All articles by Shwetali Sapte – Page 4
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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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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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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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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
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NewsHarris+Hoole reports robust start to summer
The premium coffeehouse brand increased like-for-like sales by 14.7% over the 13-week period from May through July
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NewsStrong H1 for Deliveroo
Gross transaction value (GTV) as well as revenue was up 9%, with orders up 8% for the period ended 30 June
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NewsBlack Sheep Coffee signs deal for largest territory to date
The coffee shop chain achieved +25% same-store sales growth in the UK in H1 2025, and expects to open more than 31 stores across Essex, Buckinghamshire, and Leicestershire
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NewsTasty outlines plans for future investments
The Wildwood and dim t operator expects to use £3.6m for the acquisition of other brands, while £3m will be used to invest in existing restaurants
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InterviewsHow The Big Table Group is thriving in casual dining
The operator is actively expanding its Amalfi, Banana Tree, and Bella Italia brands, with potential for future acquisitions to grow the portfolio, CEO Alan Morgan tells MCA