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All MCA Insight articles in May 2026 – Page 3
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Analysis & InsightWetherspoon: Price hikes needed to offset cost pressures, analysts warn
As the pubco’s low-price, low-margin model comes under pressure, analysts question whether it can raise prices without putting off loyal customers
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NewsCosta plans 14 openings with Sainsbury’s this year
Costa has opened its 50th store within a Sainsbury’s supermarket, representing a combined investment of nearly £16m since the partnership began in 2024
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NewsDeliveroo launches in-app reservations
Deliveroo Reservations connects the delivery platform with SevenRooms, and represents the first major product integration since DoorDash acquired both businesses last year
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NewsUK drives international growth at McDonald’s
McDonald’s UK & Ireland has started the year with “strong momentum”, reporting like-for-like sales growth of 7.8%, as the business helped drive a strong overall performance within the business’ international operated markets
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InterviewsTaco ’bout growth: Mark Selby on why Wahaca is ready to expand again
Despite moving from CEO to the less hands-on role of chairman, the contemporary Mexican restaurant group’s co-founder remains focused on supporting the business as it continues to evolve and expand
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Analysis & InsightOperators streamline menus in face of uncertain demand
The latest Menu Tracker data for Q1 2026 suggests growth and innovation is being constrained in favour of cost control and operational simplicity
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring new venues from Jason Atherton, Thesleff Group, Little Door & Co, and more
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NewsJason Atherton: ‘I am trying to sustain our business by opening abroad’
The chef behind two Michelin-starred London restaurant Row on 5 has said his group is now much more cautious about expanding in the UK due to the tough market
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NewsMcDonald’s Corporation: ‘We feel really confident we have strong leadership in the UK market now’
The fast food giant has said recent changes to its UK senior leadership team have been ‘instrumental’ to building confidence both internally with franchisees and externally with consumers
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NewsPunch Pubs reports ‘strong profit growth’ in Q2
The community-focused pubco delivered like-for-like underlying EBITDA growth across both its leased and tenanted and pub partnership estates in the 28 weeks to 22 February 2026
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NewsPapa Johns UK sales accelerate further
The pizza delivery chain has reported UK growth of 11% in Q1 2026 driven by strong operational execution, enhanced customer experience and increased media investment
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NewsPret appoints chief supply chain officer
Stefan Porter has joined the food to go operator to take up the newly created role, where he will be responsible for supply chain, logistics, buying, technical and sustainability functions
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NewsUKH urges government to provide hospitality energy support
The trade body has set out proposals for clear, targeted measures to support the sector through increased energy costs
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NewsGreene King markets 10 freehold managed pubs
The pub and brewing group said the move forms part of its new estate strategy to set the business up for future growth
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NewsLeon co-founder despairs of politics in broken Britain
John Vincent, who helped found the fast-food chain, describes the frustration of dealing with ministers who could change jobs at any moment
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InterviewsPrince Harry, ghosts and a restaurateur’s wild ride to a £38m empire
Markus Thesleff, founder of the eponymous group of upmarket London restaurants, inherited a taste for the high life and took it into venues such as Los Mochis
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NewsRomano’s and Simpson’s-in-the-Strand: A legendary building restored to its prime
Jeremy King has brought an old-fashioned (in the best way) destination back to life, writes Jay Rayner
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NewsWagamama investments lead to 'significant improvement in volume performance'
The Pan-Asian brand traded below the wider market last year, after making significant investments in resetting its value proposition, which had a ‘pronounced impact on spend per head’
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NewsCoppa Club outperforms the market
Trading at the group’s other brand, Noci, has been softer, with a broader Italian food offer introduced at the restaurant
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Analysis & InsightEating out cutbacks planned as consumer sentiment falls
Forty percent of people plan to eat out less, as consumer sentiment falls to a three year low amid anxieties over the economy and war in the Middle East, according to PwC