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All articles by Shwetali Sapte – Page 48
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NewsWetherspoon warns of price rises to come
Analysts say price rises are likely across the industry to offset the ongoing cost measures, albeit JDW chairman Tim Martin said the chain will attempt to remain as competitive as possible
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InterviewsPizzaExpress begins AI journey
The chain has begun driving AI-personalised offers as it nears 2.8 million customers on its loyalty scheme, chief digital & technology officer Arslan Sharif told MCA’s Hostech conference
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Analysis & InsightQSR giants launch first ever festive menus
Popeyes and Papa Johns debut Christmas menu revamps for the first time, while food-to-go chains like Black Sheep Coffee and Ole & Steen offer fresh twists to festive favourites
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InterviewsEfficiencies help Moto drive down labour costs
The MSA operator has achieved a 1.5% reduction in labour costs by continually refining its labour model, according to chief information officer Guy Latchem
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NewsKFC UK sees 6% system sales drop
The Q3 sales decline occurred across many of KFC’s other divisions, including the US, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey, and North Africa segments
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InterviewsClays looks to build in the UK before going global
Founder Tom Snellock revealed to MCA’s Hostech conference that the competitive socialising concept continues to add to its pipeline, while licensing its technology
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NewsStarbucks brings back ‘retro’ touches
Handwritten names on cups and self-service sugar and condiments will return, while charges for alternative milks will be dropped, as the company seeks to reverse its fortunes
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Analysis & InsightNo-shows back to record high
New figures from Zonal and CGA by NIQ found that 14% of guests do not honour reservations or inform venues in advance, with a direct link to the cost of living crisis
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NewsHospitality venues dropped from smoking ban
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will make it illegal to smoke in children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals, but pub and bar outdoor spaces will not be included
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NewsSoho Coffee Co seeks franchise partners
The group, which runs 29 UK coffee shops and a further 14 overseas, is keen to build its footprint in the UK, with three concepts on offer through franchising
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InterviewsM&S uses tech to ensure resilience of café offering
The retail giant’s grab-and-go concept is bringing AI into some functions as it looks to expand its new offering further, according to director of hospitality Alicia Thompson
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NewsDishoom appoints advisors as it looks to US for expansion
The Indian restaurant group is seeking new investment to support its international growth ambitions and has begun looking for locations, primarily in New York City
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NewsKnoops launches first international store in Dubai
The chocolate drinks concept, which runs more than 20 stores in the UK, has opened in Dubai’s City Centre Mirdif shopping mall, with the store to lead the multichannel testing phase of the brand into the UAE
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Analysis & InsightFestive menus offer comfort and indulgence
Customers will see the return of familiar festive flavours, such as gingerbread, brie, and cranberry, while fresh options like profiterole cheesecake and black forest frappe lead on innovation. MCA rounds up the first wave of Christmas menus from Starbucks, Costa, Caffe Nero and Orée
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InterviewsPopeyes looks at enhanced automation in restaurants
The QSR chain is automating certain “boring, mundane” jobs with technology, such as taking orders at a drive-thru, and moving team members into more fulfilling roles, CTO David Carey told MCA’s Hostech conference
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InterviewsPizza Pilgrims: ‘The basics will never change’
Co-founder Thom Elliot speaks to MCA about relaunching food-to-go concept Slice, going international, and the “plenty of opportunities” remaining in the UK, as the business appoints advisors to explore its strategic and investment options
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Heartwood Collection, Be At One, Jason Atherton’s latest restaurant, and more
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NewsUKHospitality: Budget is ‘latest blow’ to hospitality businesses
A hike in minimum wage, employer national insurance contributions, and reduced business rates relief means that “2025 will be painful for hospitality, with an increased annual tax bill of £3bn for the sector,” according to the trade body
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NewsDraught duty cut is a ‘drop in the ocean’
Pub sector leaders including Nick Mackenzie, Simon Dodd, Simon Emeny, and Chris Jowsey have expressed concern that costs will continue to rise with the reduction in business rates relief and rise in National Minimum Wage
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NewsWingstop’s international business ‘continues to be on fire’
CEO Michael Skipworth said that the QSR chain’s success in the UK, alongside its first restaurants in France, demonstrates its ability to grow to over 750 restaurants overseas