J D Wetherspoon will consider opening franchise pubs in airports outside the UK, according to chairman Sir Tim Martin.
Martin tells MCA that it is “early to say” what overall opportunity franchising would offer the business but revealed that this expansion would focus on more student unions, holiday parks as well as “maybe some airports abroad.”
The business opened the first Wetherspoon franchise pub at Hull University in January 2022. The second opened at Newcastle University in September 2023, followed by an opening at Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park, Filey, North Yorkshire in March 2024.
The pub co could hit the 1,000 pub mark in the next ten years, according to the chairman.
Discussing the journey to reach this milestone, Martin says, “We’re now a fairly mature company, so it will probably not be rapid.”
Wetherspoon has reduced its number of pubs over the past decade from a peak of 955 in 2015, to 814 now.
However, recent financial results show continued revenue momentum, with like-for-like sales +9.9% vs FY23 for the 26 weeks ended 28 January 2024.
The company also plans to expand its existing successful pubs, and last year told MCA it would be keen to have a garden at every J D Wetherspoon.
With strong like-for-like bar sales of 11.6%, Martin says success is being driven by a “resurgence in real ale.” With Doom Bar, Abbot as well as Guiness “doing well.”
“Wine has made a comeback”, he adds, with Thatcher’s and Stowford Press also performing.
Discussing any potential future challenges, Martin says that “a lack of understanding of the benefits of free enterprise to society from senior politicians” is a concern.
