All MCA Insight articles in March 2022 – Page 7
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsState of Play secures $35m of growth capital
The operator of Bounce ping pong venues, and modern bingo concept Hijingo, is looking to accelerate its expansion in Europe and the US, including the roll-out of Flight Club which it operates under licence in North America
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News
Nightcap revenues up more than 700%
The late-night bar group has seen like-for-like growth of 24.8% for the nine weeks ended 27 February 2022, compared to 2020, and has readied itself for “fast and sustainable growth” this year and beyond
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News
Hostmore reduces losses following year of growth
The operator of Fridays and 63rd + 1st saw strong like-for-like (lfl) growth last year, but in the eight weeks to 27 February 2022 lfl sales were down around 3% on 2019 levels
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News
New chairman at Hostmore
Neil Johnson is due to be replaced by Gavin Manson, following the group’s AGM in May
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Interviews
Sarah Willingham: ‘I bought my first home on a credit card’
Undaunted by debt, the restaurant entrepreneur went from eating Pot Noodles in a Parisian bedsit to making her first million at 31, the Sunday Times reports
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News
Jamie Oliver scrambles to pull out of Russia
The celebrity chef is scrambling to shut his Jamie’s Italian restaurant in Russia, the Sunday Telegraph reports
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News
Cash’s reign fades as Covid accelerates high street switch to card-only
Popular restaurant chains which stopped taking cash during the pandemic have turned their backs on it long-term in the latest sign of Britain’s shift towards going cash-free, The Observer reports
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News
Russia’s invasion to have ‘enormous impact’ on world food supplies
Consumers around the world will feel the “enormous impact” of Russia’s war on Ukraine through sharply higher food prices and significant disruption to agricultural supply chains, The Financial Times reports
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Analysis & Insight
Restaurants’ like-for-like sales up 9% in February
Bars also saw strong growth of +7%, as they benefited from the scrapping of vaccination passports, but pubs fared less well, according to the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker
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Interviews
Rudy’s pushes on with expansion
The Mission Mars pizzeria brand has completed on a further two sites, in Division Street in Sheffield, and Portland Street in Manchester, where it will also open a training academy for chefs
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Interviews
Gail’s: ‘Holy grail property deals are few and far between’
Competition for prime sites is strong, and unless you are offering something new you may miss out, says property director Brett Parker
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News
In pictures: MCA’s Food to Go Conference 2022
Highlights of the day included Q&As with Julian Metcalfe, global CEO, Itsu, Will Stratton-Morris, CEO, Caffe Nero UK and Glenn Edwards, MD, Leon Restaurants
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News
In pictures: Rekom opens debut Heidi’s in Cardiff
The late-night operator has brought the Scandinavian brand to the UK as part of its wider growth and acquisition strategy
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News
Wasabi targeting suburban growth as part of portfolio expansion
In accounts just published for the group, Wasabi said its business model had undergone significant changes as a result of the pandemic.
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Analysis & Insight
Majority support VAT freeze
Some 67% of adults say they are cutting back on eating out due to inflationary pressures and a resultant rise in the cost of living, according to a survey by UKHospitality
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News
Pret appoints new food and coffee director
Katherine Bagshawe joins the business from Dobbies Garden Centres, where she was head of restaurants
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Interviews
Caffe Nero: Customers love delivery
Speaking at MCA’s Food to Go Conference, Caffe Nero’s UK UK CEO Will Stratton-Morris said a major positive to come out of the pandemic was its embrace of new sales channels
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News
Burger King suspends corporate support in Russia
The fast food chain announced that it has suspended all of its corporate support for the Russian market, including operations, marketing and its supply chain
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Analysis & Insight
Deliveroo dreams up a slice of paradise
As Deliveroo opens its first dine-in restaurant, MCA pays Pizza Paradiso a visit and considers the wisdom behind the move
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Interviews
Pret: ‘We are trying to be nimbler and more data led’
Speaking at MCA’s Food to Go Conference, Lucy Winzer dicussed Pret’s more unconventional sites, such as Southgate petrol station and its takeaway and delivery only site at Cobham
