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
NewsPizzaExpress upgrades loyalty scheme
The PizzaExpress Club will now offer guests instant rewards for downloading the app, as well as the chance to progress through tiers more quickly
NewsLas Iguanas launches loyalty programme
The Iguana Club allows guests to collect stamps and unlock rewards, including surprise giveaways, birthday treats, and exclusive offers
NewsBlack Box Intelligence acquires Yumpingo
Black Box seeks to elevate its AI-driven restaurant performance solutions through the acquisition of the guest experience management and survey platform
Analysis & InsightWarm weather helps pubs outperform restaurants
Leading managed pub groups achieve 3.6% like-for-like growth in March, while restaurants slipped 5.7%, according to the CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker
NewsCosta pushes for further growth across formats
The coffee chain has renewed its focus on the high street, shopping centres, drive-thrus, and retail parks, while extending its partnership with real estate advisor Savills
Analysis & InsightDemand for premium spirits helps boost embattled late-night sector
Consumers continue to trade up to premium spirits and cocktails despite pressures on spending and a challenged late night segment. MCA explores how the bar sector is responding, and how suppliers are helping meet demand for elevated occasions
Analysis & InsightStonegate’s Social Pub & Kitchen taps into Ed Sheeran’s fan base
The pub group has collaborated with the artist’s hot sauce brand, Tingly Ted, to refresh its menu and increase brand visibility
NewsPrivate equity firm True in talks to acquire stake in GDK
True’s proposed investment into the kebab chain is described as a “stellar valuation”, sources told Sky News, as GDK targets 300 UK sites by 2028
NewsBig Mamma Group achieves £44m sales from five venues
The group’s London restaurants - Gloria, Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, and Carlotta - all performed ahead of expectations, with new concept Barbarella to open this June
InterviewsBoss Pizza lines up eight locations
The independent pizza delivery chain has confirmed 70 franchise partners to support its ambitions to grow to 50 sites across the UK, CEO Ajmal Mushtaq tells MCA
NewsTim Hortons turnover surpasses £100m
The Canadian coffee and QSR chain achieved £105.4m turnover for its UK business in 2023, and plans to focus on driving profitability
NewsCarlsberg: ‘There are no winners’ from tariffs
The Danish brewer is insulated from direct exposure to the levies but warned of the impact on already subdued consumer spending
NewsBig Mamma Group to launch new concept in Canary Wharf
Barbarella will open within the YY Building and is inspired by the golden age of Roman cinema in the 70s
NewsWingers announces 50-site ambition
The 14-strong chicken specialist reported a 40% rise in like-for-like net sales during the first quarter of 2025, with plans to reach 50 sites by 2027
NewsJonathon Swaine to step down from Shepherd Neame
The pub group plans to reorganise roles and responsibilities to reflect the composition of its pub estate, in light of its decision to reduce its number of managed houses
NewsHospitality spending sees springtime boost
Consumer spending on hospitality & leisure increased 2.8% in March, in contrast to a decline in retail spending, according to Barclaycard
NewsExpansion drives sales for Lola’s Bakery
The 30-strong brand will open two new sites in Paddington and Clapham Junction, with another three to five outposts to open this year
InterviewsThe Breadstall: ‘Pizza is more popular than ever’
Founder Seb Vince, along with Philip Eeles and Dorian Waite – two of the founders behind Honest - speak to MCA about launching the next disruptor brand and upending the pizza market
InterviewsNEOS Hospitality on a new direction for the business
The party bar operator, previously known as Rekom UK, has a strong pipeline in place as it transitions to a more agile approach, CEO Russell Quelch tells MCA
NewsNWTC garners momentum after introducing new strategy
The 27-strong bar and restaurant operator announced a 9% improvement in like-for-like sales, following a new leadership team and renewed focus on The Botanist