All articles by Shwetali Sapte – Page 32
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News
Costa unveils new store design
Reopened after a major refurbishment, the coffee giant’s Tooley Street site now features touchscreen ordering systems, a modern seating area, multiple charging points, and a refreshed counter space
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Interviews
Whitbread restaurant exit plan ‘bang on’ target
The group has seen interest for the majority of its 126 restaurant sites currently on the market, and remains pleased with progress, according to CEO Dominic Paul
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News
Union to hold demonstration at Whitbread AGM
Unite claims Whitbread has refused to consult with the union and answer questions on the redundancy process, following the group’s announcement to cut 1,500 jobs
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News
Whitbread restaurants report slow first quarter
The Beefeater and Brewers Fayre operator reported strong breakfast sales driven by high occupancy in hotels, but offset by softer trading in branded restaurants
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Interviews
McMullen’s: ‘The year is going incredibly well’
Halfway through 2024, the pub operator is seeing the volume growth it wants to see - off the back of breaking the £100m sales milestone in 2023, MD Heydon Mizon tells MCA
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News
Lane7 gears up for international debut
The 13-strong experiential concept, which is targeting 50 sites in the UK, will launch one site in Berlin and two in Dublin later this year
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Analysis & Insight
Colliers criticises ‘lacklustre’ manifestos over business rates
The Conservatives’ proposal does not mention tackling the multiplier or relief system, while Labour displays a ‘frustrating’ lack of clarity, according to John Webber, head of business rates
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News
Red Engine partners with Loyola Group
The partnership will see the Flight Club and Electric Shuffle operator introduce its social darts concept to Ireland, beginning with a Dublin launch by early 2025
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News
Revolution to proceed with restructuring plan
All resolutions were passed at the group’s general meeting on Friday, with Revolution now seeking the sanction of its restructuring plan
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News
Openings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring The River Cafe, Humble Crumble, Shoryu Ramen, Mr Porter, and more
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Interviews
Fuller’s: ‘Going to the pub is still good value for money’
The return of people to the office has helped drive a double-digit uptick in like-for-like sales - alongside extensive work on menu development and investments into the estate, CEO Simon Emeny tells MCA
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News
Labour pledges to replace business rates system
In its manifesto revealed yesterday, the party said the current system “disincentivises investment, creates uncertainty, and places an undue burden” on high streets
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News
Cornish Bakery secures new funding
The bakery chain, which has more than 60 sites, has secured funding from Virgin Money to support its ambition to double the size of the business
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Analysis & Insight
Brunning & Price named top pub operator
The Restaurant Group’s pub division has topped CGA’s PubTrack rankings and is joined in the top five by St Austell, Hydes Anvil, Youngs, and Everards
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News
Fuller’s reports year of ‘excellent progress’
Revenue rose by 7% to £359.1m while like-for-like sales were up 11% in the year ended 30 March, with the pub operator also reporting continued proactive management of the estate to enhance shareholder value
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Interviews
Jones the Grocer looks forward to ‘healthy future’ in UK market
The Australia-founded all-day dining brand is keen to grow the business in the UK as it launches its first site in Europe in partnership with TRG Concessions, CEO Jon Knight tells MCA
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News
Conservatives pledge to ‘ease burden’ of business rates
The Tory manifesto pledged a £4.3bn rates support package to support high street, leisure and hospitality businesses, while increasing rates for online retail warehouses
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News
Bewiched lines up five openings for the year
The Midlands-based coffee chain opened its second drive-thru this week in Wellingborough, and will open in Northampton Grosvenor, Leamington Parade, and Bedford later this year
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News
Delivery companies ‘killing local restaurants’
The Asian Catering Federation said its members face “exorbitant” commission charges “with a focus on prices rather than quality”
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News
Whitbread workers threaten group with legal action
Workers from the Brewers Fayre, Beefeater, and Table Table brands have claimed poor consultation on planned job cuts and closures