All MCA Insight articles in November 2024 – Page 3
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NewsCosta initiates 24-hour trading trial
The coffee chain has launched a 24-hour trading trial at its drive-thru store in Leicester Meridien East, with potential for further rollout
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Analysis & InsightFive Guys’ John Eckbert on building a people-driven business at scale
Speaking at MCA’s Restaurant Conference, Eckbert reflected on Five Guys’ journey over the past decade as it approaches the 170-site mark
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NewsThousands of bar staff will be trained to spot drink-spikers
The Home Office is to set aside £250,000 to pay for the training, from next month, with 10,000 staff expected to complete it by the spring, as the government moves to make spiking a specific crime
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Analysis & InsightRestaurant market growth forecast to lag pubs and fast food
The UK restaurant market is forecast to grow by 1.3% in 2024 to reach a value of £19bn – lagging behind the total eating out market’s growth rate of 2.6%, according to Lumina Intelligence’s new Restaurant Market Report
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NewsBig nights out have shifted to day time
Stonegate CEO David McDowall said Slug & Lettuce’s peak drinking hour had shifted from 9pm to 10pm on Saturday night, to between 3pm and 4pm with bottomless brunches replacing happy hours
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NewsBrewers’ profits at risk of ‘wipeout’ from rising costs after budget
Higher alcohol duty, the rise in national insurance and the new packaging tax will add millions in extra costs, the industry warns
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NewsWe need business rates reform soon to save high street, say bosses
More than 80 business leaders have lobbied the Treasury to accelerate a rethink on the outdated system. What is at stake and what are the options?
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NewsKFC drops pledge to stop using ‘Frankenchickens’ in the UK
The chain says it won’t be able to stop buying fast-growing breeds by 2026 because the poultry industry cannot supply enough higher-welfare animals
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News‘Working from home is great for us’: Esquires Coffee eyes UK growth
The Cooks Coffee Co-owned chain wants to double its number of sites as it targets the suburbs rather than city centres
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NewsAsda hires former boss Allan Leighton, 71, to revive its fortunes
The retail veteran was an integral member of the team that steered Asda from the brink of bankruptcy to a £6.7bn sale to Walmart in the 1990s
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NewsMark McCulloch joins Prezzo
The Italian restaurant group has appointed McCulloch as chief marketing officer, as it seeks to enhance customer experiences, refresh its brand identity, and attract new customer groups
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NewsManeki Ramen launches crowdfunding campaign
The ramen specialist, part of the ART Hospitality group, has begun crowdfunding ahead of the launch of its second site in Birmingham
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Analysis & InsightVolatile food pricing expected through early 2025
Hospitality businesses need to prepare for a challenging winter, with product areas such as beef, lamb, potatoes, and salads under pressure, Lynx Purchasing has warned
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NewsBob & Berts achieves £21.5m turnover
Turnover increased from £19.6m the previous year, as the coffee shop chain continued its expansion across the UK and Northern Ireland
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NewsAnglian Country Inns reports 14% sales uplift
Sales rose to £20.6m in FY24 due to both increased footfall and spend per head, while the business revealed it will open a new bakery in early 2025
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NewsBudget could force pubs to push up prices, BBPA warns
New figures show that the Budget’s cumulative impact means, at a conservative estimate, a £500m increase to the cost of doing business for the industry
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Analysis & InsightLeon’s festive offer takes note from seasons past
Head of food Erica Molyneaux tells MCA the brand has learned from unexpected hits and misses over the years, and is now staying true to its mission of nutritious, convenient, fast food
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NewsDavid Loewi to step down as D&D CEO
Loewi, who co-founded the restaurant group with Des Gunewardena, will transition to a role as advisor to the board after 30 years with the business - with particular emphasis on international expansion
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Electric Shuffle, Din Tai Fung, Wendy’s and more
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OpinionA new emerging trend within the UK’s pubs
Shelley Sandzer’s Ted Schama foresees a trend where consumers will have difficulty in differentiating their favourite restaurant or their favourite pub, as both will blend seamlessly together, having broken the shackles of tradition