All MCA Insight articles in March 2019 – Page 11
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News
Rockfish secures new bank facility, strengthens pipeline
Rockfish, the Mitch Tonks-led seafood restaurant group, has received seven-figure bank backing from HSBC to open three new restaurants, while strengthening its pipeline with a further site lined up in Sidmouth.
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NewsFleet: No one wants to open 100-200 restaurants anymore
Flat Iron managing director Jo fleet has suggested there is “no number” on the scale of sites the brand could open – though admitted there was no longer any appetite in the industry to reach 100 or 200 sites.
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Analysis & InsightThe age of deliverance
Three years ago, a group of operators came close to forming a syndicate to control the delivery side of their businesses, in the face of growing influence among the ‘disruptors’. Fast forward to 2019 and Deliveroo has introduced a wave of its own virtual brands into its Editions programme and is also thought to be close to securing its first bricks and mortar site in the UK. Meanwhile, Uber Eats is believed to be trialling integration of its taxi fleet into its food delivery operation. With this often fraught relationship seemingly reaching boiling point, MCA editor James Wallin asks if the time has come for operators to take back control. With comment from MCA’s contributing editor, Peter Martin, on why ownership of technology is key to this power struggle.
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NewsPeretti looks to bring stability to Pat Val
Paolo Peretti, the newly appointed managing director of Patisserie Valerie, has told MCA that the now 96-strong estate will receive investment but that the priority for the moment is to “bring some stability back into the business”.
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NewsPoll shows MPs underestimate sector impact on apprenticeships
A poll of more than 100 MPs found the majority underestimated the scale of the use of apprenticeships in the hospitality sector.
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NewsGreggs to roll out click and collect at breakfast and trial lunch
Greggs is planning to roll out its click and collect breakfast offering to c100 sites during 2019, and initiate trials at lunchtime with a view to extending the service to that day part if successful.
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NewsGreene King appoints new head brewer
Greene King has promoted Ross O’Hara to the position of head brewer, replacing Craig Bennett.
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NewsFive Guys builds pipeline as it nears 100 UK sites
Paul Hamilton, who was appointed head of brand for Five Guys Europe earlier this year, has told MCA that the brand is committed to further growth in the UK this year alongside a rapid rollout in some of its other markets.
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NewsShepherd Neame plans significant investment in managed estate
Shepherd Neame has earmarked significant funds for investment in its managed estate over the course of 2019, with several million pound projects in the offing, MCA has learnt.
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NewsCoffee Republic hires Naik to develop franchises
Coffee Republic, the Arab Investments-backed high street chain, has hired Nil Naik, formerly of Papa John’s and Domino’s, to spearhead new franchise developments, MCA has learnt.
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OpinionAnalysts corner: Just Eat
Just Eat may have reported a sales uplift of 44% in its full year results for 2018 yesterday, but for Hargreaves Lansdown the business is ‘delivering uncertainty’, with shares dipping 3% in early trading on the back of the trading update.
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NewsRevere sees opportunities to rebuild Pitcher & Piano’s national presence
Colin Sadler, managing director of Marston’s Revere arm, has said the success of the first Pitcher & Piano opening in five years has emboldened the company to look for more opportunities.
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NewsHumble Grape exceeds crowdfund target
Humble Grape has passed its £400,000 crowdfunding target within 24 hours of launching publically.
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NewsJust Eat interim CEO not bidding for permanent role
Peter Duffy, Just Eat’s interim chief executive officer, has said he is “not putting himself forward as a candidate” for the permanent CEO position.
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NewsVeeno sites bought out of administration by investor-backed group
Nine of Italian wine bar and café Veeno’s sites have been bought out of administration by “a new investor-backed group”, led by Rodrigue Trouillet, who joined as commercial director and business partner in November.
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NewsPied à Terre founder to start pub venture
The restaurateur behind Pied à Terre is making a move in to the London pub sector after acquiring The Devereux, according to MCA’s sister title BigHospitality.
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News
Snow Goose scoops Star pub of the year
Star Pubs & Bars’ annual Star Awards celebrated the achievements of top licensees from across the UK, with Kate Hayden and Paul Warriner scooping Pub of the Year for the Snow Goose at Farnborough. Pug Pubs won the Most Innovative award, for The Fat Pug, Leamington Spa; while multiple operator ...
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News
Smoke & Dough signs for Liverpool ONE
Independent American-Italian restaurant concept, Smoke and Dough, is to open its first location in the UK on Liverpool ONE’s Terrace.
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NewsThe Alchemist launches AR cocktails
The Alchemist is this week launching a new Augmented Reality cocktail menu and app, The Conjurer.
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NewsGusto raises close to £30k for Tim Bacon Foundation
Gusto Italian has raised almost £30k for the Tim Bacon Foundation by adding a discretionary £1 to customers’ bills during December and January.