All articles by Shwetali Sapte
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NewsDes Gunewardena to launch Engel and Jang
The restaurateur has revealed details about two distinct concepts - a cocktail bar and Korean-Japanese restaurant - launching in the London Royal Exchange this summer
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NewsHostmore to acquire franchisor TGI Fridays US
The proposed reverse takeover would bring together the casual dining brand’s largest franchisee with its global franchisor for an enterprise value of £177m, with the combined group to be renamed TGI Fridays plc
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InterviewsGail’s: ‘We’ve kept the brand at its purest’
MD Marta Pogroszewska speaks about the premium bakery concept’s approach to scaling nationwide and its appetite for testing new models, as it prepares to open its 131st shop this week
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InterviewsPortobello Pubs: Darwin & Wallace a ‘highly complementary’ acquisition
Chairman Mark Crowther tells MCA the group has already begun harmonising its supply chain and sharing best practice, and is “delighted” to add seven high-volume venues in prime locations under its umbrella
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NewsPopeyes appoints director of acquisitions and estates
Peter Gibson, formerly of Chicken Shop, Flat Iron, and Nando’s, joins the fried chicken chain as it looks to double its estate this year
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NewsBusaba continues to explore expansion opportunities
The Alan Yau-founded Thai restaurant group reported a 2% decline in like-for-like sales, but continues to look at opportunities “closer to London”
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NewsWingstop extends exclusive partnership with Deliveroo
The chain will continue to be exclusively available to Deliveroo customers in 15 cities, with 30% of its revenue coming from delivery
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NewsRevolution brands remain ‘well positioned’
The pub and bar group has reiterated that its Revolucion de Cuba, Founders & Co, and Peach Pubs concepts continue to trade well, with group like-for-like sales demonstrating an improving trend as it announces a restructuring plan
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Analysis & InsightHospitality visit frequency grows for first time in six months
The eating out market has been bolstered by a drop in inflation and national insurance, as well as rising consumer confidence
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NewsWahaca: ‘The market for Mexican cuisine will continue to evolve’
CEO Mark Selby speaks to MCA about returning to the expansion trail for the first time since 2018, refining the brand for a more elevated experience, and Wahaca’s status as a ’premium casual’ operator leading the Mexican category
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NewsDomino’s reveals new nutrition strategy
Following a successful trial, the pizza giant will roll out a new, lower-calorie lunch menu, reformulate existing items to reduce calories, and develop new plant-based options
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NewsDeliveroo, restaurant partners, and GMB union sign courier charter
The charter, signed by chains including Wagamama and Wingstop, includes principles on treating riders with dignity and ”working together to achieve operational excellence”
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NewsAnother year of record sales for JW Lees
JW Lees has achieved sales of £94.3m in the year to March 2024, up 10% year-on-year, according to managing director William Lees-Jones
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NewsGreggs appoints non-executive director
Tamara Rogers, currently chief marketing officer at Haleon plc, will join Greggs on 1 June
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NewsParogon Group continues to seek expansion opportunities
The Staffordshire operator has reported group turnover of £21.7m, and plans to expand its range of concepts into surrounding counties
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NewsIn pictures: WatchHouse debuts in New York
The 17-strong coffeehouse concept has opened on Fifth Avenue, offering specialty coffee and light bites during the day as well as cocktails in the evening
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NewsWahaca reports strong performance in face of headwinds
The group reported turnover of £39.7m as it returns to the expansion trail this month, with the opening of its 14th site in London’s Paddington Square
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InterviewsHestia Hospitality: ‘There’s never a better time to be in acquisition mode’
The newly launched investment vehicle is looking to make a further two investments this year as part of a three-year target to reach revenues of £100m, CEO Andrew Fishwick tells MCA
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NewsAmber Taverns achieves record turnover
The community pub operator reported turnover of £110m, with an 11.3% rise in like-for-like sales, underpinning continued demand for its value offer
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InterviewsNightcap: ‘2024 looks to be a year of consolidation’
The late night sector is being reshaped through restructuring and consolidation, and Nightcap will continue to keep a close eye on opportunities - despite challenges with profitability and an exodus of capital, according to directors Sarah Willingham and Michael Toxvaerd