All articles by Phoebe Fraser
-
NewsRoadchef appoints Tim Gittins as CEO
The appointment follows the departure of former chief executive Mark Fox, who announced the move in January
-
InterviewsWagamama surpasses 1m loyalty members as omnichannel grows
CEO Thomas Heier tells MCA the programme is already driving “positive movements to member visit frequency” since launching in 2024, with further functionality and features in the pipeline
-
InterviewsVelvet Taco to open at Broadgate Circle, targets 10 UK sites by 2030
The fast-casual taco brand’s first UK site is to open in July, followed by a Soho opening and two sites each year over the next five years
-
NewsPrezzo teases new name ahead of strong Q1
CMO Mark McCulloch revealed the plans in a LinkedIn post, teasing: “An Italian icon is about to have a makeover…New name, same passion”
-
InterviewsWhich Wich eyes travel hubs and multi-channel growth
The brand is preparing to open a second UK site in Fleet Street this June – a dual-floor location designed to support dine-in, delivery, and catering operations
-
NewsKate Nicholls: NIC hike adds ‘disproportionate impact’ to already pressured sector
The UKHospitality leader describes the reduction in the earnings threshold for employer NICs and the rise in the main rate to 15% as “the most aggressive” tax change she has seen
-
NewsLeaders call to reinstate tax-free shopping amid tourist slowdown
The “tourist tax” continues to be a point of concern for operators ahead of what some are calling a potential “summer of discontent”
-
NewsLunch outperforms dinner during Easter weekend
Lunchtime bookings accounted for 56% of all reservations on Easter Sunday and Monday, compared to just 28% for dinner, according to the latest Zonal data
-
NewsJoe & the Juice appoints chairman
Jeffrey Lawrence brings over 25 years of experience in building digitally-enabled hospitality and consumer brands and previously spent two decades at Domino’s Pizza,
-
InterviewsSides to appoint UK MD and target 14 UK stores
The QSR brand launched as a cloud kitchen concept in 2021, now operates six brick-and-mortar sites and aims to reach 14 by the end of the year, CEO Robin Mehta tells MCA
-
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Chopstix, YouMeSushi, Greene King’s The Sherlock Holmes and more
-
EventsMCA partners with Pennies for Hostech 2025
A pioneer in micro-donation technology, Pennies enables customers to round up payments when paying by card or digitally – creating powerful impact for charities through small, everyday contributions
-
NewsNew wave of government costs puts hospitality recovery at risk
The UK hospitality market saw marginal outlet growth over the past year, but stability is under threat, according to the latest CGA by NIQ report
-
NewsSIDES to open first international site in Singapore
The viral fried chicken brand is set to make its international debut with a new store opening in Singapore this June
-
NewsThree Cheers Pub Co. secures new pub on King’s Road
The pub group has secured the lease for 224–226 King’s Road, Chelsea, for its tenth site this autumn
-
NewsBrighton Pier Group confirms AIM delisting following shareholder approval
The group received shareholder approval to delist from the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, confirming its plans to become a private company
-
InterviewsPhat Buns targets 20 UK sites
The fast-growing burger brand aims to operate 20 UK sites by the end of 2025 and has begun international expansion with two openings planned in the UAE
-
NewsMarston’s launches new Grandstand sports pub concept
The concept aims to bring a stadium-style atmosphere and state-of-the-art technology to local pubs
-
NewsPunch Pubs acquires four Everards sites
Joining Punch’s leased and tenanted estate, the new pubs bring the company’s total acquisitions for the current financial year to 13
-
InterviewsSalt Beer Factory focuses on pub refurbishments and hybrid models
The brewer and bar business is prioritising investment in its existing pub estate with a focus on site refurbishments, hybrid models and collaboration with street food vendors, MD Edd Simpson tells MCA