All MCA Insight articles in March 2025 – Page 9
-
Analysis & InsightM&A: Significant number of PE businesses looking to transact
Despite the Budget, Graeme Smith and Craig Rachel of AlixPartners see an improving picture as the consumer spending outlook improves, particularly in the critical younger demographic who benefit most from the increase in minimum wage
-
InterviewsDeliveroo prioritises efficiency over expansion with Editions
The food delivery platform is evolving its strategy with its Editions model, focusing on optimising the 20+ existing delivery-only kitchens rather than expanding aggressively
-
NewsAnn Elliot joins Prezzo as NED
Elliot brings a wealth of experience in hospitality and casual dining, having held CMO roles at Pizza Hut and Beefeater as well as current NED roles at Gusto, Tossed, and TiPJAR
-
Analysis & InsightGreggs steps up security amid rising QSR shoplifting concerns
The bakery chain is ramping up security measures to protect staff and tackle shoplifting as theft continues to impact the high street
-
InterviewsBe At One plans to refurbish around 12 sites with £3m investment
The Stonegate Group-owned cocktail bar brand is focusing on refurbishments while considering expansion into Scotland and key northern cities
-
NewsBill’s hails ‘remarkable turnaround’
The Richard Caring-backed all-day casual dining concept has doubled group EBITDA to £11.2m in FY24 from £5.5m in FY2022
-
NewsDeliveroo to close unprofitable Hong Kong operation
The delivery company said it would “not serve shareholders’ best interests” to continue to operate in Hong Kong, with some assets being sold to rival foodpanda
-
NewsMW Eat: US fast food chains taking over high street
Founder Ranjit Mathrani said bigger groups were better equipped to deal with increased labour costs, as the Indian restaurant group plans to reduce its workforce by 25 roles
-
NewsDiageo must tackle ‘inadequate’ production of cash cow Guinness
Cheshire Cat Pubs & Bars owner Tim Bird warned publicans could turn their backs on the stout brand if it did not invest price rises into improved capacity
-
NewsXP Factory ‘well positioned to benefit’ from industry consolidation
CEO Richard Harpham said the Escape Hunt and Boom Battle Bar operator will leverage its industry-leading product, unit economics, and scale to take advantage of growth in the experiential leisure market
-
NewsImbiba invests £3m in Openr
The investment firm has committed £3m to the hospitality data platform, alongside majority shareholder Azzurri Group
-
Event NewsGDK eyes 300 UK sites and £400m sales by 2028
The fast-growing kebab chain is targeting 300 UK sites by 2028, with new formats such as a small ‘hole-in-the-wall’ takeaway model for densely populated areas being explored, CEO Simon Wallis told the MCA Food to Go Conference
-
InterviewsLina Stores to reach 11 sites as it eyes international growth
The 80-year-old Italian deli and restaurant brand is expanding with new sites in Manchester and Canary Wharf, while eyeing international opportunities in the US and Europe
-
Weekend Press‘We don’t need a Gail’s’ - the coffee shop boom dividing locals
Gail’s draws crowds and inspires social media memes, but attracts fierce criticism too, the BBC reports
-
Weekend PressThe rise of the Ozempic menu and how weight-loss drugs are changing dining out
With more diners skipping mains, drinking less and sharing starters because of weight-loss drugs, the traditional three-course meal could soon be a thing of the past. Hannah Twiggs reports for The Independent
-
Weekend PressGreggs is no longer on such a roll
Before last year, the bakery chain had enjoyed three years of double-digit like-for-like revenue growth, Natalie Thomas writes in the FT
-
Weekend PressBill’s takes family-friendly dining to the Middle East
The casual restaurant chain made record sales of £96.4m in 2024, paving the way for expansion to Dubai, Riyadh and perhaps even Indian cities, The Times reports
-
NewsCherry Equity Partners acquires Bistrot Pierre
The transaction will ensure 10 of the French-inspired restaurant group’s sites continue to trade, albeit eight restaurants will close immediately
-
NewsWendy’s unveils next chapter of growth
The American QSR chain looks to add 1,000 net new restaurants globally by 2028, alongside longer-term plans to reach 400 in the UK
-
NewsPizzaExpress shareholders to provide £30m cash injection
Bain Capital Special Situations is preparing to inject millions of pounds to help secure a refinancing of the restaurant group’s debt, Sky News reports