Shwetali Sapte
Shwetali joined MCA as senior news and finance reporter in March 2022.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0)1293 846578
- Email:
- Shwetali.sapte@mca-insight.com
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Donutelier, Wingstop, Sushinoya, Sandwich Sandwich, and more
InterviewsAmber Taverns: ‘We’re seeing real momentum’
The community pub operator is targeting 17 new sites including southern expansion this year as it looks to become a nationwide operator, chairman James Baer tells MCA
NewsAmber Taverns delivers record turnover of £120m
The community pub operator, which trades from 184 pubs across the UK, saw turnover increase 9% year-on-year, with profit before tax up 7% to £19.1m
NewsWhitbread: New integrated offering offsets F&B sales dip
The Premier Inn operator has reported a 4% decline in its F&B sales in H1 FY26, in line with expectations as it removes its lower-returning branded restaurants
NewsChick-fil-A strengthens UK team
The chicken brand has hired Paul Claxton to head up operations as it gears up to launch in Leeds this autumn
Analysis & InsightQuality, health, value: The trends shaping menu innovation into 2026
More than one-third of UK adults claim they’re highly likely to be first to try new food and drink products, with research revealing clear appetite for innovation driven by health consciousness, value scrutiny and social media
InterviewsStrongarm Hospitality seeks global franchise deals
The experiential nightlife group is actively looking to expand its Mayfair bar-restaurant concept PIRAÑA in major cities around the world
NewsRed Engine agrees further £10m investment
The new financing, from Santander, HSBC, and Barclays, will enable the operator to continue expanding its Flight Club and Electric Shuffle brands
NewsUK sales growth drives results for Nero Group
The parent company behind Caffè Nero delivered record sales of £166m in the first quarter of its financial year, boosted by 7% growth in the UK
Analysis & InsightFrom Gen Z to Gen Alpha: Thinking about the next cohort of consumers
Kateline Porritt, director of creative insights at Egg Soldiers, breaks down how operators can cement their strategy for Gen Z and begin developing one for the next generation of consumers
NewsAsahi UK looks to grow market share by leaning into premiumisation
Sales director Dhati Holohan shares how the drinks supplier is growing market share and value despite overall beer volumes falling, as it opens The Dial – Home of Meantime at Greenwich Peninsula
NewsDessert chain Batch’d secures £1.1m investment
The 25-strong Leeds-based dessert specialist plans to double in size and grow turnover to £20m by 2029
NewsB Bagel appoints new operations director
Nicholas Brown joins B Bagel from YO! Sushi’s parent company, The Wonderfield Group, as the bagel chain pushes towards the 20-site mark
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Amalfi, Humble Grape, Bullgogi, and more
InterviewsChaiiwala: ‘We’re doing for chai what Starbucks did for coffee’
The Indian café group has seen strong like-for-like growth this year following sales growth of 35% to nearly £90m in 2024, CFO Abdul Piranie tells MCA
NewsWendy’s UK increases sales
The QSR chain reported £33.9m turnover in 2024, amid plans for 150 new openings across Europe by 2028
NewsRare Restaurants sees turnover fall in ‘challenging’ market
The Gaucho operator saw turnover dip to £72.5m in 2024, but said recent changes have led to consistent and strong cover and revenue growth
NewsBrewDog announces job cuts
Chief executive James Taylor informed staff in an email, saying a difficult decision had been made to “right-size” parts of the business
NewsChaiiwala sales near £90m, supporting global expansion ambitions
The Indian street food cafe concept grew sales by 35% in 2024 as it continues to work towards 500 openings in the next decade
NewsKarali Group acquires Côte
Led by Salim and Karim Janmahomed, Karali has taken over the brasserie chain following recent acquisitions including Marugame Udon and Crosstown Doughnuts