All articles by James McAllister – Page 4
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InterviewsHow The Alchemist has embedded neurodiversity training and awareness across its business
In our latest spotlight article on EDI, sponsored by Carlsberg Britvic, The Alchemist’s Hannah Plumb tells MCA how supporting neurodiversity in the workplace has improved retention, raised awareness and boosted confidence amongst staff
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InterviewsPitch tees up smaller format to support expansion drive
The competitive socialising brand will launch a smaller footprint venue in London this year with co-founder Chris Ingham telling MCA it will unlock greater expansion opportunities both here and overseas
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NewsDave’s Hot Chicken appoints European business development director
The appointment of Léa Ghanem, who previously spent several years with Starbucks, comes as the Nashville-style chicken brand looks to expand across Europe following its success in the UK
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NewsZonal acquired by Volaris Group
The UK hospitality technology provider says the deal heralds ‘an exciting new era’ and creates opportunities to accelerate its next-generation software
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NewsBuzzworks reports ‘resilient year’ of trading and investment
The Scottish hospitality operator saw revenue rise, but underlying EBITDA fall slightly against a ‘tough operating backdrop’
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Analysis & InsightHospitality liquidations remain higher than pre-Covid levels
Research from Begbies Traynor shows the hospitality industry reported some of the highest levels of serious financial distress in Q4 2025 with hotels, bars and restaurants facing the most risk
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NewsSocial golf concept Pitch looks to drive expansion through franchising
The competitive socialising brand has partnered with Presman & Colard to accelerate its expansion through franchising following ‘impressive’ year on year growth
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InterviewsFreight Island: ‘We really want to be adding to a city if we open there’
Managing director Dan Morris tells MCA about the group’s plans to quadruple the size of its estate over the next 18 months with openings in London, Newcastle and Leeds
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NewsWingstop further strengthens senior team with group finance director appointment
Alistair Fraser, who previously held senior roles at Burger King and Whitbread, will oversee the finance function at the fast-growing fried chicken chain
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NewsBoxpark ‘assessing alternative formats’ as losses widen
Despite a small uptick in turnover, the street food and retail group saw pre-tax losses widen from £3.8m to £12m following ‘a challenging year’
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Analysis & InsightAnand just like that… has RedCat finally landed on its feet?
The Rooney Anand founded business is exiting its managed estate and bringing together its pubs-with-rooms sites into one division, a canny move that presents significant opportunities
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NewsFoodservice price inflation accelerates in December as festive demand peaks
The Foodservice Price Index notes the rise in food and drink prices was driven by high demand for many items in the run-up to Christmas, as well as persistent supply-side constraints
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NewsBoojum announces ‘biggest menu change in its history’
The Mexican QSR chain is introducing eight new ‘chef curated signature dishes’ to its menu alongside that it says are ‘designed to make ordering faster and easier than ever’
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NewsMcDonald’s slashes vegan menu to single item
The fast-food giant is the latest restaurant brand to reduce the number of vegan options on its menu with 80% of dishes being ditched as a result of poor sales
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NewsEmma Dinnis departs Côte
Dinnis parted company with the French casual dining chain in early January, just three months on from its acquisition by Karali Group, MCA understands
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InterviewsYard Sale Pizza: ‘A strong digital strategy could unlock a lot of opportunity for us’
CEO Stephen Hollis tells MCA the Piper-backed pizza delivery brand is looking to strengthen its marketing function as it pursues an accelerated growth strategy
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NewsGovernment sets out business rates package for pubs
Pubs in England will get a 15% cut to their business rates bills from April followed by a two-year real-terms freeze under support measures announced by the Chancellor
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NewsThe Revel Collective split and sold in pre-pack administration
The Revolution and Revolución de Cuba brands have been acquired by Neos Hospitality while Peach Pubs has been bought by Coral Pub Company, operated by pub veteran Ted Kennedy
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NewsIRO Sushi hails ‘fantastic year’ with like-for-like sales up 19%
The 30-strong QSR chain has reported total system sales of £18.5m in its latest financial results and is targeting at least 10 new openings in 2026
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InterviewsMario Aleppo looks to Crack the gourmet cookie market
The Fireaway Pizza founder’s new premium cookie concept is targeting UK-wide expansion following the launch of its first site late last year, he tells MCA














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