All MCA Insight articles in May 2020
View all stories from this issue.
-
NewsGreggs backtracks on public trial over crowd fears
Greggs has reversed a trial to reopen 20 of its bakery shops to the public over fears they could become overcrowded with customers.
-
NewsCaffe Nero to reopen eight cafes
Caffè Nero has announced it will be re-opening eight stores next week on a trial basis for takeaway.
-
NewsWhat it’s like to operate in lockdown part four: Creams
When the advice came through we realised we were kind of in a unique position, in that we typically operate with a very long counter divided into very secure and distinct sections, hot, cold, waffles, crepes, etc. So, when the original news came through we spoke to every store and every franchisee, and we had 23 that remained open for delivery.
-
NewsSteve Gotham: Lesson One in leveraging delivery – appraise the competition
With the fast diminishing prospects of restaurants being able to re-open sooner rather than later, there is increasing importance on leveraging delivery as a business revenue stream. MCA’s Menu Tracker insights have recently been augmented with some delivery menu analysis. This has extended to 38 operators across four channels, comprising chain restaurants, fast food – traditional and contemporary, as well as the delivery specialists (the raft of pizza purveyors that include the likes of Domino’s, Papa Johns and Pizza Hut delivery).
-
NewsShelley Sandzer: A bright future in the ‘burbs?
The Covid-19 lockdown has forced a massive change in working practices for everyone. Whether we like it or not, we have had to make working from home produce results. We have all had to make it work. And with many predicting social distancing measures lasting for 12 months, we are looking at a new way of life for millions of workers across the country.
-
Analysis & InsightOperators warn over damaging distancing restrictions
Three quarters of restaurant and bar operators have warned they do not expect their businesses to survive with social distancing measures in place.
-
InterviewsYard Sale Pizza: ‘The focus isn’t on making money, it’s on survival’
Yard Sale Pizza co-founder Johnnie Tate has described the company’s current focus as being on survival rather than making money.
-
Analysis & InsightConfidence in industry plummets to 5%
Confidence is at rock bottom among the directors of Britain’s pubs, bars and restaurants, with a time out on rent now a key business priority.
-
InterviewsWhat it’s like to operate in lockdown part five: Franco Manca
Franco Manca opened five stores for delivery and collection on Friday after a two week in trial in Chiswick. David Page, chairman of parent company Fulham Shore, talks to MCA about the benefits of flat sharing pizzaiolas and why pre-coronavirus rents are not going to happen again.
-
NewsGreggs has done the right thing
It’s extremely quiet out there. So quiet that although I live down South I could hear the groans of disappointment from Newcastle this morning. If Horkos was a Geordie he’d be winging his way over to Roger Whiteside’s house today, but of course these are nothing like normal circumstances, so Greggs could and should be forgiven for reneging on its plans to fire up its ovens again. Particularly because behind its decision will be valid concerns for the safety of its staff and its devoted customers.
-
NewsMcDonald’s to offer limited delivery from 13 May
McDonald’s UK CEO Paul Pomroy has announced a “slow but safe” gradual return to operations - but its breakfast menu will temporarily be unavailable. On May 13th it will reopen 15 of its 1,350 UK restaurants on a delivery only basis, working with Uber Eats and Just Eat and offering a limited menu. The locations will be announced next week as the business assesses employee availability.
-
NewsAzzurri appoints KPMG
The Azzurri Group has turned to KPMG as it looks to find a way out of the coronavirus crisis, according to the Sunday Times. It also said the business was still waiting to find out if it was eligible for a business interruption loan. Last year Azzurri, which operates Ask, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, made a pre-tax loss of £16m on sales of £299m.
-
NewsPrezzo appoints advisors
Prezzo is the latest casual dining name to appoint in advisors to consider its post-coronavirus funding options.
-
NewsRural hospitality faces ‘toxic recipe’ of challenges
The rural economy faces devastation and rural hospitality collapse without longer term support, an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned.
-
NewsRestaurants relaunch delivery options
Bone Daddies, Meatliquor and The Coconut Tree are among the latest restaurant operators to reopen select sites on a takeaway only basis.
-
InterviewsD&D’s Gunewardena: 'We will try and do anything to make it work’
How the government defines physical distancing will have a huge impact on the viability of hospitality operations emerging from lockdown, MCA’s The Conversation has heard.
-
InterviewsTurtle Bay: Social distancing 'doesn’t work' in restaurants and bars
Turtle Bay “probably won’t be a viable business” under social distancing restrictions, founder and CEO Ajith Jayawickrema has told MCA.
-
NewsDavid Read: A new era of supply
“Re-opening supply will not be easy” warns David Read, Prestige Purchasing’s Chairman.
-
NewsOver 50% pubs yet to receive government grants
The British Beer and Pubs Association has urged for faster delivery of Government backed loans and grants as it finds 75% of pubs and brewery businesses are yet to hear back on their application, and over 50% are yet to receive their entitled funds.
-
NewsNo ‘cliff edge’ in furlough scheme
There will be no “cliff-edge” for businesses to face when the coronavirus job retention scheme is brought to end, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said.