All MCA Insight articles in September 2023 – Page 4
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News
Openings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Nando’s, Wagamama, Fabrique, Chai Green, Bear and more
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News
Consumer confidence improves
The latest consumer survey by GfK shows improving optimism about the economy has raised consumer confidence to its highest since January last year
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Interviews
City Pub Group in ‘strong position’ for growth
The group will continue to look for predominantly wet-led, freehold pubs as part of its acquisition strategy, and is in a strong position due to its low debt, CEO Clive Watson tells MCA
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News
Comptoir counts cost of ‘exceptional challenges’
The Lebanese-inspired restaurant group blamed cost of living pressures, inflation, rail stikes, poor weather and a lack of state support for a decrease in profits
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News
Hospitality businesses ‘collateral damage’ in rail strike dispute
The sector will continue to suffer if negotiations between the government, rail unions and companies are not resumed as a matter of urgency, UKH warns
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Interviews
KFC: ‘It’s been a strong year in a turbulent sector’
Chief development officer James Whitehorn speaks to MCA about targeting the 1,500-site mark, the future of the high street, and how the fried chicken giant is not only surviving - but thriving
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News
JDW to sell a further 11 pubs
The properties, a mix of 10 freeholds and one leasehold unit, are located in town and city centre locations across England and Wales
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News
Buzzworks sees ‘significant growth opportunities’ in Scotland
The Scottish bar and restaurant operator plans to catch “the tailwind of opportunity” after three strong new openings
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News
SSP sees strong underlying trading momentum
In the UK and Ireland, sales are expected to strengthen to c.100% vs 2019, reflecting the improving performance and higher mix of the air channel
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Interviews
Yolk to diversify to all-day offer
The ‘fine fast food’ brand is growing evening trade while adapting its menu to an all-day offer, as it looks to target suburbs in its goal to reach the 20-site mark, CEO Nick Philpot tells MCA
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News
Loungers raises prices by 8% due to inflation
Speaking after a slight drop in inflation, Loungers CEO Nick Collins said he had seen no consumer belt tightening, despite price rises
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News
City Pub Group targets 5 sites a year
The pub company, which reports H1 revenues are up 21%, is currently negotiating on a number of acquisitions, as part of a measured, organic approach to growth
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News
Nightcap appoints sales & marketing director
Michelle Farrell, formerly of Stonegate Group, has been appointed group sales & marketing director for the late night operator
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News
Curry Up Now to launch in UK
The Indian street food brand currently has 49 units open and in development in the US, and is seeking franchise opportunites in the UK market
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News
Adnams: ‘Trading conditions continue to be uncertain’
The brewer, distiller, and pub operator reported sales in the first half of the year were level with 2022, at £30m
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News
Hospitality inflation rate drops to 8.3%
Restaurant and hotels provided a large downward contribution to consumer price inflation last month, marking the lowest rate since May 2022 in the sector.
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News
Popeyes launches UK-exclusive breakfast menu
The US-born chicken brand has launched a breakfast menu exclusive to the UK, featuring New Orleans-inspired dishes
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Interviews
Market Halls: 'We intend to consolidate the food hall market'
Market Halls is in negotiations for another venue near a major London train station, alongside two venues outside London, CEO Andy Lewis-Pratt tells MCA
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News
Arc Inspirations delivers £40.8m in sales
The premium bar operator delivered annual sales growth of 7.5% for the year to 26 March 2023, with plans to open four sites - including a London debut
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Analysis & Insight
Operators see improvement in trading
Despite signs of improvement, 68% of leaders are finding trading challenging, and 15% really challenging, Lumina Intelligence’s Top of Mind report reveals