All articles by Georgi Gyton
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Analysis & Insight
Pornstar Martini remains nation’s favourite cocktail
Demand for cocktails looks set to continue to grow this year, with one in five consumers enjoying them, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Mixed Drinks Report
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Interviews
Urban Pubs & Bars: ‘There is plenty to go for in London’
The Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual-backed pub and bar group is “super active in the acquisitions market” and is set up for growth, managing director Chris Hill tells MCA
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News
NTIA brands 1p off pint a ‘laughable gesture’
Chief executive Michael Kill said the move failed to address the real financial pressures facing the hospitality and night time economy sectors.
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News
Tortilla secures new investor
The fast-casual Mexican restaurant group has announced that long-term backer Quilvest Capital Partners has sold its 20% stake to Auctor Group, as part of the winding down of its fund.
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News
Admiral Taverns sees profits up on last year
The community pub group reported an increase in underlying EBITDA for the year to 26 May 2024, to £59.7m, which it expects to exceed in the current financial year, supported by strong sales and investment in its estate.
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News
GDK reveals ambition for 300 UK sites by 2030
The QSR kebab brand has extended its deal with Extra Motorway Services, and is actively looking for further opportunities with Network Rail following its opening at London’s Victoria last week, CEO Simon Wallis tells MCA
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Interviews
Moto’s Rising Star ‘is always developing herself and her team’
Catering director Vicki Appleton is visionary in her thinking and capable of a more substantial role, Moto’s people director Louise Hughes tells MCA in the last of our Rising Star finalist profiles, ahead of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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Interviews
Individual Restaurants: ‘We are punching forward’
The restaurant group is to launch a new pizza concept in April and has its sights set on growing the Piccolino brand in the south, alongside international opportunities, chief executive Andrew Garton tells MCA
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Interviews
Rosa’s Rising Star is ‘one of the best hires we’ve made’
The contribution of operations director Tom Cousins goes well beyond his job title, and he has the potential to go far, former CEO Gavin Adair tells MCA in the latest in a series of profiles on our Rising Star finalists ahead of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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News
GDK makes move into travel hubs
German Doner Kebab has opened its first train station restaurant, in London’s Victoria station, with a further 25 sites planned to open in 2025.
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News
Admiral Taverns tops licensee sentiment tracker
The community pub group has improved its scores year-on-year, taking first place among the largest, national pub companies, with an overall score of 7.7 out of 10.
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Analysis & Insight
Almost half of young people have given up booze
Forty-three percent of 18 to 34-year-olds no longer drink alcohol, according to new survey data, with Britain’s growing Muslim population and “abstinence influencers”, changing the nation’s relationship with booze
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News
Diageo denies sale of Guinness
Responding to reports of a rumoured sale over the weekend, the drinks manufacturer has said it has “no intention to sell” either Guinness or its stake in Moët Hennessy
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News
Popeyes targeting a further +45 restaurant openings in 2025
The QSR brand, which achieved £150m in sales last year, is accelerating its medium target of 350 sites, with new openings planned in Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol among other major UK cities
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News
Urban Pubs & Bars reports record EBITDA
The 53-strong pub and dining group reported a 26% increase in EBITDA, to £8.7m, for the year to 28 April 2024, versus the previous year, with further growth to be supported by new £30m banking facilities.
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News
Fried chicken market still capable of ‘significant growth’
Britain’s insatiable desire for fried chicken could prompt further private equity interest in the QSR sector, Popeyes chief executive Tom Crowley told the FT
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Interviews
Atis secures a further seven sites
The salad bowl concept is looking to reach 20 sites by September, following a £8m investment, and is just beginning to search for its first locations outside London, co-founder Philip Honer tells MCA.
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Interviews
Tonkotsu: ‘We are still positive about the future’
The government may have delivered a “sucker punch” to the sector in the Autumn Budget, but demand for quality Asian cuisine remains strong and there are opportunities for growth, co-founder Emma Reynolds tells MCA
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Interviews
Pizza Pilgrims’ Rising Star has ability ‘to go anywhere in hospitality’
Co-founder Thom Elliott praises managing partner Clive Watkins’ energy, attitude and the respect he has from his colleagues, in the latest of our Rising Star finalist profiles, ahead of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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News
Stonegate’s managed pubs achieve strong festive like-for-likes
The company achieved like-for-like sales growth of 9.7% in its managed estate over the Christmas period, with its bars and venues seeing a 4.1% increase