InterviewsAnglian Country Inns: ‘UK tourism is a hot market’
The continuing popularity of holidays in the UK means the property market is “pretty dry for decent freehold pubs”, managing James Nye tells MCA
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InterviewsSlim Chickens on target for +30 sites this year
The fried chicken brand, which is opening four sites today, has at least four additional restaurants planned in 2022, including its first drive-thru location, Satnam Leihal, CEO at parent company Boparan Restaurant Group told MCA.
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InterviewsVaulkhard Group: ‘We have reset our business’
The North East operator refocused its business during the pandemic, shifting from late-night bars to day-time venues, director and co-owner Ollie Vaulkhard told MCA
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InterviewsOche: ‘We want to expand the concept across the UK’
The international concept from The Social Gaming Group plans to expand to other major UK cities, group CEO Troy Warfield told MCA
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InterviewsEataly: ‘We’re innovative even if we’re traditional’
As the brand celebrates its first year in the UK, the team behind Eataly speaks to MCA about winning Best New Opening at our Retailers’ Retailer Awards this year
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InterviewsHop Vietnamese: ‘We know it’s a scalable concept’
Following a capital raise and the appointment of new MD in Richard Franks, Hop founder Paul Hopper has the confidence to look “everywhere” for sites, he tells MCA.
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InterviewsGSG Hospitality: ‘You’ve got to keep diversifying’
The group is pushing forward with the expansion of Bold Street Coffee, developing a new restaurant concept for The Plaza in Liverpool, and a retail offering, director Matt Farrell told MCA
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InterviewsUnexpected, ridiculous joy: the Flight Club story
After winning Best Concept at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards, Flight Club marketing director Juliette Keyte speaks about expanding the brand globally and the enduring appeal of competitive socialising
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InterviewsHero Brands: ‘We are working on partnerships with a number of household names’
Virtual Hero CEO Robin Mehta talks to MCA about the growth of Sides, the delivery brand from YouTube superstars The Sidemen
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InterviewsComptoir: ‘We have built stronger foundations for growth’
The Lebanese restaurant group is looking to add a further five sites to its estate before the end of next year, chief executive Chaker Hanna told MCA
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InterviewsKurt Zdesar on mastering nikkei cuisine
The founder of Chotto Matte and Ping Pong Dim Sum speaks to MCA about his ambitious expansion drive and introducing Japanese-Peruvian cuisine to the world
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InterviewsBusaba: ‘The business is in better shape than pre-pandemic’
The Thai restaurant group is looking to grow, despite “a loop of fresh challenges”, managing director Terry Harrison has told MCA.
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InterviewsFuller’s: ‘London is getting back to its vibrant best’
CEO Simon Emeny talks to MCA about the improving trajectory of pubs in the capital – and how the company’s new branding strategy is targeting a younger customer base
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InterviewsMarugame Udon: The consumers keep coming back
CEO Keith Bird speaks to MCA about expanding the Japanese chain across Europe via franchsing while maintaining consistency
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InterviewsFunghis: harnessing the power of fermented mushrooms
As the Wogan brothers prepare to launch a plant-based Homeslice in Shoreditch with Neil Rankin, the trio explain why they’re on a mission to make meat-free guilt-free
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InterviewsCity Pub Group: ‘Success breeds success’
Executive chairman Clive Watson speaks to MCA about being more sales-focussed following two-and-a-half years of Covid