All MCA Insight articles in July 2024
View all stories from this issue.
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories including Kaspa’s Desserts, Daisy Green, Chestnut Inns, Brother Marcus, and more
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NewsETM Group and Maven come together to launch ETM Collection
This unified approach will allow the group to leverage collective strengths, offering guests a diverse and cohesive experience across restaurants
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Analysis & InsightThe keys to loyalty scheme success
From the launches of PizzaExpress Club and Pret Perks to Wagamama’s more recent Soul Club, MCA writer Simon Brooke investigates what makes for a solid loyalty proposition, and why there’s scope for even more growth in this space
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NewsHotel Chocolat to launch bakery and hot food offer
The premium chocolatier is to launch the new offer for the first time, as new owner Mars kicks off its store investment plans
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NewsWelcome Break reports successful year
During the peak trading period in 2023, many sites and units broke weekly trading records, delivering an excellent summer for the motorway service area operator
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NewsWingstop performing “extremely well” in UK
Global CEO Michael Skipworth said he’s excited about opportunities in international markets, with the aim of scaling to over 10,000 units worldwide
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NewsStonegate agrees debt refinancing
As part of the deal, funds managed by TDR Capital will make a c£250m shareholder contribution, “demonstrating their continued support and confidence in the future of the business and the Great British Pub”
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InterviewsTom Kerridge: There’s still ‘nowhere to hide’ for pubs
The chef and gastropub owner speaks to MCA about the plague of cost challenges still hitting the industry, what the future for pub entrepreneurship might look like, and improving hospitality’s image as a place to forge a ‘proper career’
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ArticleAUGUST 2024
MCA’s August edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, writer Simon Brooke assesses the rise of loyalty programmes, Dominic Walsh gives us the lowdown on Carlsberg’s £3.3bn deal with Britvic, and Egg Soldiers explores the dawn of ‘hybrid hospitality’. We also hear from ETM Group’s Rachel Masing, who considers that while the leadership in pubs remains dominated by one gender, age bracket and skin tone, the audience is changing drastically, bringing a challenge to profits. The edition also features interviews with Popeyes CEO Tom Crowley on integrating the US brand into a new culture, Ole & Steen CEO Joachim Knudsen on educating customers about its Danish-ness & artisanal heritage, and Deliveroo’s chief business officer for Europe Carlo Mocci on how the business is responding to a focus on value. We also reflect on keynote sessions from this year’s Pub Conference, including Stonegate’s David McDowall, Greene King’s Nick Mackenzie, and Wetherspoon’s Tim Martin. Industry commentators Peter Martin and David Read share their views on sector issues, including the incoming government’s potential to change the hospitality landscape, and why keeping teams engaged is the foundation for delivering great customer experiences.
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Analysis & InsightCoffee drinkers return to routine purchasing
Lumina Intelligence has seen coffee shop occasions grow as older consumers return to the market, and many seek out experiential, health-focused and customisable occasions
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NewsYum! Brands to roll out voice AI
The KFC and Taco Bell operator plans to bring the tech to its brands’ drive-thrus around the world, as its digital business has more than doubled since 2019
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NewsMarston’s completes disposal of stake in Carlsberg JV
The pub group announced on 8 July 2024 that it will sell its stake for £206m in cash to a subsidiary of Carlsberg
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Analysis & InsightConsumers weigh up brand loyalty and affordability
Over half of adults say they would choose to return to restaurants they have visited before over trying alternatives, as many remain risk averse amid economic pressures
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NewsJust Eat improves margin in UK and Ireland
Gross transactional value increased by 6% in H1, while lower delivery costs following a delivery model simplification in the UK saw adjusted EBITDA improve by 64%
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NewsUKHospitality responds to Low Pay Commission remit
CEO Kate Nicholls said making significant changes to the remit for 2025 now is ”disruptive and unhelpful,” as evidence has been submitted on a basis that is now out-of-date
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InterviewsEvening day part boosts Greggs sales
Evenings are becoming more and more important for the retailer, with menu innovation such as the expanded pizza offer providing a boost, according to CEO Roisin Currie
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NewsSnowfox Group becomes the Wonderfield Group
Following its acquisition by Zensho in June 2023, the new group will consolidate the company’s international brands under one name
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Analysis & InsightTGI Fridays UK returns to the spirit of Americana
The US-founded restaurant chain has unveiled a brand new cohort of dishes for British diners, marking a refreshed focus on heritage, reeling in Gen Z, and trying its hand at the omnipresent smashburger trend
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InterviewsArchie’s looks to expand across the UK
The Manchester-based American-style diner chain is eyeing up sites in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle, the founders tell MCA
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NewsUber Eats launches healthy eating pilot
The pilot will involve six Birmingham restaurants - which have worked with the British Nutrition Foundation - to develop healthier alternatives to popular menu items