All MCA Insight articles in January 2025
View all stories from this issue.
-
News
Cabana secures future with management buy-out
Ed Standring has completed a management buy-out of the Latin American-inspired bar and grill, via a new investment platform, Cherry Equity Partners, which is backed by an international family office
-
Analysis & Insight
Analysts give mixed reviews of JDW performance
Described as “solid” and “robust” by some analysts but “lacklustre” by others, JD Wetherspoon’s recent trading performance has attracted differing opinions on its success
-
Analysis & Insight
Unemployment figures suggest Autumn Budget has stifled hiring
The number of job vacancies has fallen to its lowest level in more than three years, with unemployment on the up, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics
-
News
Revel Collective reports slim uptick in like-for-likes
Late night sector “continues to be challenging” for the Revolution bar operator, but there were standout performances from Peach Pubs and Founders & Co.
-
News
JDW reports like-for-likes up 5.1% in year to date
The pub company reported like-for-like sales growth of 6.1% over the three weeks to 5 January 2025, with chairman Tim Martin stating it was “confident of a reasonable outcome for the year”
-
Interviews
Carl’s Jr: 'Our vision is to be a top choice in QSR'
David Moffat, the new head of Carl’s Jr’s UK operations under the Boparan Restaurant Group, speaks to MCA about the brand’s strategy for entering the UK market and its growth plans.
-
Analysis & Insight
Pubs outperform wider hospitality in December
Britain’s leading restaurant, pub and bar groups reported lfl sales growth of 3.2% last month – with pub groups alone achieving 4.7% growth, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker shows
-
News
Camino to open three new restaurants in London
Tapas bar and restaurant group Camino has acquired two remaining Iberica restaurants in London, marking the end of the Iberica brand on the high street.
-
News
Knoops appoints former Hotel Chocolat chair as non-exec director
The chocolate drinks brand, which achieved 22% like-for-like sales growth over the five-week Christmas period, has appointed Andrew Gerrie to its board
-
News
Ben Lockwood departs BrewDog
Following his departure, Hannah Corker will be expanding her role to become head of customer marketing, taking on responsibility for both the off-trade and on-trade
-
News
Bidfood ends union recognition for staff
GMB said Bidfood workers were at risk of being sacked and reemployed on worse terms and conditions - claims the foodservice supplier said were “inflammatory and untrue”
-
Opinion
Comptoir colleagues ‘kiss and make up’
Dominic Walsh hears from Chaker Hanna about burying the hatchet with Comptoir Libanais founder Tony Kitous and returning to lead the listed restaurant company, after their boardroom bust-up two-and-a-half years ago
-
Analysis & Insight
Hospitality leaders vote in favour of AI
A third (39%) of leaders in the hospitality sector believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a ‘transformational’ impact on their operations, according to research from CGA
-
News
Domino’s drives towards net zero with EV rollout
Domino’s Pizza Group (DPG) is advancing its sustainability agenda through a new pilot programme aimed at cutting transportation emissions by 3,985 tonnes of CO2e by 2026
-
News
Amol Rajan to host the MCA Hospitality Awards.
One of Britain’s most high-profile personalities across radio and television, Amol is best known as a presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme, and the host of University Challenge
-
News
Marston’s reports ‘solid’ quarter
The pub operator reported like-for-like sales for the 16 weeks to 18 January 2025 up +2.0%, with poor weather conditions in November and January
-
News
Starbucks to reduce management headcount in global cost-cutting
Starbucks has announced significant organisational changes as part of its ’Back to Starbucks’ strategy, aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer experience globally
-
Analysis & Insight
Hospitality insolvencies rise as costs climb
The hospitality and leisure sector has seen a significant 19.5% rise in company administrations in 2024, as businesses continue to grapple with ongoing economic challenges
-
Analysis & Insight
NICs changes to hit hospitality hardest
New analysis from UKHospitality has revealed that 774,000 workers in the hospitality sector will be newly eligible for employer national insurance contributions (NICs) starting in April 2024
-
Analysis & Insight
Pub acquisition activity likely to be remain subdued
Decisions on pub sales will be deferred and acquisition activity subdued, with buyers not wanting to commit funds ahead of a possible price correction, Fleurets has forecast.