All articles by Shwetali Sapte – Page 8
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NewsWetherspoon keeps up sales momentum
The pubco achieved a 3.4% increase in like-for-like sales during the 13 weeks to 26 April, plus a 4.1% uplift in total sales
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NewsGreggs launches new healthier options in summer menu refresh
New pastas and salads appear on the menu as the retailer looks to appeal to health-conscious customers, as well as cater to a growing number on weight-loss medication
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NewsIRO Sushi secures five new sites
The sushi concept has signed for new locations in Basingstoke, Bristol, Ipswich, Ilford, and Maidenhead, accelerating its expansion strategy to reach 100 locations by 2030
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NewsFranco Manca CVA approved by creditors
The pizza restaurant group has confirmed plans to close 16 sites, and said the CVA will allow it to invest in the remainder of its estate and strengthen trading performance
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Analysis & InsightLatest eating out data highlights a ‘market in reset’
Participation in the eating and drinking out market fell sharply in Q1 2026, but spend and frequency rose 6% - albeit spend was driven by inflation, according to Lumina Intelligence
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NewsMarket Halls appoints new sales & marketing director
Emma Weekes joins during a busy period of growth for the food hall operator, which plans to reach 10 sites by 2028 and deliver £100m revenue within two years
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Analysis & InsightWhitbread’s refreshed strategy builds on recent success
Analysts note that Premier Inn continues to outperform the market, while the new integrated F&B offering will help leverage a captive audience of diners
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NewsTaco Bell UK achieves 23% sales growth
The UK business delivered same-store sales growth of 23% over the past two years, contributing heavily to a strong performance across international markets
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring new venues from NEOS, Tonkotsu, YouMeSushi, and more
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NewsScott Grimbleby steps down from COO role at Turtle Bay
MCA understands Grimbleby left his role on 14 April, just over one year after joining the Caribbean-inspired restaurant group in March 2025
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NewsWhitbread to replace all existing branded restaurants
The Premier Inn operator is reallocating capital to extend its plan to replace all of the 197 remaining restaurants within its portfolio with a more efficient integrated restaurant
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NewsNando’s celebrates 500 restaurants
The casual dining chain, which launched in the UK in 1992, has opened its 500th site in Leatherhead, Surrey, and now employs over 20,000 people across the UK & Ireland
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Analysis & InsightValue players move towards barbell pricing strategies
Consistent cost pressures have led brands like Greggs and McDonald’s to shift to barbell pricing architecture that better meets changing perceptions of value, according to Lumina Intelligence
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Analysis & InsightDelivery sales continue modest growth trajectory
Like-for-like at-home sales in March were only 1.9% ahead of the previous year, with delivery sales 6.3% ahead while takeaway/click-and-collect orders fell 8.6% in value, according to NIQ
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NewsIn pictures: KERB launches sports bar ahead of World Cup summer
The pop-up at Old Spitalfields Market in London will be able to host up to 600 guests, with a revamped open-air terrace, big screens across the venue, and a food offer including pizza and jerk chicken
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NewsZambrero to open 30 sites across Hampshire, Berkshire, and Isle of Wight
The fast casual Mexican chain has appointed a new development agent to spearhead expansion across the three counties, supporting plans to open 100 UK sites by 2030
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NewsSubway comes for McDonald’s in latest marketing push
As McDonald’s expands further into fried chicken, Subway is handing out free salads and wraps outside a McDonald’s store in Reading, positioning itself as a healthier lunch option
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NewsBlack Sheep to double presence in Scotland
The coffee and food to go chain will open 10+ sites in Scotland this year, building on the success of existing branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh to expand into new towns
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Analysis & InsightJohn Vincent: ‘We have a second chance to finish what we started’
John Vincent is betting that Leon’s original 2004 proposition, ‘If God did fast food’, still resonates today. MCA hears from him about this week’s spring menu launch and his efforts to return the brand to its roots – and examines whether Leon can reclaim its pioneering position
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InterviewsCoyo Taco: ‘There’s a market for amazing Mexican cuisine’
Shereen Ritchie, CEO of Kuvi Hospitality - who will launch the Miami taco concept in London this summer - speaks to MCA about bringing authentic Mexican cuisine and “Mexican, Miami energy” to the UK