All Opinion articles – Page 29
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OpinionHow Pret turned values into value
The news that Bridgepoint has agreed to sell Pret A Manger to JAB Holdings marks a new chapter for a brand that has consistently been voted the most admired among sector leaders. James Wallin looks at the values underpinning the brand and what the deal may mean for Pret and its investors – both incoming and outgoing – as well as assessing what wider impact the company’s £1k staff bonus may have on hospitality’s reputation as an employer.
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OpinionNew chains shaping the healthy high street
Canadian fast-casual chain Freshii launched in the UK earlier this year with ambitious plans to capitalise on the appetite for healthy eating. The expansion on these shores is being headed up by POD co-founder, Kate Skerritt, who spoke to MCA’s sister title Food Spark about where she sees the future of food.
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OpinionThe food tech trends shaping the future of hospitality
London Food Tech Week founder Nadia El Hadery picks the key trends are shaping the future of hospitality
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OpinionMCA Introduces: The Florist
The Florist is the newest brand from the rapidly growing New World Trading Company. In a new series, MCA Introduces, James Wallin profiles the concept and talks to NWTC chief executive Chris Hill.
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OpinionCasual dining veteran accentuates the positive
As one of the pioneers of casual dining in the UK, PizzaExpress holds a unique position in the nation’s psyche. UK managing director Zoe Bowley talks to Mel Flaherty about keeping the brand relevant after more than half a century on the high street.
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Opinion
Method behind Usher’s mayhem
Gary Usher is the outspoken chef-patron whose fledgling bistro group punches above its weight. Despite insisting he’s simply winging it, is there actually a calculating business mind behind the bluster? Finn Scott-Delany finds out
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OpinionBrandwatch: Greggs
The bakery food-to-go giant announced this week that it was adopting a “more cautious” outlook regarding performance for the rest of the year as troubles on the high street start to affect growth. Georgi Gyton takes a look at how the brand is setting itself up to even out any bumps in the road
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Opinion
GDPR: The final countdown
The long-anticipated General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) takes effect on 25 May and will have widespread impact on the sector. Here, Poppleston Allen’s Richard Bradley, provides a rundown of the potential consequences – unintended and otherwise – of this major piece of legislation.
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OpinionAround the world in 80 opportunities
In his latest Going Global column for MCA, international franchise expert Jasper Reid, weighs up the pros and cons of the major franchising targets around the world. He also takes a look at some non-traditional locations where UK eating out brands could thrive.
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Opinion
The evolution of the doughnut
In her latest view of the US market, Kerstin Kühn writes for MCA about the evolution of the humble doughnut in the States. She investigates a whole new generation of doughnuteries springing up around the USA, making their mark on the country’s culinary landscape
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OpinionStar is re-born
Heineken’s acquisition of 1,900 Punch sites has seen its Star Pubs & Bars estate treble in size, with a vastly expanded retail contracts division. MCA editor James Wallin talks to Star managing director, Lawson Mountstevens, about the challenges of such a mammoth integration programme.
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Opinion
Rising burger player keeps its cool
Patty & Bun is emerging from its status as cult burger bar to established player with almost a dozen sites. Founder Joe Grossman reflects on the roller-coaster ride in the early years and how he has combined focus and mayhem to build a brand with lasting cool. Finn Scott-Delany reports
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OpinionOur friends in the north
Operators in London often look to the US for inspiration and to find out what is on trend. Should they instead be looking to the talent in the north of their own country. Daniel Cornwell, managing director of SPE Resourcing, looks at the diversity outside the M25 and whether the northern powerhouse can challenge the capital
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OpinionSupply chain saga acts as wake-up call
The dramatic collapse of Conviviality, closely following other supply dilemmas for KFC and customers of Russell Hume, has shone the spotlight on the relationship between operators and their key suppliers. MCA spoke to leading figures across the eating and drinking-out sector, including some of the biggest customers of Conviviality’s Matthew Clark drinks wholesaler arm, to find out how the saga is likely to impact the sector going forward.
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OpinionEvolution in the food chain
The next 12 months is going to be a key period for the Quilvest-backed, burrito and taco concept Tortilla. Mark Wingett sits down with founder Brandon Stephens and managing director Richard Morris to talk about the year ahead – just don’t mention black beans
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OpinionA restaurant in denial
Continuing on its mission to make wine more accessible to the masses, Vinoteca is now gearing up for its first regional opening. Georgi Gyton met the founders to find out more
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Opinion
On course to be US masters
Competitive socialising is frequently cited as the ‘next big thing’ for the eating and drinking-out sector and one of the stars of the segment is crazy golf concept, Swingers. Mel Flaherty met founders Matt Grech-Smith and Jeremy Simmonds as they look to hit overseas expansion a fair way.
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Opinion
Concept Watch: Crosstown
Crosstown’s focused offer of artisan doughnuts and speciality coffee has seen it confidently grow from a start-up to an established brand. Co-founder JP Then discusses the brand’s origins and staying in a fast-evolving high street. Finn Scott-Delany reports
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Opinion
Grinding out a living
Restaurant and coffee roasting business Caravan was a key player in the rise of the restaurant/coffee shop hybrid at the start of the decade. As they prepare to open two huge new venues the founders talk to Joe Lutrario about diversification and the key to sweating your assets.
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OpinionPret’s restless psyche
Last month Clive Schlee celebrated 15 years as chief executive of Pret A Manger, and was named Retailers’ Retailer of the Year at MCA’s annual industry awards. To celebrate both milestones, Schlee shared his thoughts with James Wallin on the expansion of Pret and its closeness to customers.