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
Cake Box looking to add c30 sites per year
Egg-free cake shop Cake Box is looking to add c30 new sites to its estate per year, as it targets a total of 250 shops nationwide, MCA has learnt.
The Chippy begins rollout with Marylebone site
The Chippy, the premium fish and chip shop concept from George Hammer and Haim Danous, has begun its rollout with a third site in to open at The Wedding Gallery in Marylebone, MCA understands.
The Cat’s Pyjamas strengthens pipeline
The Cat’s Pyjamas has lined up three further openings as it looks to eventually expand outside its Yorkshire heartland
Beer and cider sales up 6.3%
Beer and cider sales were up 6.3% in the off-trade in the year up to 25 February 2018, according to Kantar Worldpanel.
Caffè Nero appoints new head of comms
Caffè Nero has appointed Gareth Hopley as its head of communications – a new role at the coffee chain.
Hawksmoor confirms new location for NY opening
Hawksmoor has announced it will be opening its long-awaited New York restaurant next year, in the former United Charities Building in Manhattan.
Pret to launch compostable cutlery from next year
Pret has announced it will be introducing compostable cutlery to all of its UK stores next year as part of its drive to be a more sustainable business.
Net migration fall 'possible disaster' for sector
The fall of net EU migration to its lowest level in four years are a “possible disaster” for the hospitality industry, UKHospitality has warned.
AI likely to create 6% net new jobs in sector by 2037
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to create a 6% net increase in jobs within the accommodation and food services sector, according to new analysis by PwC.
NewRiver: Hawthorn integration going well
NewRiver has this morning reported that Hawthorn Leisure, the 298-strong pub business it acquired in May for £106.8m, is expected to generate at least £3m of annualised operating synergies and that the integration of the business is progressing well.
Third Whelans to open, with fourth lined up
Pub operator Austin Whelan is to open his third Whelans pub, in Kingston, this week with a fourth lined up to open in August.
Like-for-likes up 8% at Liberation Group
Liberation Group has posted an 8% increase in like-for-likes (lfls) sales for the past 10 weeks.
Real Eating Co focuses on small format, high footfall sites
The Real Eating Company, the South East based group, is looking to double up in Southampton as it looks to further shift its business model away from full service restaurants to grab and go, MCA has learnt.
Bubbacue ceases trading after CVL
Bubbacue, the North Ireland-based barbecue concept from Boojum Burrito founder John Blisard, has ceased operating.
INSIDE TRACK
Something to stake your reputation on
A number of runners and riders are jostling for position to invest in the struggling Gaucho business, even though some kind of restructuring seems inevitable. How will the business shape up after new investment is secured? At the same time will Brains be the perfect business for Alistair Darby to remind the pub sector of his talents? And as Leon announces plans to enter another country and roll out further Tuk Shops, could it have a another game-changing deal up its sleeve? Mark Wingett ...
How do we ensure the survival of the high street?
The government’s minister for local growth, Jake Berry, recently announced that his department plans to establish a panel of industry leaders in order to diagnose the real issues affecting our high streets and how best to ensure their survival. In light of this we asked a series of industry experts in the eating and drinking out sector what advice and recommendations they believe would make a difference
Lessons learnt in a tough market
In a challenging climate, operators still have many levers they can pull to keep ahead of competitors and stay relevant to an increasingly demanding consumer set. MCA’s executive director Simon Stenning looks at lessons that can be learnt from how the sector has evolved in the past two years
The renaissance of the wet-led pub
Wet-led venues are emerging from the shadows of casual dining and gastropubs with buoyant sales and less exposure to headwinds. Investors are clearly taking note, with wet-led businesses at the centre of much of the sector’s M&A activity over the past year. Sapient Corporate Finance founder, Peter Hansen, explains why he sees this segment going from strength to strength.
Watson: Why I’m marching for a people's vote on Brexit
City Pub Group chairman Clive Watson writes for MCA about his concerns that Brexit remains a “monumental mistake” and discusses the potential impact on the sector.
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