All articles by Shwetali Sapte
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InterviewsNory doubles down on product strategy with $37m fundraise
The tech provider is developing autonomous AI systems while planning to extend its reach into the US, CEO Conor Sheridan tells MCA
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Analysis & InsightRestaurant sector M&A nearly doubles in past year
The UK restaurant sector saw 30 deals in 2024/25, up from 16 the previous year, due to lower interest rates, improving investor confidence, and falling commercial rents
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NewsIn pictures: Cosy Club’s cinematic-inspired interiors
Loungers has reopened its Cosy Club venue in Leeds following a major refurbishment, featuring statement lighting, bespoke carpeted walls, and a mirrored disco ball
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NewsWhitbread appoints new non-exec
Jonathan Powell joins the operator of Beefeater and Brewers Fayre from his role as group CFO at The Sage Group
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Analysis & InsightFood inflation set to continue into festive period
The Autumn 2025 Market Forecast from Lynx Purchasing identifies beef, chicken, produce, and dairy as areas of concern, with inflation set to continue across the autumn
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NewsMexi Bean Express looks to triple estate
The Yorkshire-founded QSR chain is exploring opportunities to franchise its concept, with the goal of reaching 12-15 sites next year, founder Danielle Best tells MCA
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NewsAzumi: Pipeline of potential opportunities remains strong
The ROKA and Zuma operator reported revenue of £203m in 2024, a 1% decline from 2023, but said further openings are planned for this year and beyond
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Analysis & Insight‘We want to create longevity’: The superclubs defying the late-night downturn
As night-time closures reach an all-time high, mainstay club brands like Ministry of Sound and Fabric are defying the odds in an embattled sector. MCA explores how standout superclubs are surviving the slump and celebrating decades in business
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NewsLondon restaurant openings rate ‘consistent with start of a boom’
Net restaurant openings are at their highest since Brexit, with the closure rate at its lowest in a decade, according to Harden’s
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NewsMel Mariott joins Prestige Purchasing leadership team
The founder of Darwin & Wallace, which was acquired by Portobello Pub Co last year, has been appointed commercial director at Prestige
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NewsPizzaExpress explores franchising in DACH region
The casual dining group, which has more than 470 sites worldwide, is seeking franchise partners in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
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NewsChipotle agrees joint venture to open first restaurants in Asia
The Mexican-inspired fast casual chain has partnered with SPC Group, with plans to launch in South Korea and Singapore in 2026
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NewsKricket announces first foray into New York dining scene
The London-based modern Indian group will take over Mexico City-inspired restaurant Comal on the Lower East Side for an exclusive pop-up dinner
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NewsGreene King launches new app and loyalty scheme
The evolved app is designed to represent all Greene King brands and solve consumer pain points, while the loyalty programme presents exclusive and personalised offers, discounts, and rewards
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Analysis & InsightNew wave operators drive growth in coffee market
WatchHouse, Knoops, and Gail’s are among those leading expansion and turnover growth in the industry - albeit Greggs now commands a 9% share of out-of-home coffee occasions
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NewsTim Martin: Profits-based business rates risk ‘undermining’ UKH efforts
In response to a recent proposal from Greene King, the Wetherspoon chairman argued that business rates based on profits would create “a nightmare of complexity”
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NewsHunch Ventures takes over Jamie Oliver operations in India
International Market Management, led by founder Jasper Reid, has been bought out by its local JV partner after growing the Jamie Oliver estate to 15 restaurants across India
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Analysis & InsightHospitality & leisure spending up 2.5%
The category grew 2.5% year-on-year in August 2025, according to Barclays, albeit ‘insperiencies’ and digital content were among the biggest growth drivers
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Analysis & InsightRaising Cane’s: ‘We don’t see others as competition’
MCA takes a look into the prospects for the Louisiana-born brand, which recently threw its hat into a ring of operators competing for share in the UK’s exponentially growing chicken market
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NewsCornish Bakery achieves record summer
The independent bakery chain has delivered 24% total sales growth year-on-year, along with 8% like-for-like growth as it continues to grow its pipeline