All Opinion articles – Page 49
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OpinionAn open letter to Pubs Minister Kris Hopkins
M&C Report group editor Rob Willock writes an open letter to community pubs minister Kris Hopkins.
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OpinionHabit forming
As the UK economy continues to recover from the post-financial crisis recession, consumer confidence has picked up, supporting discretionary spending on leisure activities, including dining out, says Rupesh Patel of Grant Thornton UK LLP, which has published new report called Come Dine With Us. Alongside this cyclical trend, structural changes in consumers’ eating habits are also reshaping the bars, restaurants and casual dining industry and are driving sector transaction activity.
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OpinionThe Renaissance Man
Tim Hulme has had a big task on his hands turning around the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), but he’s adamant that progress has been made as he targets further reform and growth for the organisation. Hulme also has bold ambitions for the pub sector as a whole.
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Opinion
New category treads a fine line
Never happy to stand still, the restaurant industry is continually redefining itself. Kerstin Kuhn looks at the latest sub-sector to emerge – that of fast fine outlets
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OpinionBeing frank about café growth
Apostrophe managing director Richard Franks is out to make the café an everyday venue rather than just a trip for a treat. Ruth Williams reports
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Opinion
Shifting Sands
John Sands’ retirement is not going well. Eleven years after leaving the industry, his love of pubs has drawn him back into a leading role. Phil Mellows meets the new chairman of Admiral Taverns
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OpinionBodean’s breaks out
After a five-year hiatus and a shrinking estate, barbecue brand Bodean’s is back on the expansion trail. Founder Andre Blais discusses why he won’t be getting his fingers burnt this time round. Stefan Chomka reports
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OpinionComing full circle
After more than 11 years writing about the pub industry, M&C Report’s departing deputy editor John Harrington presents his valedictory on a sector that has been through the mill and come out stronger the other side
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Opinion
Unbranded managed pubs – the ‘Cinderella Segment’
At the ‘Pub Ball’ there has been one ‘Cinderella’ not yet invited. One whose attributes have yet to be fully appreciated but who may achieve recognition and success after a period of obscurity and neglect. This is the area of the smaller, unbranded managed pub, argues advisory firm CBRE
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OpinionTalent spotting
Over the next 18 months the industry is set to experience a sustained level of M&A activity, including a number of big ticket deals, but it is mining for “investment gold” at the other end of the business lifecycle that is increasingly moving to the top of the agenda for sector investors in the rush for the next big thing
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Opinion
Mine’s a Pint (Shop)
Richard Holmes, former ops manager at Leon and co-owner of Pint Shop in Cambridge talks expansion, staff training and inspiring concepts
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OpinionDeal of the decade?
What lies behind Greene King’s approach for Spirit Pub Company, what complications does it bring and what does it tell us about the current state of the pub market? John Harrington speaks to the experts
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OpinionBrewer troops colour of change
Frederic Robinsons famously tied up a deal with rock band Iron Maiden last year, and that energy to do something a little out of the ordinary is still prevalent in its bid to make major changes to its tenanted estate. John Harrington finds out more
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OpinionRestaurants find the Tweet spot
In the first of a new monthly content series, M&C Report takes a look at the social media activities of the leading pub, restaurant and food-to-go brands. James Hacon starts with Twitter, and the three brands making the biggest hashtag splash
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OpinionDigging Gold in the Far East
As UK-based restaurant operators look to grow their overseas footprints, Graham Campbell, head of restaurants at Fleurets, argues that while the UK market has probably not yet reached saturation, it’s becoming increasingly mature and the scope for major growth is limited. He argues: “It is a problem that more and more will need to confront and address if they are to continue to drive profit for their predominantly private equity owners.”
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Opinion
The food delivery revolution
Co-founder of high-quality food delivery firm Deliveroo, William Shu, talks to M&C Report editor Mark Wingett about why London residents need a speedy service that offers great meals to their door
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OpinionI’ll have five on it
It’s little more than a year since it arrived in the UK, but US burger phenomenon Five Guys is on the cusp of becoming a national player. Mark Wingett talks to UK managing director John Eckbert and director of operations Marcel Khan about the past year, expansion plans and the paradox at the heart of its success
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OpinionRisking it regionally
The race for operators to spread out of London and the south-east is well and truly on. Does that run the risk of regional property bubbles being formed during the next 12 to 18 months?
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OpinionProper food that’s going places
Chop’d was founded in 2004 on the principles of offering busy people the choice of healthy food on the go. Ten years and nine stores later, Ruth Williams finds co-founder and chief executive Eddie Holmes is preparing to roll-out three formats of the store that embody those principles
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OpinionThe enlightened restaurateur
Simon Mullins is not only passionate about food and drink, he also has a passion for the people who work for him. The Salt Yard Group boss opens up to Mel Flaherty