For nearly 25 years it has been known as the Retailer’s Retailer Awards.
Yet despite the name, as many industry insiders know, it has absolutely nothing to do with the retail sector.
Today, the prestigious celebration of the eating and drinking sector’s finest businesses, brands and leaders is relaunched under a new name.
We can now unveil MCA’s Hospitality Awards 2024, which sees the awards return to their traditional home, The Guildhall.
While the name may have changed, the essence of the awards remains the same – to recognise excellence in the sector, and bring together the leading lights of hospitality for a special night of celebration.
Nominations for the awards are now open, so please vote for your favourite concepts, openings and leaders.
MCA editor Finn Scott-Delany explains: “One of the most common questions I’m asked is why our flagship event is called the Retailers’ Retailer Awards. It’s a tricky question to answer, especially for people new to the sector.
“While it made sense when it was launched some 25 years ago, it no longer feels relevant today, and so we felt the time was right to choose a new name that better reflects the sector the awards celebrate.
“Rest assured – though the name might have changed, the awards will remain true to their original founding mission.”
The awards were originally launched by MCA founder and contributing editor Peter Martin in 1999, meaning the 2024 event will mark the 25th anniversary.
At the time, it was common to refer to restaurant and pub operators as licensed retailers.
After a year at The Roundhouse in 2023 while the Guildhall was undergoing refurbishment, the awards return to their regular home on 14 March 2024.
The nominations are now live – so please vote for your favourite concepts, brands, leaders and deals by completing this survey.
Nominations will be open for two weeks, before we enter the next phase and reveal the shortlisted companies and individuals.
From there, the sector will have the chance to vote for the winners.
This year we introduce new categories to the event. Joining our regular roster of awards including Best Concept, Emerging Concept and Best New Opening, we introduce Best QSR concept and Best Coffee Shop/Café, to reflect the diversity of formats in the sector.
There are also a trio of special panel-judged awards, recognising Sustainability, Rising Stars of the sector and the Diversity Leadership Programmes businesses have in place to promote people from minority backgrounds – with more details on these to follow.
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