All MCA Insight articles in March 2025 – Page 6
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NewsGong cha signs 225-plus UK store franchise deal
A deal has been signed with Jinziex – a new company led by Diljit Brar, CEO of Goldex; Azha Rehman, founder & CEO of Kaspa’s Desserts; and Steve Falle, managing director of WY&SF Ltd.
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Weekend PressDrinks tariffs will hit US jobs, Diageo tells Donald Trump
A letter from the Guinness and Johnnie Walker maker says that it supports 178,000 jobs in America but must be able ‘to compete fairly’, The Sunday Times reports
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NewsYounger drinkers favour fruit-flavoured beer over bitter
Demand has risen by 250% in a year, driven by Gen Z seeking lighter, sweeter and lower-alcohol options, The Times reports
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Weekend PressWetherspoons drops meat dishes from its menu to save money
The chain ‘appreciates some customers will be disappointed’ with the menu revamp, The Sun reports
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Weekend Press‘The customer isn’t always right’: top chef loses appetite for difficult diners
Andrew Sheridan is one of a number of chefs who say complaints and threats have severed the trust between restaurants and customers, The Guardian reports
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Weekend Press‘A fundamental right’: High street chains and restaurants challenged over refusal to accept cash
As more of us reject tapping and swiping, campaigners and politicians say the law should force retailers to accept coins and notes, The Observer reports
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News‘Mounting pressure’ on McDonald’s to protect staff
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to 1,400 outlets across the UK, warning of legal action if they fail to protect employees from sexual abuse
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NewsHow Network Rail evolved its ‘vanilla’ food offering
The station operator has built an offer that is more innovative and in tune with what customers are looking for, head of retail Daniel Charles told MCA’s Food to Go conference
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NewsIn pictures: MCA Hospitality Awards winners 2025
The UK’s top hospitality operators gathered at The Guildhall last Thursday (13 March) to celebrate industry excellence at the MCA Hospitality Awards 2025
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NewsBaton Berisha appointed CEO at Rare Restaurants
Formerly of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, The Ivy Collection, and D&D London, Berisha joins the parent company of Gaucho and M Restaurants with immediate effect
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NewsHospitality CEOs reaffirm commitment to inclusive workplaces
More than 50 hospitality leaders, including CEOs from Greggs, Punch Pubs and Pizza Express, have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to building inclusive, equitable workplaces
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NewsSoho pubs urged to host ‘quiet nights’
Westminster City Council has announced a controversial new strategy proposing ‘quiet nights’ in pubs, alcohol-free activities, and a late-night levy on hospitality businesses
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NewsCaptain D’s signs up master franchise for UK
CD’s Holdings will open a debut UK location in Kent in August 2025 for the fish and chip brand, followed by Sussex and Hampshire soon after.
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NewsPCA considers innovative agreement types
The Pubs Code Adjudicator does not currently require compliance for operator-managed or profit share agreements – but said it will “keep the matter under review”
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InterviewsWingstop UK: ‘Sixth Street are a great strategic and cultural fit’
CEO Chris Sherriff speaks about the “weighty” £400m deal to acquire the chicken wing business, how the original brand vision will be maintained and why it’s looking to double-down on brand partnerships
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InterviewsMCA Introduces… BLOODsports
From LA dive bars to Tokyo deathmatch venues, MEATliquor founder Scott Collins has channelled his love of underground sports ’watching bars’ into his latest venture, BLOODsports
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NewsETM appoints new people director
The premium sports bar and restaurant group has appointed former Scoffs Group people director Amanda Smyth.
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Event NewsUrban Pubs & Bars and Greggs win big at MCA Hospitality Awards
Wingstop, Pizza Pilgrims, Albert’s Schloss and The Devonshire were also among the winners at the industry’s premier celebration of the best-in-class concepts, revealed last night at The Guildhall
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NewsBoxhall City reveals 13-strong food line-up
Set to launch on 10 April, the line-up includes Sourdough Sophia, Club Mexicana, Burger & Beyond and a new concept from Gaucho
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EventsHow Honi Poke is using AI to predict customers’ orders
The Hawaiian-inspired brand is betting on AI to boost sales, using real-time data to personalise menu recommendations based on weather conditions and customer habits