All MCA Insight articles in May 2025
View all stories from this issue.
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Analysis & InsightWagamama drops fresh new summer menu
The new range is designed to cater to a variety of dining needs, and centred on eating out trends including personalisation, freshness, and health
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NewsOne third of hospitality businesses now operating at a loss
A joint survey of pubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels found the number of operators making a loss had risen by 11% on the previous quarter
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EventsRedCat CEO on growth and consolidation strategy
Richard Lewis will take to the stage at Pub Conference 2025 to share insights into the company’s rapid rise and future ambitions
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Event NewsHospitality leaders weigh AI’s real impact
Costa Coffee, Pizza Pilgrims, Individual Restaurants and Sona shared how AI is shaping hospitality, via real-world applications that balance operational efficiency with human experience, at MCA’s Hostech
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NewsWagamama signs 15-year lease in Preston
The chain has secured a 4,125 sq ft unit in Preston’s £45m Animate leisure development, with fit-out expected to begin “imminently” and the site expected to open early this summer
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NewsUK business confidence hits nine-month high as global trade tensions ease
The uplift was attributed to a recovery in global financial markets following President Trump’s decision to pause key tariff measures until July
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InterviewsThunderbird to launch spin-off concept Strip Shack
CEO Paul Gilchrist reveals the launch of Strip Shack, a compact concept designed for non-traditional spaces and developed to reduce capital costs and operational complexity
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Analysis & InsightHow Stonegate navigates challenging trading periods using MiXR
The app and media network has helped the pub group drive sales and frequency during quieter periods, through personalised and more effective communications
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including The Chalk, Burger Drop, Rudy’s, and more
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EventsHow leading pub groups are powering performance through partnerships
Leaders from Admiral Taverns, Amber Taverns and Punch Pubs will discuss how operator-managed partnerships can drive performance and unlock shared success at this year’s Pub Conference
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Analysis & InsightHow to excel in QSR
As mid-market and casual dining groups tap into QSR opportunities with new spin-off brands, Jay Heathcote explores the key considerations when launching a successful new concept into a competitive market
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OpinionThe enigma of the anonymous CEO
Dominic Walsh considers the curious position of Wetherspoon CEO John Hutson, who plays second fiddle to its founder and chair Tim Martin, as well as the latest news from Oakman, as it sells a tranche of pubs to The Restaurant Group
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OpinionIt’s all about the numbers
There’s an avalanche of data for executives to analyse, which should impact have a big impact on financial outcomes both top and bottom lines, writes MCA’s contributing editor Peter Martin
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InterviewsSushiDog to open up to 7 sites per year
Greg Ilsen says the fast-casual brand is entering a faster phase of growth, supported by a strong pipeline and a fresh round of funding”
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Analysis & InsightDigital transformation: ‘Show empathy, as change is hard’
Creams Cafe COO Oliver Rodbard took delegates at MCA’s Hostech conference through the challenges behind a tech implementation processes
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NewsPrezzo Italian launches new rewards programme
The new Club Prezzo app offers customers free or member-only pricing on select items, along with other exclusive offers and rewards
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NewsChick’N’Sours shutters London estate
The fried chicken concept has closed its two London restaurants saying the “casual dining model is broken”, but will continue to trade from KERB’s Corner Corner and via a delivery partnership with Sessions
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Analysis & InsightAre Greggs’ glory days behind us?
As the nation’s favourite bakery chain experiences an uncharacteristic slowdown in sales, Simon Brooke explores whether this “deteriorating momentum” means we have reached peak Greggs
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EventsUrban Pubs & Bars on growth, vision and entrepreneurial strategy
Chris Hill will take to the stage at next month’s Pub Conference to share how London’s largest independent pub operator is navigating growth and evolving guest expectations
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NewsSubway extends jacket potato trial amid ‘exceptional’ demand
The ‘Spudway’ range comes in response to a renaissance of the humble jacket potato, with TikTok creator Spudman building a following of over 4 million