All MCA Insight articles in March 2025 – Page 2
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Wingstop, Loungers, Browns Brasserie & Bar, and more
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Analysis & InsightHow premium pasta is redefining Italian dining
Emerging pasta specialists such as Noci, Bancone, and Lina Stores are shaking up the category with an offering that’s markedly progressed from mass-market Italian casual dining. MCA explores how a wave of fresh pasta concepts are looking to reshape the category
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OpinionThe future of Gaucho under Baton Berisha
With Baton Berisha now at the helm of Rare Restaurants, what could the next chapter herald for Gaucho? Dominic Walsh charts the steak restaurant’s potted history and discusses the formation of Arcturus Group
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Analysis & InsightUK delivery market projected to grow +3% in 2025
The value of the market is expected to reach £14.43bn in 2025, with stronger household spending power driving growth in delivery in London and from within the ABC1 demographic and 25-34-year-old age bracket, a new report from Lumina Intelligence has found
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InterviewsPapa Johns franchise base ‘stronger than ever’
Having restructured its UK estate, the pizza brand is now “well positioned for growth” with positive sales and transactions, according UK MD Chris Phylactou
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NewsPizzaExpress launches fashion line for 60th birthday
The casual dining brand also brought back 1965 prices to mark the milestone
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NewsNWTC announces record revenue
Revenue increased to £73.5m in the 52 weeks ended 31 March 2024, with underlying EBITDA up 20%, at the Graphite Capital-backed bar and restaurant operator
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NewsPatty & Bun completes restructure of burger business
The business and assets have been acquired by a new company led by the existing team, with all restaurants to remain open, founder Joe Grossmann confirmed.
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NewsPortobello shelves sale plans to focus on existing strategy
Despite receiving “multiple offers”, the board will continue with its existing growth plans, chairman Mark Crowther confirmed
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NewsBlack Sheep Coffee raises millions in fresh equity
The coffee shop chain, which operates more than 100 locations globally, has raised the funds through a combination of loan agreements
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NewsCheshire Cat, Laine, and Heartwood among winners at Publican Awards
The Coaching Inn Group and Craft Union were among the other winners at the event, hosted by presenter Claudia Winkleman in London last night
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InterviewsCaravan: ‘This is all down to us now’
CEO Laura Harper-Hinton speaks to MCA following the restaurant group’s management buy-out, which she says has enabled the team to “refocus on what we’re up to”
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Analysis & InsightSpring Budget: Warning over growing cost pressures amid lack of targeted support
Hospitality leaders have voiced concern following the Spring Budget, which did not include support for the sector despite calls for relief on business rates and employer NICs
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NewsWatch highlights from MCA Hospitality Awards 2025
A video showing highlights from the flagship drinks, dinner and awards is available to watch here
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Analysis & InsightHow hospitality can adapt to current market conditions
The Leisure and Hospitality sector team at Interpath recommends businesses tap into pricing strategies, premium offerings, customer loyalty, menu engineering, AI analytics, and more
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Analysis & InsightWeak growth in delivery and takeaway sales continues
Like-for-like sales in February were up by 1.7% on last year, according to CGA’s Hospitality at Home Tracker
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InterviewsEmilia’s Crafted Pasta sees ‘huge potential’ to keep growing
The premium pasta concept will continue opening sites in London, and is in the early stages of exploring outside investment
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OpinionEverything, everywhere, all at once
The industry is being hit from all sides, often unpredictably. Knowing which levers to pull, and when, will be crucial, MCA contributing editor Peter Martin writes
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NewsDamm agrees distribution deal with Northern Monk
This strategic partnership will allow Northern Monk to tap into Damm’s extensive on-trade distribution, whilst enhancing the Damm portfolio with a leading UK craft brand
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InterviewsChicken Shop: ‘We want to own London’
The premium QSR brand is doubling down on London as it prepares to open its eighth site in Canary Wharf – with further expansion in its sights