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All MCA Insight articles in January 2025 – Page 5
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Weekend PressGreggs’ snacks provide sustenance for investors too
The inherent strengths of Greggs leave the exceptional business well-positioned to come through economic challenges relatively unscathed, the Financial Times reports
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Weekend PressPermit Room, Dishoom and why it doesn’t serve to be snobby about chains
The Oxford branch of Permit Room proves the power of chain restaurants, Tim Hayward writes in the Financial Times
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Weekend PressExtra bank holiday 2025: Hospitality industry slams Number 10 decision
UK hospitality leaders have criticised the government’s decision not to add an additional bank holiday to the calender in 2025, City A.M. reports
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InterviewsRestaurateur Harneet Baweja introduces new consolidated group
The Harneet Baweja Company encompasses Gunpowder, Empire Empire, and new bakery concept Moi et Toi, which seeks to open its first standalone locations in the coming months
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Analysis & InsightCasual dining records festive decline
New data from HDI shows casual dining stood out as the only sector to record a dip, while other parts of the market saw an improved performance
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NewsAzzurri Group continues to reduce carbon output
The Ask Italian and Zizzi operator’s fourth annual Sustainable Dining Report highlights significant progress in its efforts, including a 7% reduction in carbon emissions
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Lola’s, Breadstall, Shakara and more
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InterviewsNoodle & Beer on the lookout for further opportunities
The Sichuanese restaurant concept is opening its second site in London’s Chinatown, and is looking for more high traffic locations
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InterviewsGreggs: ‘The Budget won’t slow our expansion plans’
CEO Roisin Currie says the bakery chain’s ambitious growth targets won’t be curtailed by higher employment costs, while it aims maintain its value leadership and keep price rises to a minimum
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InterviewsUrban Pubs & Bars’ Rising Star tipped as future CEO
Managing director Chris Hill praises divisional director Ben Atkinson’s “outstanding talent”, in the second in a series of profiles on our Rising Star finalists ahead of the MCA Hospitality Awards
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NewsArc Inspirations toasts record festive trading
Sales at the bar group grew 10.8% over the five-week festive period, while the business recorded its highest ever sales week in December, with total sales of £2m
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NewsGreene King brewery plans approved
The £40m state-of-the-art new brewery, which will be next to its distribution centre at Suffolk Park in Bury St Edmunds, is expected to open in 2027
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NewsNEOS expands Barbara’s Bier Haus
The AGG-backed operator, previously known as Rekom UK, is making a £1.5m investment into the former Revolutions Bars site in Bournemouth for its après ski themed concept
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NewsThe Wolseley Hospitality Group posts losses of £8.7m
The Minor Hotels-backed group invested heavilty during the period, opening seafood concept Manzi’s in Soho and The Wolseley City, bringing its estate to nine restaurants
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News
Groucho Club CEO to step down
Elli Jafari, the first female CEO of the Artfarm-owned private members’ club, will be replaced by Simon Cooke after 10 months in the role
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NewsHarry Ramsden’s seeks franchisees for German expansion
Following a successful overseas debut in Malaysia, the fish and chips specialist is looking to expand the brand further
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NewsGreggs surpasses £2bn sales
Total sales in FY24 up 11.3% on the previous year and like-for-likes up 5.5%, although the retailer reported a more subdued consumer backdrop in the second half
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InterviewsD&D London: ‘The operation is in a far better place’
A trading uplift is being driven by a stronger operational base, a more incentivized workforce, and a more motivated sales team with stronger leadership, according to board director Simon Wilkinson
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Analysis & InsightVeganuary pivots to a quality-first focus
New plant-based offerings adopt competing trends such as January health kicks and comforting winter indulgence, while serving up both veg-first dishes and plant-based meat substitutes
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Analysis & InsightDelivery and takeaway sales continue to grow
Like-for-like sales among Britain’s leading restaurant groups were up by 6.2% on November 2023’s figure – the tracker’s highest figure since June 2024, according to CGA by NIQ