All MCA Insight articles in January 2024 – Page 2
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Analysis & InsightBar spend driven by 45+ demographic
Amid cost of living pressures, some consumers are trading down to less expensive brands or abstaining from going out altogether, while pub and bar spend is being held up by older customers, according to KPMG
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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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NewsTortilla to open four new travel hub sites with SSP
The Mexican-inspired restaurant brand first partnered with SSP in 2019 with a site at Euston station, and its growth strategy continues to target transport hubs and universities.
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NewsSSP boosted by break in rail strikes
UK sales grew by 22.8% to to £207m in Q1, reflecting good passenger numbers in the air travel and rail networks
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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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NewsComptoir looks to the year ahead 'with confidence'
The Lebanese-inspired restaurant group expects to report revenue of approximately £31.5m for the 52-week period ending 31 December 2023
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Event NewsStonegate’s ‘game-changing’ digital media
Marketing director James Metcalfe will explain how the pub company’s new digital network is allowing guests to find and book venues, earn loyalty rewards and unlock personalised experiences at Hostech next week
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NewsGreene King to hold talks over slavery reparations
The pubco is to hold a meeting with officials from Caribbean nation Kitts and Nevis, who have asked for reparations over Greene King’s founder’s links to slave trade
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ArticleFEBRUARY 2024
MCA’s February edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we delve into the rise of the chicken shop and how the humble poultry is establishing itself as one of the country’s most popular cuisines. We also explore the state of the sector at the end of 2023, and what the thriving QSR channel and a diversifying pub & bar segment bode for the coming year. The edition includes interviews with QSR giants Five Guys and Wendy’s, the group behind high street fixture Franco Manca, Fulham Shore, and multiconcept operator Mission Mars. Graeme Smith and Craig Rachel of AlixPartners predict a resurgence in M&A activity this year, while industry commentators Peter Martin, David Read, and Dominic Walsh share their views on sector issues, such as eating out in times of crisis, energy waste, and the future of Revolution Bars Group.
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NewsLicensed Trade Charity appoints Chris Welham as CEO
Welham, who has worked in hospitality for over 27 years, will succeed current CEO Jim Brewster at the beginning of March
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NewsWingstop plots biggest year of expansion
The wing concept announced its biggest openings pipeline since its UK debut in 2018, with nine new locations to open this year and a further six under negotiation for 2024
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NewsFarmer J secures £5.5m investment
The funding round, led by venture capital firm Beringea, will aid the London-based concept to expand within the UK and launch internationally
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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
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NewsLoungers celebrates 250 sites
The all-day concept opens its 250th site - Pionero Lounge in Rochdale - today, and remains on track to open 34 sites in the current financial year
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NewsBuns From Home promotes Shereen Ritchie to CEO
Ritchie, who joined the London bakery chain as COO eight months ago, has taken the helm as Buns From Home gears up for further expansion
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Weekend Press
‘Hard month’ for pubs as UK’s dry January set to be driest ever
Drinks sales in pubs and bars have plunged with rising numbers of people opting for low or no-alcohol, reports The Guardian
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Weekend PressAsda auditor quits in blow to Issa brothers
The Telegraph reports a split as Mohsin and Zuber Issa battle a multibillion-pound debt pile across both Asda and EG Group
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Weekend PressRichard Caring puts Ivy restaurant group up for sale at £1bn
Caring has kicked off an auction for his stake in The Ivy and its sister restaurants, according to The Sunday Times
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InterviewsCaravan: ‘All welcome’ has been our north star from day one
As part of a a series of finalist profiles for the Diversity Leadership award at MCA’s Hospitality Awards, CEO Laura Harper-Hinton tells us how Caravan has always been a melting pot
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Analysis & InsightMenu price increases highest in restaurants
Restaurant operators are expanding menus and introducing more high-end dishes to justify price increases, appealing to premium-focused consumers.