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All MCA Insight articles in May 2026 – Page 10
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Analysis & InsightMoto Hospitality: ‘We are focused on game-changing tech’
From looking 10 years into the future, to actionable insights that can be used today, chief digital and information officer Arslan Sharif shares how the business is optimising AI and data to drive performance.
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring new venues from La Nouvelle Garde, Bubala, Giraffe, and more
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NewsTravelodge reports ‘solid start’ to the year
The budget hotel business says it ‘outperformed the competitive segment against a challenging market backdrop’ in Q1 26 with turnover up and F&B revenue increasing 7% year-on-year
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NewsMilburn report is ‘clear-sighted analysis’ of rising employment costs
The trade body warned that the loss of 100,000 hospitality jobs should have been recognised as “the canary in the coal mine,” and recommended the government to unlock job opportunities by reducing the cost of employment
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NewsBoots’ new food to go range launched in response to GLP-1 usage
The retailer has launched a new 15 strong range of products, including sandwiches, salads and sushi, designed to offer protein and fibre focused options
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NewsBig Mamma confirms plans for US debut
The French-founded Italian group has revealed it will open its first restaurant across the pond later this year in Juno Beach, South Florida
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Analysis & InsightWho has had a pizza the action? A history of PizzaExpress over three decades
PizzaExpress has had seven different owners since founder Peter Boizot’s sale to Luke Johnson’s and Hugh Osmond in 1993, including being quoted plc twice, and four separate private equity owners. In this deep dive analysis drawing on decades of research, Geof Collyer of Lavender Bank Parters explores what has been invested, who has made or lost money during ownership, and who has looked after the business.
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NewsSandwich Sandwich collaborates with Heinz on automat experience
Sandwich Sandwich will provide the food offering at the retail giant’s new ‘AutoMayoMat’, set to pop up in Soho, London, next month
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NewsHMRC issues new guidance for higher business rates on 'nice pubs'
The Telegraph reports that the HMRC will consider higher valuations for pubs based in “attractive locations” or “character properties”, as well as community-focused venues and premium gastropubs
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NewsPortobello Pub Co secures refinancing with Cynergy Bank
The pub and bar business has secured a new £21.6m debt facility, following a strong year of trading that saw it grow sales and EBITDA
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NewsTaco Bell launches first UK travel hub location
The QSR chain has opened at Birmingham New Street in partnership with Compass Group, with further travel hub sites in the pipeline
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NewsLeon appoints Pret’s Julio Santoyo as restaurants MD
John Vincent has called the appointment ‘a pivotal moment’ for the ‘naturally fast-food’ chain as it looks to press ahead with development plans having exited administration
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Weekend PressThe glass bottle tax threatening to shatter Britain
As the £2bn extended producer responsibility levy is given a green light to carry on, UK brands and retailers say it is costing them millions — for little benefit, The Sunday Times reports
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Weekend PressWhy the best British food is actually French
French food is back in fashion — but was it ever really out? Jay Rayner writes in the FT
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Weekend PressNo restaurant should be too posh to serve tap water
None of modernity’s silly purchases can compare with bottled water when there is drinkable stuff in the taps, Henry Mance writes in the FT
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Weekend PressWhat’s gone wrong at Everyman and can the luxury cinema chain regain its magic?
More competition and loss-making sites are among the challenges for the new turnaround chief executive, The Guardian reports
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Weekend Press‘Maybe it’s because we love the sesh’: how Wales is bucking Britain’s pub-closing trend
At least six new pubs and taphouses have opened in recent months, including the Pig & Swill in Cardiff, The Guardian reports
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Weekend PressResident group’s objections to bar and restaurant licences ‘destroying Soho’s reputation’
Soho Society, funded by Westminster council, is ferociously opposing all new proposals, venue owners say, The Guardian reports
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Weekend PressFormer M&S boss drafted in to help ministers tackle NEET crisis
Marc Bolland has been tasked with expanding opportunities for young people and delivering the government’s ‘youth guarantee’ for every person aged 18 to 21 to have access to employment, training or education, Sky News reports
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InterviewsBunsik: ‘We are benefiting from the K-Wave’
Having reached a critical mass of company-owned sites, the Korean QSR concept is pushing forward with its franchise strategy as it looks to reach 60 UK locations, founder Jae Cho tells MCA.