All MCA Insight articles in January 2025 – Page 9
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News
Various Eateries names Mark Loughborough as new CEO
Loughborough, who joins the board on 20 January 2025, brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality sector, having spent the past 14 years at Young’s as retail director. Meanwhile current executive chairman Andy Bassadone will transition to the role of executive director
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Interviews
Mitchells & Butlers: ‘Our scale of impact is truly exciting’
M&B’s director of sustainability Amy de Marsac shares more on the restaurant and pub giant’s planet-friendly initiatives, in the first in a series of finalist profiles for the Sustainability category of the MCA Hospitality Awards, sponsored by Pernod Ricard.
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Weekend Press
Zuber Issa: ‘We didn’t understand what private equity was’
Zuber, one half of the billionaire duo who created EG Group and took over Asda, tells The Sunday Times why he quit the empire and is starting again
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Weekend Press
Greggs’ snacks provide sustenance for investors too
The inherent strengths of Greggs leave the exceptional business well-positioned to come through economic challenges relatively unscathed, the Financial Times reports
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Weekend Press
Permit Room, Dishoom and why it doesn’t serve to be snobby about chains
The Oxford branch of Permit Room proves the power of chain restaurants, Tim Hayward writes in the Financial Times
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Weekend Press
Extra bank holiday 2025: Hospitality industry slams Number 10 decision
UK hospitality leaders have criticised the government’s decision not to add an additional bank holiday to the calender in 2025, City A.M. reports
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Interviews
Restaurateur Harneet Baweja introduces new consolidated group
The Harneet Baweja Company encompasses Gunpowder, Empire Empire, and new bakery concept Moi et Toi, which seeks to open its first standalone locations in the coming months
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Analysis & Insight
Casual dining records festive decline
New data from HDI shows casual dining stood out as the only sector to record a dip, while other parts of the market saw an improved performance
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News
Azzurri Group continues to reduce carbon output
The Ask Italian and Zizzi operator’s fourth annual Sustainable Dining Report highlights significant progress in its efforts, including a 7% reduction in carbon emissions
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News
Openings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Lola’s, Breadstall, Shakara and more
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Interviews
Noodle & Beer on the lookout for further opportunities
The Sichuanese restaurant concept is opening its second site in London’s Chinatown, and is looking for more high traffic locations
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Interviews
Greggs: ‘The Budget won’t slow our expansion plans’
CEO Roisin Currie says the bakery chain’s ambitious growth targets won’t be curtailed by higher employment costs, while it aims maintain its value leadership and keep price rises to a minimum
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Interviews
Urban Pubs & Bars’ Rising Star tipped as future CEO
Managing director Chris Hill praises divisional director Ben Atkinson’s “outstanding talent”, in the second in a series of profiles on our Rising Star finalists ahead of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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News
Arc Inspirations toasts record festive trading
Sales at the bar group grew 10.8% over the five-week festive period, while the business recorded its highest ever sales week in December, with total sales of £2m
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News
Greene King brewery plans approved
The £40m state-of-the-art new brewery, which will be next to its distribution centre at Suffolk Park in Bury St Edmunds, is expected to open in 2027
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News
NEOS expands Barbara’s Bier Haus
The AGG-backed operator, previously known as Rekom UK, is making a £1.5m investment into the former Revolutions Bars site in Bournemouth for its après ski themed concept
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News
The Wolseley Hospitality Group posts losses of £8.7m
The Minor Hotels-backed group invested heavilty during the period, opening seafood concept Manzi’s in Soho and The Wolseley City, bringing its estate to nine restaurants
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News
Groucho Club CEO to step down
Elli Jafari, the first female CEO of the Artfarm-owned private members’ club, will be replaced by Simon Cooke after 10 months in the role
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News
Harry Ramsden’s seeks franchisees for German expansion
Following a successful overseas debut in Malaysia, the fish and chips specialist is looking to expand the brand further
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News
Greggs surpasses £2bn sales
Total sales in FY24 up 11.3% on the previous year and like-for-likes up 5.5%, although the retailer reported a more subdued consumer backdrop in the second half