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All articles by Shwetali Sapte – Page 20
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NewsGaucho Go debut ‘exceeds all expectations’
Gaucho has closed the first site under its quick-service concept, with plans to expand further after a strong customer response
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NewsUrban Baristas set to add six sites
The Aussie-inspired specialty coffee chain has six London locations in fit-out and a further nine in legals as it pushes ahead with expansion
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NewsPICK.YOUR.OWN. secures investment to accelerate rollout
The funding from Frontive Group and Cervus Investments will enable the London-based grab-and-go concept to open multiple new sites in the coming months
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NewsStonegate invests £6.5m in Slug & Lettuce
The pub company has completed refurbishments at 12 Slug & Lettuce sites, with four more planned for this year as part of a strategy to refresh the brand
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NewsTGI Fridays relaunch leads to 10% surge in covers
The turnaround strategy has led to a ‘marked improvement’ in sales performance for the casual dining chain, a month after the ‘brand revival’ on 4 July
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NewsValiant Pub Co secures additional £14m from Metro Bank
The facility brings Metro Bank’s total funding to Valiant to £26m, with the pubco well placed to grow rapidly in the coming months
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Analysis & InsightStrategic investment fuels growth in pub sector
The pubs & bars market is forecast to grow turnover by 1.9% in 2025, driven by sustained price inflation offsetting outlet declines and margin squeezes from wage inflation
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring new concepts from the teams behind Tossed and Brother Marcus, and more
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NewsBusaba acquired for £75k
The seven-strong Thai restaurant group was acquired out of administration by Seaco Investments last month
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Analysis & InsightThe British-Indian invasion: The South Asian specialists looking across the pond
With Dishoom, JKS, Kricket, and Darjeeling Express all looking to test the waters across the Atlantic, MCA examines the opportunity for these London-born, Indian-inspired operators
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NewsTaco Bell to debut in Ireland
Applegreen plans to open further Taco Bell outlets at its Irish locations over the next five years as part of a €1bn investment programme
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NewsOakman Group faced ‘substantial pressure’ from debt load
The premium pub operator made a loss of £18.1m in the year ended 30 June 2024, with like-for-like sales down 2.8%, prior to entering into administration last month
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NewsDave’s Hot Chicken launches in Manchester
The QSR concept will expand further in the North, with its Manchester opening contributing to a 37% increase in visitor numbers
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NewsLoungers celebrates 300 sites
The all day café/bar/restaurant group continues to see potential for 600+ sites in the long term, and marks its 300th opening this week with Antico Lounge in Alton
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NewsGerry’s Hot Subs looks to add two
The premium sandwich concept has offers in place for two sites in high-footfall commuter stations, founder Andre Blais confirms to MCA
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InterviewsBuzzworks sees ‘no shortage’ of opportunities
Following a recent family MBO, the Scottish operator hopes to add multiple new sites by the end of the year, amid plans to expand into accommodation, MD Kenny Blair tells MCA
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NewsIn pictures: Giggling Squid York
The Thai restaurant chain launched in the former Banks Music Room on Lendal last week, opening a 213-cover venue spanning two floors
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NewsWendy’s enters chicken category
The QSR chain’s investments into the UK have enabled it to expand further into Europe, alongside branching out into the fast-growing chicken category
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InterviewsBig Table: Bella Italia ‘miles ahead’ of the pack
CEO Alan Morgan tells MCA the value-led brand, which has been in growth for the last decade, excluding the pandemic, continues to “grow at a rate that’s extraordinarily pleasing”
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NewsSales return to growth for Papa Johns UK
The pizza delivery chain has undergone significant transformation since 2023, a strategy that has led to growth in both customers and sales, according to CFO Ravi Thanawala