All MCA Insight articles in January 2024 – Page 11
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InterviewsUK’s alcohol-free beer Lucky Saint says it is not reliant on teetotallers
The start-up’s founder says customers looking to moderate their intake is the biggest driver of sales
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InterviewsUrban Baristas: ‘We’re doubling down on coffee’
As the brand eyes market towns for its next expansion move, CEO Huw Wardrope tells MCA he sees a gap in the market for speciality coffee franchising
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NewsMission Mars reports record-breaking festive period
The group is set to open 12 Rudys pizza restaurants over the next year after reporting record festive trading, with revenue up 38% to £10.0m, compared to 2022.
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NewsRevolution Bars Group to close eight sites
Despite record festive trading, the group’s younger customers are still being disproportionately hit by the cost-of-living crisis, leading to the “difficult yet ultimately beneficial” step of closing the unprofitable sites
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NewsIndividual Restaurants launches Club IR
The Piccolino and Riva Blu operator promises “real rewards”, including exclusive access to VIP events such as parties, sporting events, tasting and culinary trips
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InterviewsBlack Sheep Coffee trading ‘exceeding all expectations’
The coffee shop operator plans to double down on UK growth this year through franchising, while launching in the US and UAE this quarter, co-founder Gabriel Shohet tells MCA
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InterviewsBenito’s: ‘Sometimes you have to break it to remake it’
As the burrito brand makes a fresh bid for expansion, CEO Mike Pearson speaks to MCA about franchise opportunities, moving into airports, and his crusade to keep the brand alive
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NewsMcDonald’s experiencing ‘meaningful business impact’ due to Middle East conflict
CEO Chris Kempczinski has said that “misinformation” about the fast food giant’s support for Israel is “disheartening and ill-founded”
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Nando’s, Popeyes, Zia Lucia, Rigatoni’s and more.
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InterviewsPublicans brace for Dry January
Wetherspoon chairman Sir Tim Martin has said that Dry January is turning into a “minor cult,” while UKH CEO Kate Nicholls has encouraged people to support their local hospitality businesses
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NewsGong cha targets 300 sites in Middle East
The bubble tea concept has signed a master franchise agreement with Shahia Foods Group as the latest step in its international expansion strategy
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Analysis & InsightDecember sales up 11% year-on-year
Sales were up 14.2% in London, while areas outside London saw 10.5% year-on-year growth, according to data from S4labour
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NewsAmber Taverns reports strong festive trading
The wet-led pub operator, which is targeting an estate of 185 by the end of the year, has seen like-for-like sales up 20% over the holiday season
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NewsKings Park Capital backs STACK
Specialist leisure investor Kings Park Capital has invested in the Boxpark-style shipping container concept to help accelerate its growth
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InterviewsKarma Kitchen: ‘Corporate catering is booming’
The commercial kitchen operator has yet to see a slump in delivery, with demand for its central production units also growing, founders Eccie and Gini Newton tell MCA
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NewsWhitbread sells stake in Pure
The hotel group has exited the London-based food-to-go chain after buying a 49% stake in 2016, saying Pure is no longer a core part of its strategy
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NewsVeganuary menu innovation leans on health-led trends
Brands such as LEON, Costa, Wagamama, and Bill’s have unveiled their Veganuary menus, with many embracing health and wellness through nutritionally focused dishes, gut-friendly ingredients, and innovative meat alternatives
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NewsTrading Post Coffee adds two
The Sussex-based family-run coffee shop chain will add new sites in Brighton and Worthing to its seven-strong estate
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NewsSeoul Bird envisages five to seven London sites
Chef Judy Joo is keen to expand the Korean fried chicken concept’s London estate before taking the brand to other cities in the UK
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NewsSimon Rimmer announces closure of Greens Didsbury
After 33 years in West Didsbury, Manchester, the TV chef revealed that an increase in rent and a rise in prices had made the business “unviable”