All Opinion articles – Page 36
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OpinionYoung’s: From dray horses to digital revolutionaries
Young’s chief executive Patrick Dardis talks to MCA about regional expansion; plans to ramp up investment; it’s digital ambitions and the trends the group is seeing in its customer base.
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OpinionInvestment deal raises stakes for Leon
Leon’s new investors previously turned a concept described as a “meat-eater’s mecca” into a successful chain in the US and will hope to do the same with the UK-based health-focused, fast food concept. Mark Wingett looks at the new investment and talks to Leon co-founder John Vincent about taking nothing for granted
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Opinion
For Everards and a day
As Everards lays the groundwork for its new brewery and headquarters, managing director Stephen Gould tells Finn Scott-Delany about the company’s progressive attitude to tenant relations, stable growth and not losing sight of the day job.
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OpinionRowland’s YO! renaissance
Robin Rowland describes the moment he stepped back in as chief executive of YO! Sushi as the world starting again. Over the past 16 months, he has made sure that the brand he will have served for 18 years this year, returned to its core values, or RUCC (Respectful, Unconventional, Colourful and Confident) and with it has come the company’s mojo and an uptick in performance. Mark Wingett reports
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Opinion
Be part of a customer’s routine
The UK has seen an explosion of interest in eating out over the past few years but how long can this growth be sustained? With significant headwinds ahead, Nectar’s James Moir looks at how operators can stand out from the competition.
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OpinionSan Francisco views
Last week, MCA hosted a group of industry leaders on a tour of San Francisco’s eating and drinking-out scene. James Wallin looks at five takeaways from that trip
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Opinion
What do planning changes mean for operators?
Significant changes to the way the planning system treats pubs, as part of the Neighbourhood Planning Bill, come into force later this month. Here, British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Brigid Simmonds explains how operators will be affected.
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Opinion
Bolt-ons key to next phase of M&A
Altium’s Sam Fuller explains why a slowdown in M&A was always going to be a possibility in the casual-dining market, and shows where the light at the end of the tunnel can be found
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Opinion
Pecking order: Can CHIK'N become the next Nando's?
“We want to be the next Nando’s” is a refrain that is probably been heard more than we care too mention at MCA. Many concepts incorporating many styles and cuisines have stated that as their goal, but with the burger and pizza categories well served in potential contenders, is it ...
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Opinion
Campbell’s departure sets tongues wagging
The driving force behind a business returned to rude health, generating sector-leading growth, with foundations laid down for global success, plus the recent recognition of his work by his peers. It is safe to say that David Campbell’s stay as chief executive of Wagamama would have, and indeed will be, viewed as a resounding success. But, as the dust settles on the brand’s 25th birthday celebrations, it is surprising that it has come to an end so suddenly. Mark Wingett discusses.
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OpinionNot missing a trick
Franco Manca translates as “Franco’s missing”, but under the careful watch of industry veteran David Page, you could hardly accuse the pizza concept from passing up any chances to stay ahead of the category it has been shaking up since its launch in 2008. Mark Wingett takes a look at the winner of the Best Concept Award at this year’s Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Awards and parent company Fulham Shore.
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OpinionRejoice in the salad days
When Vincent McKevitt cobbled together a student loan, a bank loan and five credit cards, he started Tossed. Mel Flaherty discusses his vision of a cashless, health-conscious future.
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Opinion
Wagamama’s silver anniversary
Wagamama first opened for business, in Bloomsbury, London, on 22 April 1992. To mark its 25th anniversary this weekend, chief executive David Campbell sent a message to the company’s growing family of 169 restaurants in 20 territories worldwide
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OpinionWhere are the next M&A deals?
The Government has thrown many obstacles at pub operators from Brexit, the introduction of the national living wage, the market-rent-only (MRO) option and a new tax on soft drinks. Peter Hansen gives us his expert view on the market and his advice on the possibility of future M&A activity
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Opinion
Investing in staff will pay off
The world of hospitality has suffered from a poor rapport when it comes to hiring and retaining staff but, with a clear intent on fair pay, investing in training and transparency on service charges, this can be avoided, according to the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Andrew Stephen
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Opinion
The man behind the cask
Marston’s managing director Richard Westwood discusses recent controversy around the quality and price of cask ale with the Morning Advertiser’s Nicholas Robinson.
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Opinion
Pouring profits down the drain
With much chatter about the external headwinds facing the industry, why would operators allow profit to be poured down the drain due to their own actions? Vianet’s Steve Alton examines just how the much the sector is losing through poor beer quality.
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Opinion
Does the removal of PDRs for pubs mean an end to ACVs?
Simon Chaplin, head of pubs & restaurants - London at Christie & Co, discusses the implications of the proposed removal of permitted development rights (PDR) for pubs.
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OpinionBrewDog: From young pup to big beast
Known for its unorthodox approach to fundraising and marketing in its early days, 10 years down the line craft beer brewer BrewDog has matured into a successful international company. But, that doesn’t mean the firm has become more conformist, as ‘navigator’ David McDowall explains to Mel Flaherty
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Opinion
Thinking outside the box
People love to have choice and when it comes to Asian food in the US, Asian Box offers diners what they want and uses top ingredients sourced responsibly. Kerstin Kühn finds out more.