All MCA Insight articles in April 2025 – Page 5
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InterviewsFlight Club prepares loyalty launch and next-gen tech rollout
The social darts pioneer is preparing to launch a new loyalty programme, supported by a next-gen tech platform designed to enhance the customer journey and drive repeat visits
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InterviewsMarcel Khan: ‘We are nowhere near peak Franco Manca yet’
The sourdough pizza brand is maintaining positive sales momentum and preparing for future growth opportunities, according to its CEO
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Analysis & Insight‘We will be a much smaller employer in the future’: The fallout from the Budget
Reduced hours and reined in expansion plans are just some of the ways operators are tackling the significant uplift in labour costs hitting their bottom line from this month. Featuring comments from Giggling Squid, JW Lees, Butcombe Group, and Wells & Co.
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InterviewsBoss Pizza lines up eight locations
The independent pizza delivery chain has confirmed 70 franchise partners to support its ambitions to grow to 50 sites across the UK, CEO Ajmal Mushtaq tells MCA
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NewsStevie Parle unveils ‘biggest, most ambitious project' yet
The acclaimed restaurateur says his new restaurant Town will help “pioneer a new approach to restaurant supply chains”
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NewsBig Mamma Group achieves £44m sales from five venues
The group’s London restaurants - Gloria, Circolo Popolare, Ave Mario, Jacuzzi, and Carlotta - all performed ahead of expectations, with new concept Barbarella to open this June
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NewsTim Hortons turnover surpasses £100m
The Canadian coffee and QSR chain achieved £105.4m turnover for its UK business in 2023, and plans to focus on driving profitability
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NewsCarlsberg: ‘There are no winners’ from tariffs
The Danish brewer is insulated from direct exposure to the levies but warned of the impact on already subdued consumer spending
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NewsBig Mamma Group to launch new concept in Canary Wharf
Barbarella will open within the YY Building and is inspired by the golden age of Roman cinema in the 70s
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NewsWingers announces 50-site ambition
The 14-strong chicken specialist reported a 40% rise in like-for-like net sales during the first quarter of 2025, with plans to reach 50 sites by 2027
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NewsJonathon Swaine to step down from Shepherd Neame
The pub group plans to reorganise roles and responsibilities to reflect the composition of its pub estate, in light of its decision to reduce its number of managed houses
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NewsPubs choosing to close early to save on costs
Thorley Taverns and WH Pubs are among operators who are calling last orders at 9pm in order to mitigate the impact of the extra labour costs which came into play this month.
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NewsHospitality spending sees springtime boost
Consumer spending on hospitality & leisure increased 2.8% in March, in contrast to a decline in retail spending, according to Barclaycard
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NewsBusiness rates reform act receives Royal Assent
The potential for long-term business rates reform has edged one step closer after the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Act was passed into law in “landmark moment”.
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NewsExpansion drives sales for Lola’s Bakery
The 30-strong brand will open two new sites in Paddington and Clapham Junction, with another three to five outposts to open this year
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InterviewsThe Breadstall: ‘Pizza is more popular than ever’
Founder Seb Vince, along with Philip Eeles and Dorian Waite – two of the founders behind Honest - speak to MCA about launching the next disruptor brand and upending the pizza market
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OpinionThe dawn of true AI in hospitality
AI is already doing a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to reservations and guest services. Where it gets more interesting is in its ability to predict the future, writes Ben Dixon, CTO and founder of Sona
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NewsHostech boasts bumper line-up for 2025
Costa Coffee, Pizza Pilgrims, Pho, Turtle Bay, Comptoir and 200 Degrees join the line-up of panellists at MCA’s Hostech Conference next month
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NewsStonegate launches The People’s Pub format
The move will see 220 pubs, previously grouped under Stonegate’s Proper Pubs format, brought together under a new consumer-facing brand, with a new food and drink menu launching today
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InterviewsWahaca considers breakfast launch
The ’premium-casual’ Mexican chain is exploring the return of breakfast menus for the first time in more than a decade, CEO Mark Selby tells MCA