All Opinion articles – Page 22
-
OpinionIsland Poke: 'We are really trying to change the landscape of grab and go'
Poke has long been considered one to watch, though had yet to make in-roads in the UK – until recently. Leading the charge and looking to redefine lunchtime is Island Poke, whose founder James Gould-Porter speaks to Finn Scott-Delany about establishing the Hawaiian speciality as a new genre of food in London.
-
OpinionCaravan: ‘Pressures on the sector are forcing everyone to look at new formats’
Almost nine years since the Caravan team opened their first restaurant at Exmouth Market, they are still winning awards for their concept, collecting the Retailers’ Retailer Evolution Award last month. Co-founder Miles Kirby spoke to MCA’s sister title, Food Spark, about the brand’s constant thirst for innovation.
-
-
OpinionGotham’s Easter quiz
With the Easter bank holiday weekend almost upon us, MCA’s market insight director Steve Gotham offers up a bit of a light-hearted break from the norm with a test of your knowledge of the eating and drinking out market.
-
OpinionCulture wars
This week Gordon Ramsay’s latest Lucky Cat was slammed for its ‘authentic Asian’ offering, while Aldo Zilli claimed only Italian chefs should cook in Italian restaurants. To help navigate the cultural appropriation minefield, MCA’s Finn Scott-Delany spoke to contributing editor Peter Martin and Mowgli’s Nisha Katona.
-
OpinionAnalysts corner: Peel Hunt on the modern leisure generation
Douglas Jack and Ivor Jones take a deeper look at the leisure industry, the consumer trends making waves and the external influences fuelling upward cost pressures, and theorise about what we might see in the future.
-
OpinionCan US sensation The Halal Guys conquer the UK?
MCA’s sister title Food Spark talks to Jan van Delden, partner at franchisee ITICO UK, about The Halal Guys’ entry into Britain’s fast-casual food market.
-
OpinionA no-brainer of sorts
In his latest monthly column Dominic Walsh digests the news of Steve Richards’ departure from Casual Dining Group with mixed emotions although concluding, after some consideration, that it makes sense. He goes on to ponder the future of Fuller’s following its boardroom shake-up.
-
OpinionAnalysts corner: Domino’s
Domino’s alleged disputes with its franchisees have been making headlines of late, with chief executive David Wild even accused of misleading the City. Analyst at Berenberg give their views on how the situation may play out for them in terms of future performance.
-
OpinionMamma's boys
French restaurant group Big Mamma has burst onto the London restaurant scene with the bright and bold Gloria. With a second restaurant on the cards, its two founders have big plans for the capital.
-
OpinionAnalysts corner: The Restaurant Group
Berenberg shares its views on how The Restaurant Group is faring at the beginning of what is an important year for the business.
-
OpinionFeeding back
An increasing number of hospitality operators are going beyond just fundraising with a more hands-on approach to charity and community projects. Jo Bruce looks at some of the companies putting social engagement at the heart of their businesses
-
OpinionThe real winners and losers from Theresa May’s deal
JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin gives his view on the latest Brexit developments, claiming that if Theresa May’s deal is eventually approved, “the public will shun EU suppliers - and UK companies which promoted Project Fear”.
-
OpinionWhere there's a will: The power of true grit
Jon Midmer, of global executive search firm JMA, looks at what sporting examples can teach business about the importance of grit – which he defines as a combination of sustained determination, supreme resilience, strength of character and a visceral will to win.
-
OpinionDialling up the pizzeria
As PizzaExpress launches a new look and feel, UK MD Zoe Bowley talks to James Wallin about creating sociable pizzerias, the initial lessons from food to go spin-off, ZA, and the ongoing partnership with Welcome Break.
-
OpinionMark Out of 10: KFC - Passive aggressive much?
In his latest column for MCA, Mark McCulloch – the brand and marketing guru behind Supersonic Inc – gives his view on KFC’s latest marketing campaign, which sees it acknowledge its many imitators littering the UK’s high streets.
-
OpinionFocus on: AlixPartners’ Growth Company Index 2019
MCA editor James Wallin gives a sneak peek at this year’s entrants for the AlixPartners Growth Company Index and looks back at previous winners
-
OpinionBringing East Coast glitz to the North West
In just six years, James Hitchen’s East Coast Concepts has emerged as an established player in the North West, with an eye on national expansion. Finn Scott-Delany talks to the entrepreneurial founder about vibrant dining, creating a shared space for footballers and mechanics to mingle, and the shifting power dynamics of the North
-
OpinionTaking a Fresca look at Carluccio’s 2.0
Carluccio’s post-CVA Fresca programme – designed at reconnecting with the modern consumer base – is currently being trialled at its Richmond restaurant. MCA market insight director Steve Gotham visited the site to give his view on the progress and what lessons for the wider casual dining market can be taken away.
-
OpinionKaizen chiefs
Southeast cuisine is seen as one of the few areas where demand still outstrips supply in casual dining and one of the rising stars in this field is Tonkotsu. Stephen Evans, managing director of the ramen restaurant brand, talks to Jo Bruce about expansion plans, engineering gizmos and buddies