All MCA Insight articles in January 2025
View all stories from this issue.
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Analysis & InsightPornstar Martini remains nation’s favourite cocktail
Demand for cocktails looks set to continue to grow this year, with one in five consumers enjoying them, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Mixed Drinks Report
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NewsSan Carlo Group expands international presence
The Italian restaurant group will refurbish its existing estate in the UK while making its US debt with a launch in Miami this spring
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InterviewsRare Restaurants: ‘It’s about challenging the details’
Rare Restaurants’ sustainability operations manager Alyson Parkes discusses the group’s recent sustainability initiatives, from tackling the carbon footprint of beef production to tracking food waste, as part of the finalist profiles for the Sustainability category at the MCA Hospitality Awards, sponsored by Pernod Ricard
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InterviewsPizza Pilgrims: 'We’re working to reduce the carbon footprint of each pizza we serve'
Sustainability consultant Jonny Lockett discusses the group’s commitment to minimising its environmental footprint in a finalist profile for the Sustainability category of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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NewsLidl to open first in-store pub
The supermarket chain will open a pub within its store in Dundonald, near Belfast, offering capacity for 45 customers as well as an off-licence area
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NewsAlcohol duty cut this week will see ‘a penny off the pint’
Draught pints will see costs drop by 1p, albeit a new system to tax wines and spirits based on strength will also come into effect
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NewsLoungers takeover deal voted through
The all-day operator has reached agreement with Fortress on an increased and final offer valuing Loungers at £354.4m, with 93.5% of shareholders voting in favour
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NewsMission Mars revenue jumps 43%
The operator of Albert’s Schloss and Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana achieved total revenue of £31.6m in the three-month period ended 29 December, accompanied by strong festive trading
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NewsChick-fil-A makes UK debut in Belfast
The American QSR chain has opened at Applegreen’s Lisburn South Services, serving its signature chicken sandwich, lemonade, and hand-breaded nuggets
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NewsGDK reveals ambition for 300 UK sites by 2030
The QSR kebab brand has extended its deal with Extra Motorway Services, and is actively looking for further opportunities with Network Rail following its opening at London’s Victoria last week, CEO Simon Wallis tells MCA
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InterviewsMoto’s Rising Star ‘is always developing herself and her team’
Catering director Vicki Appleton is visionary in her thinking and capable of a more substantial role, Moto’s people director Louise Hughes tells MCA in the last of our Rising Star finalist profiles, ahead of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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NewsM.A.K. Halal’s franchise expansion boosts growth
M.A.K. Halal has reported a 17% rise in lfl sales over the past year as it continues to expand its franchise network, strengthening its position in the UK’s fast-casual halal market
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InterviewsButcombe Group seeks to build on festive momentum
The premium pub operator and brewer is doubling down on its experience-led offering, CEO Jonathan Lawson tells MCA
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including itsu, Bancone and German Doner Kebab
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NewsHonest Burgers appoints Kevin Styles as CEO
Honest Burgers has named former Jamie Oliver Group CEO Kevin Styles as its new chief executive, after previous CEO Thomas Kelly stepped down last year
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NewsLane7 records 26% revenue uplift
The experiential operator reached £42m turnover in FY24, with four UK sites and further international expansion planned for 2025
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NewsMolson Coors and Fever-Tree announce strategic partnership
The deal will see Molson Coors expand its non-alcoholic portfolio in the US and become Fever-Tree’s second largest shareholder
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NewsCaprinos Pizza looks to further expansion
The group, which operates more than 100 UK locations, has launched in Ireland as it continues to build its presence both at home and overseas
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NewsPret to debut in South Africa
The country will mark Pret’s debut in Africa and its 20th international market, with £1 in every £4 now spent by Pret customers outside the UK
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Analysis & InsightDelivery and takeaway sales mark lowest growth since March
Growth slowed to 1.9% year-on-year in December - dipping from 6.2% in November - as more consumers went out to eat