![Zizzi_Sainsburys_RusticaMargherita[1]](https://d36hgjhwuw81py.cloudfront.net/Pictures/274x183/4/2/1/343421_zizzi_sainsburys_rusticamargherita1_806300.jpg)
All MCA Insight articles in January 2025 – Page 2
-
NewsUncertain future for itsu franchise stores
Itsu is pressing for “the best possible outcome” for staff caught up in the pre-pack administration sale of franchise group Heart with Smart
-
NewsBig Fang eyes global expansion with London launch
Experiential leisure operator Big Fang Collective is preparing to open its first London venue alongside wider international ambitions.
-
NewsEsquires lines up six more coffee shops
Cooks Coffee Company hopes to have 100 stores operating by the end of 2025, up from its current 87
-
InterviewsWahaca: “We’ve gone from 420 to 10 cows per week”
Wahaca’s sustainability lead, Carolyn Lum, discusses the group’s latest efforts to enhance sustainability across its 14 restaurants, as part of the finalist profiles for the Sustainability category at the MCA Hospitality Awards, sponsored by Pernod Ricard
-
NewsNick Ayerst joins Gail’s as MD
The Comptoir Group CEO will join the premium bakery operator at the end of March, while Gail’s sister company The Bread Factory has promoted Dan Barrett to managing director
-
NewsSales of Champagne down as habits change
More affordable alternatives, including prosecco and English sparkling wine are increasingly replacing Champagne among consumers, with demand for the premium French fizz at its lowest level in more than two decades.
-
Analysis & InsightDrink sales behind this time last year
Average drink sales in the seven days to Saturday 11 January were 9% behind the same period in 2024, according to the latest CGA by NIQ Daily Drinks Tracker, with spirits seeing the biggest decline.
-
Analysis & InsightCasual dining market is in recovery phase
The QSR sector saw notable growth in 2024, with a 10% increase in the number of outlets, and further growth predicted this year, according to Christie & Co
-
NewsCaffè Nero reports 14% festive sales uplift
The coffee house achieved a 9% like-for-like sales increase in its UK estate, in the five weeks to 30 December 2024, versus 2023, with more than 40% of all transactions coming through its app
-
Weekend PressThousands of hospitality venues ‘left worse off’ by Scottish Budget
UK Hospitality Scotland called for rates relief to be expanded, The Scotsman reports
-
Weekend PressPopular high street restaurant closes as franchise owners enter administration
A popular high street chain restaurant has shut its doors abruptly following its franchise holder entering administration, Yahoo reports
-
Weekend PressHow gen Z helped drink Guinness dry – and its stout rivals cashed in
Ireland’s best-selling brew has found new favour among women, the young, and celebrity drinkers. Now a shortage of supply in UK pubs has opened the door to competitors, The Guardian writes
-
Weekend PressPubs to cash in on Traitors hype by airing finale live
Third season of series has become the BBC’s most-watched reality TV show, with pubs planning to host “watch parties”, The Telegraph reports
-
Weekend PressFears empty restaurant TikTok trend could last
Videos of eerily empty bars and restaurants are trending on TikTok, with staff posting videos under the hashtag January in Hospitality, the BBC reports
-
Weekend Press£100 Hawaiian pizza is a good old-fashioned PR stunt
For most food brands, marketing is now more likely to focus on experiences than headlines, writes Harriet Fitch Little in the FT
-
Analysis & InsightChristmas socialising drives increased spend
Eating and drinking out was up +2.4ppts in December 2024, driven by improvements to consumer confidence in the run-up to Christmas, according to Lumina Intelligence’s latest Eating and Drinking Out Panel data
-
Analysis & InsightUK consumers prioritise sustainable food choices
Consumers want to “protect the planet” with nutritious, sustainable meals, without compromising on taste and affordability, according to Sodexo research
-
NewsLast chance to vote for the winners of the MCA Hospitality Awards
Have your say on the winners of 12 hotly-contested categories, including Best Restaurant Company, Best New Opening and Emerging Concept of the Year, before the 19 January deadline
-
NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Carl’s Jr., Fuwa Fuwa, Fat Phill’s and more
-
NewsIndividual Restaurants ‘going from strength to strength’
The 32-strong restaurant group, which achieved record sales growth of +14% during December, has appointed Neve Rabbou as its new sales and marketing director as it looks to develop new brand propositions