MCA Journals
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ArticleAPRIL 2024
MCA’s April edition reflects on the prestigious MCA Hospitality Awards and celebrates the outstanding concepts, individuals, and deals that defined success in the sector this year. This month, we also hear from Tom Gatehouse, senior trends strategist at Egg Soldiers, who explores how an increasing demand for globally inspired eating experiences is leading operators to forage even further afield for new flavours. Coverage from the Food to Go Conference features comment from Wingstop, Ole & Steen, Pret, Leon, Krispy Kreme, Fireaway, Joe & The Juice and Taco Bell. Interviews come from Hertfordshire-based pub operator McMullen’s, who toast buoyant trading in the capital, amidst the resurgence of tourism and the office Christmas party, and with Cornish Bakery CEO Steve Grocutt, who explains his strategy to build a bigger business that thinks and feels like an independent. Valuable insights from industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read include an exploration of the multifaceted vision of Caffè Nero’s founder, Gerry Ford, and why operators should consider revitalising their wine lists to cater to changing consumer preferences among young drinkers.
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ArticleMARCH 2024
MCA’s March edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore the bubble tea phenomenon and how the Taiwanese import has woven its way into the UK market to become a common sight on high streets. We also analyse the fallout from BrewDog’s decision to drop the Real Living Wage and what wage inflation means for the wider sector. The edition includes interviews with McWin Capital Partners - fresh off their acquisition of Sticks’n’Sushi - on the outlook for sector investment, and with Rockfish CEO Mitch Tonks on why differentiated concepts continue to perform strongly. Designer Philip Harrison reflects on trends in the cafe sector, while industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on recruitment and retention, the future of drinks giant Diageo, and how to rise to the sustainability challenge in food procurement.
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ArticleFEBRUARY 2024
MCA’s February edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we delve into the rise of the chicken shop and how the humble poultry is establishing itself as one of the country’s most popular cuisines. We also explore the state of the sector at the end of 2023, and what the thriving QSR channel and a diversifying pub & bar segment bode for the coming year. The edition includes interviews with QSR giants Five Guys and Wendy’s, the group behind high street fixture Franco Manca, Fulham Shore, and multiconcept operator Mission Mars. Graeme Smith and Craig Rachel of AlixPartners predict a resurgence in M&A activity this year, while industry commentators Peter Martin, David Read, and Dominic Walsh share their views on sector issues, such as eating out in times of crisis, energy waste, and the future of Revolution Bars Group.
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ArticleDECEMBER 2023
MCA’s December edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore how slowing inflation and recovering consumer confidence have buoyed festive trading prospects, Young’s bid to take over City Pub Group and its ambition to branch out from its regional roots, and why geopolitical tensions have pushed corporations like McDonald’s and Starbucks on the back foot. The edition features an analysis on the evolution of wine bars, detailing their shift from dusty basements to hipster hangouts, and also examines how operators are innovating to stand out in a crowded pizza market. Highlights from MCA’s Restaurant Conference in the edition include interviews with PizzaExpress CEO Paula Mackenzie, former Fulham Shore boss David Page, and Turtle Bay, Caravan, and Red Engine chair Jane O’Riordan. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, such as the rebuilding of Britain’s infrastructure, dealmaking activity and people moves in the pub sector, and the compound effects of high inflation numbers.
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ArticleNOVEMBER 2023
MCA’s November edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore high profile deals including McWin Capital Partners’ acquisition of experiential dining champions Big Mamma Group and Apollo Global Management’s bid to take The Restaurant Group private. The edition also examines what optimism among operators looks like and the emergence of restaurants supplanting nightclubs through the party dining phenomenon. The edition includes interviews with Honest Burgers about the soon to be launched QSR spinoff; KFC about its runway for growth in the UK; Sexy Fish about evolving its experiential dining offer; and Burger & Lobster as it looks to pick up its place of expansion. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including Mitchells & Butlers’ approach to innovation, the rise and fall of Cobra beer, and the role of hospitality in driving changes in the food system.
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ArticleOCTOBER 2023
MCA’s October edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore The Big Table Group’s potential to turn around its recently acquired Leisure estate, Stonegate’s much-discussed move to introduce dynamic pricing, and the trend towards nostalgic dining during times of economic uncertainty. The edition includes interviews with veteran restaurateur Jeremy King as he returns to the UK’s restaurant scene, Loungers’ Alex Reilley as the business marks the 200-site milestone, Itsu on a record summer of sales, and Amber Taverns on building a strong pipeline. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including the consolidation of market halls, changing consumer behaviour, and the intricacies of procurement and supply.
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ArticleSEPTEMBER 2023
MCA’s September edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore TDR Capital’s £50m investment in Popeyes, the ongoing scandal around employee claims against McDonald’s, and the hype around AI and its implications for hospitality businesses. The edition includes interviews with Deliveroo about keeping the focus on its existing estate; Toridoll about taking Franco Manca out to the world; and Big Table Group on unlocking cost synergies across its portfolio. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including spreadsheet buying plus the resurgence and recovery of pubs this summer and their relationship with the government.
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ArticleAUGUST 2023
MCA’s August edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore the implications of Asda’s £2.3bn acquisition of EG Group’s UK arm and speak to Wagamama founder Alan Yau about his next venture and the future of the restaurant industry. The edition includes an interview with MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Award winner Caravan Restaurants, plus additional coverage from our annual Pub conference last month. We also speak to Subway UK about introducing kiosks, Azzurri Group about bringing Boojum to the UK, and Hickory’s Smokehouse following the Greene King acquisition last year. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including customer service, the long-running rail disputes, and why inflation continues to rise for hospitality as it falls in supermarkets.
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ArticleJULY 2023
MCA’s July edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month we explore whether confidence in the market is prompting a return to M&A activity, the challenges The Restaurant Group faces from activist investors and how it might turnaround its share price and the buoyant growth of the UK dessert café sector. There are interviews with MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Award winners McDonald’s, Itsu and Imbiba and coverage of MCA’s annual Pub Conference earlier this month – with further coverage to appear in our August edition. Regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read share their views on topics effecting the sector including sustainability, the need for a VAT cut and business buzzwords, while Lumina Intelligence unpicks examples of innovation in the pub sector.
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ArticleJUNE 2023
MCA’s June edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including deep dives into the slow decline of Prezzo, Hostmore’s new strategy for TGI Fridays and the performance and potential for Barburrito in the fast-casual Mexican market. There are interviews with MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Jane O’Riordan, and winners of Best Pub/Bar Company, Inception Group, plus David McDowall gives his first big interview to MCA following his appointment as CEO of Stonegate Group earlier this year. This month’s edition also features a special feature on the progress that is still to be made on diversity and inclusion in hospitality, and the MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read give their spin on sector issues. To view the June edition, click here.
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ArticleMAY 2023
MCA’s May edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Toridoll’s deal to acquire Fulham Shore and a special feature on the potential for insects on menus. There are interviews with The Wolseley Hospitality Group’s CEO Baton Berisha, MJMK’s co-founder Marco Mendes – following Casa Do Frango’s Emerging Concept win at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards, and Red Oak Taverns’ co-founder Mark Grunnell. This month’s edition also features opinion MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read, as well as exclusive comment from Holly Addison and Lorraine Copes and insight from Lumina Intelligence. To view the May edition, click here.
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ArticleApril 2023
MCA’s April edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Starbucks’ decision to launch olive oil-infused coffee and a special feature on the future of robotics in hospitality. There are interviews with former D&D London CEO Des Gunewardena on his next moves in the sector, The Restaurant Group’s CEO Andy Hornby and Emily Teh, CEO of growing Mexican concept Zambrero. This month’s edition also features coverage of all the winners at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards 2023 and highlights from the Food to Go Conference in March. There is also opinion MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read, and insight from Lumina Intelligence. To view the April edition, please click here.
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ArticleMarch 2023
MCA’s March edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Stonegate’s decision to put 1,000 pubs up for sale and TriSpan’s stake in Mowgli. AlixPartners assesses the outlook for M&A activity this year, and Lumina Intelligence shares insights from its new Food to Go Market Report. This month’s edition also features profiles on all the finalists in the Rising Star and Sustainability Award categories at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards, and we showcase the highlights from the Hostech conference last month. In addition there are interviews with the likes of City Pub Company, Pure and Chestnut Group, and opinion from MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read. To view the March edition, please click here.
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ArticleFEBRUARY 2023
MCA’s February edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Byron’s protracted fall from grace, a look into BrewDog’s ambitions to bring IPA back to India and Marugame Udon’s new hollandaise noodle breakfast. It also features interviews with the leaders of Sticks’n’Sushi and Papa Johns, a discussion with White Rabbit Projects following its investment from McWin, as well as Liberation Group after its merger with Cirrus Inns. The issue includes coverage of William Reed’s inaugural Omnichannel Foodservice Conference, with contributions from PizzaExpress, Pret and Leon. There is also insight from Lumina Intelligence and opinion from MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read
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ArticleDecember 2022/January 2023
MCA’s December/January edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including special features on the value of implementing dog-friendly policies and the bounce back of the US breakfast market. There are big interviews with Fuller’s chief executive Simon Emeny, Young’s CEO Simon Dodd, and Nightcap’s CEO Sarah Willingham, among others. While Loungers chairman Alex Reilley speaks to MCA about the roll-out potential of its new roadside concept Brightside. There is also insight from Lumina Intelligence and opinion from MCA’s regular industry commentators: Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read. Guest commentator Flint Global discusses the government’s energy support package and FinnCap Cavendish assesses the investment landscape. To view the December/January edition, please click here.
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ArticleNovember 2022
MCA’s November edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including how operators are dealing with current cost pressures, and commentary on Greene King’s acquisition of Hickory’s – and what the deal could mean for both sides. There are big interviews with Alasdair Murdoch, CEO, Burger King UK and Marston’s CEO Andrew Andrea, as well as Wimpy, Banana Tree and Cooks Coffee Company. The edition also features extensive coverage of MCA’s recent Restaurant Conference, which featured former PizzaExpress CEO David Campbell, McDonald’s COO Gareth Pearson and Caravan founder group CEO Laura Harper-Hinton on the bill. There is insight from Lumina Intelligence on the clever menu hacks operators are using to mitigate ingredient price rises and opinion from MCA’s regular industry commentators: Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read, covering the continued lure of London as a place for brands to invest, a critique of Revolution Bar Group’s acquisition of Peach Pubs and the importance of leadership and innovation. To view the November edition, please click here.
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ArticleOctober 2022
MCA’s October edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. The new issue includes industry reaction to the government’s energy support package, initial coverage of MCA’s Restaurant Conference 2022, and a feature on the importance of offering the right kind of benefits package to employees. There is also insight from Lumina Intelligence on future growth prospects for pubs and bars, and opinion from MCA’s regular industry commentators: Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read. This month’s edition is also packed full of exclusive interviews with The Restaurant Group, City Pub Group, Hawksmoor, Rekom UK and Chipotle, among many others. To view the October edition, please click here.
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ArticleSeptember 2022
MCA’s September edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. The new issue includes analysis of both the energy and cost of living crises and how operators are faring in the face of these challenges. In the wake of speculation about a possible sale of Starbucks, we take a look at how the brand has lost ground to its rivals and what the shape of a deal could look like, and we explore the PR value of operating plant-based only restaurants. Elsewhere in the edition there are exclusive interviews with Byron, Taco Bell, Tortilla, Fulham Shore and Clean Kitchen, and insight from Lumina Intelligence and CACI. To view the September edition, please click here.
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ArticleAUGUST 2022
MCA’s August edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. It includes follow-up interviews with winners of the Retailers’ Retailer Awards, including Best Opening winner, Eataly. It features analysis the merge of Shaftsbury and Capco as well as extensive coverage of the Pub Conference, including a keynote interview with Stonegate chairman and founder Ian Payne. To view the August edition, please click here
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ArticleJULY 2022
MCA’s July edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. It includes follow-up interviews with winners of the Retailers’ Retailer Awards, including Lifetime Achievement winner, outgoing Greggs CEO Roger Whiteside, and Best Concept winner, Flight Club. It also features analysis on Tortilla acquisition of Chilango, the impact of the Elizabeth Line, and the phenomenon of NFTs. To view the July edition, please click here.