MCA News & Insight:
The latest industry developments and trends analysed
A subscription to MCA News & Insight provides you with timely and verified information on the events taking place in the eating and drinking out industry right now, from company and brand updates, to people moves and shifting consumer trends.
No press releases. No third-party advertising. Just high-quality news reports enhanced by analysis from a passionate team of editors and expert contributors.
LATEST EATING & DRINKING OUT NEWS
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NEWS HEADLINES
Bagel Factory to open revamped concept in Canary Wharf
Bagel Factory is to open a site in Canary Wharf Underground station under a revamped concept, as it looks to double its footprint by the end of 2019
Williams appointed MD at Papa John’s UK
Liz Williams has joined Papa John’s as managing director for the UK, MCA understands.
Hong Kong-based bank takes Gaucho position
SC Lowy, Hong Kong-based boutique investment bank, is believed to have taken a position in Gaucho, which was placed into administration last month.
Humpit eyes university rollout after securing Newcastle Union site
Humpit, the Venturian-backed hummus and pita bar concept, is eyeing university expansion across the North of England after securing its fifth site, in Newcastle University Union, MCA has learnt.
Hong Kong beer pong concept PONG opening in Kings Cross
Pong, a high-tech beer pong and premium bar concept, is coming to London’s King Cross, MCA understands.
Carlsberg UK volumes down 5%
Carlsberg saw double digit growth in the UK for its premium brands in the half year to 30 June but a drop in market share for its eponymous brand meant total volume decline of 5% in the territory.
Kosebasi in renewed effort to find first UK site
Award-winning global restaurant brand Kosebasi is once again on the lookout for a site in London.
Porky’s BBQ converts remaining One Bourbon Tavern
Porky’s BBQ has converted its one remaining One Bourbon Tavern site in West Hampstead into another eponymous site.
Hudsons secures third site for its American brasserie
Hudsons American Brasserie has secured its third site in north London.
Karma to expand UK presence with $12m investment
Karma, a food waste platform for restaurants, will use its $12m Series A investment round to accelerate its expansion in the UK, as well as expand to new European markets.
Urban Pubs acquires Opera Tavern from Salt Yard
Urban Pubs & Bars has acquired the Opera Tavern in Covent Garden from the Salt Yard Group.
Cosmo eyes 100 PizzaSqr sites in five years
PizzaSqr, the spin-off brand from Cosmo, plans to reach 100 stores over the next five years following its launch in the West Midlands.
EiG grows Beacon past 250 milestone
Ei Group has grown its managed tenancy model, Beacon, to over 250 sites.
Wellington Pizza Pub closes two of five sites
Atlas Pub Co has closed two of its five Wellington Pizza sites.
INSIDE TRACK
Pure thoughts
Mark Wingett talks to Pure co-founder Spencer Craig about giving people a reason to visit his stores, becoming the concept of choice for landlords and working with Whitbread
Vegan trend picks up momentum in the States
In her latest profile of trends in US dining, Kerstin Kuhn, looks at the chains that are taking vegan cuisine mainstream across the state
A Novel Idea: No 2. How Brands Grow
Every month, former Five Guys operations and development director Marcel Khan reads a book (so you don’t have to) and applies insight to the sector based on what he’s learned between the covers and beyond. This month: How Brands Grow by Byron Sharp
The chef isn’t always right
The days of consumers having blind faith in a restaurant provenance claims are over. David Read, chairman of Prestige Purchasing, looks at how technology is being used to provide greater transparency and build trust between operators and customers, as well as fusing procurement and marketing.
Analysts corner – Citi on Greene King
Analysts at Citi have given their view Greene King, saying it believes the concerns around the share price are overdone.
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