NOVEMBER 2024 edition
MCA’s November edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. We explore how hospitality is giving prison leavers a second chance and forming part of the rehabilitative solution to the nation’s overcrowded prisons, in our cover feature this month. Elsewhere in the edition, Simon Brooke assesses how AI can transform day to day operational tasks in hospitality, the complementary benefits of brand partnerships are investigated, and the growth of the premium sandwich market is analysed. There are also interviews with MCA’s Leader of the Year, and PizzaExpress CEO Paula MacKenzie, Shepherd Neame’s CEO Jonathan Neame and Pho chief exec Patrick Marrinan. MCA’s regular commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read tackle how to balance boards, flourishing independent high streets and sustainability, while Lumina Intelligence delves into the opportunities for operators at Christmas and Egg Soldiers explores the trend for fire-focused menus.
To view the latest edition, click here.
OCTOBER 2024 EDITION
MCA’s October edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. Simon Brooke takes an in-depth look at the UK’s flourishing franchise sector in this month’s cover story. We assess the impact of a new generation of salad bar operators on the lunchtime market and bring you big interviews with the outgoing CEOs at Punch Pubs and Laine Pub Co: Clive Chesser and Gavin George, as well as Bill’s MD Tom James, Papa John’s MD Chris Phylactou and Inception Group co-founder Charlie Gilkes. The edition features insight from Lumina Intelligence on the data that suggests veganism may have lost its mojo, and the latest M&A outlook for the pub market from AlixPartners, while Eggs Soldiers’ Tom Gatehouse gives his take on the evolution of modern British cuisine. Regular industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read share their views on sector issues, including why ministers need to be more upbeat in their messaging, the bustle of the Bristol eating and drinking out scene and why getting bigger by getting better is preferable to a laser focus on the P&L.
To view the latest edition, click here.
September 2024
MCA’s September edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. In this month’s cover story, writer Simon Brooke considers the possible costs of the Labour government’s policy on wages, and we report on the rise and subsequent fall of Pret’s popular coffee subscription. The edition features insight from Lumina Intelligence on why attracting Gen Zs and retaining millennials is key to the future of pubs and bars, while Egg Soldiers explores how major QSR brands are increasingly breaking away from traditional daypart offerings and into snacking. The edition also features interviews with The Big Table Group’s CEO Alan Morgan on overcoming the popular misconception that the Frankie & Benny’s brand doesn’t exist, Wingstop CEO Chris Sherriff on how it is prioritising social interaction with customers over transactional experiences, Pizza Hut UK MD Nicolas Burquier on resetting the brand, and chef and pub owner Tom Kerridge on how government help is needed if the pub sector is to survive. Regular industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, David Read share their views on sector issues, including the recent protests against Gail’s, the prospect for upcoming M&A and why education is needed on the future of food.
AUGUST 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.
JULY 2024
MCA’s July edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, writer Simon Brooke looks into how pubs are balancing their books to allow top-line growth to feed through to the bottom line. Lumina Intelligence makes a case for rising consumer confidence amid a ‘summer of sport’ resulting in a boost for pubs and bars, while Egg Soldiers explores Gen Z’s demand for bold, new immersive concepts looking to break free of the status quo. The edition also features interviews with pub giants, including new Marston’s CEO Justin Platt, Mitchells & Butlers on plans for its recently acquired Ego and Pesto restaurant chains, Liberation Group on prioritising quality over scale, and Admiral Taverns on remaining at the forefront of M&A activity. We also speak to German Doner Kebab, Joe & the Juice, and Chicken Shop about their appetite for growth across the UK, while Busaba CEO Winston Matthews reveals plans to trial a new concept. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including customer experience and the general election’s repercussions for hospitality.
JUNE 2024
MCA’s June edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we look back on James Watt’s 17 years as CEO of BrewDog, and the headlines and controversies that surrounded him during his time at the helm. We also speak to sector commentators about how operators are attempting to maximise revenue with ’brand charges’ and the resultant consumer fatigue. Our newest writer, Simon Brooke, analyses the looming debt issue plaguing the UK’s biggest pub company, while trends strategist Tom Gatehouse looks into the success of loyalty schemes and subscriptions across the sector. The edition also includes interviews with Mission Mars as the operator gears up for Albert’s Schloss’ London debut; Heart with Smart on reigniting growth; Gail’s on staying true to the craft bakery’s roots; and San Carlo on expanding overseas and bringing fresh concepts to the market. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including building a robust people culture, Whitbread’s latest approach to its ailing restaurant estate, and how operators can encourage their diners to make better choices.
MAY 2024
MCA’s May edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore the ascent of specialty coffee and how challenger brands have risen in a space previously dominated by mass market behemoths. Our newest writer, Simon Brooke, analyses the struggles of late night operators and the emergence of new, evolved concepts fighting for a share of consumers’ wallets. The edition also includes interviews with Dishoom as the much loved restaurant brand expands a new bar concept, and with Wahaca on its reimagined brand proposition as the company returns to the expansion trail. We also speak to Wingstop about the brand’s meteoric rise as it gears up for a record-breaking year, as well as Keystone Brewing Group on the outlook for breweries at a challenging time. Trends strategist Tom Gatehouse explores the rise of the smashburger phenomenon, while industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their view on engaging with a new administration, reducing Scope 3 emissions, and Hostmore’s acquisition of its franchisor TGI Fridays.
APRIL 2024
MCA’s April edition reflects on the prestigious MCA Hospitality Awards and celebrates the outstanding concepts, individuals, and deals that defined success in the sector this year. This month, we also hear from Tom Gatehouse, senior trends strategist at Egg Soldiers, who explores how an increasing demand for globally inspired eating experiences is leading operators to forage even further afield for new flavours. Coverage from the Food to Go Conference features comment from Wingstop, Ole & Steen, Pret, Leon, Krispy Kreme, Fireaway, Joe & The Juice and Taco Bell. Interviews come from Hertfordshire-based pub operator McMullen’s, who toast buoyant trading in the capital, amidst the resurgence of tourism and the office Christmas party, and with Cornish Bakery CEO Steve Grocutt, who explains his strategy to build a bigger business that thinks and feels like an independent. Valuable insights from industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read include an exploration of the multifaceted vision of Caffè Nero’s founder, Gerry Ford, and why operators should consider revitalising their wine lists to cater to changing consumer preferences among young drinkers.
MARCH 2024
MCA’s March edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore the bubble tea phenomenon and how the Taiwanese import has woven its way into the UK market to become a common sight on high streets. We also analyse the fallout from BrewDog’s decision to drop the Real Living Wage and what wage inflation means for the wider sector. The edition includes interviews with McWin Capital Partners - fresh off their acquisition of Sticks’n’Sushi - on the outlook for sector investment, and with Rockfish CEO Mitch Tonks on why differentiated concepts continue to perform strongly. Designer Philip Harrison reflects on trends in the cafe sector, while industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on recruitment and retention, the future of drinks giant Diageo, and how to rise to the sustainability challenge in food procurement.
FEBRUARY 2024
MCA’s February edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we delve into the rise of the chicken shop and how the humble poultry is establishing itself as one of the country’s most popular cuisines. We also explore the state of the sector at the end of 2023, and what the thriving QSR channel and a diversifying pub & bar segment bode for the coming year. The edition includes interviews with QSR giants Five Guys and Wendy’s, the group behind high street fixture Franco Manca, Fulham Shore, and multiconcept operator Mission Mars. Graeme Smith and Craig Rachel of AlixPartners predict a resurgence in M&A activity this year, while industry commentators Peter Martin, David Read, and Dominic Walsh share their views on sector issues, such as eating out in times of crisis, energy waste, and the future of Revolution Bars Group.
DECEMBER 2023
MCA’s December edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore how slowing inflation and recovering consumer confidence have buoyed festive trading prospects, Young’s bid to take over City Pub Group and its ambition to branch out from its regional roots, and why geopolitical tensions have pushed corporations like McDonald’s and Starbucks on the back foot. The edition features an analysis on the evolution of wine bars, detailing their shift from dusty basements to hipster hangouts, and also examines how operators are innovating to stand out in a crowded pizza market. Highlights from MCA’s Restaurant Conference in the edition include interviews with PizzaExpress CEO Paula Mackenzie, former Fulham Shore boss David Page, and Turtle Bay, Caravan, and Red Engine chair Jane O’Riordan. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, such as the rebuilding of Britain’s infrastructure, dealmaking activity and people moves in the pub sector, and the compound effects of high inflation numbers.
NOVEMBER 2023
MCA’s November edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore high profile deals including McWin Capital Partners’ acquisition of experiential dining champions Big Mamma Group and Apollo Global Management’s bid to take The Restaurant Group private. The edition also examines what optimism among operators looks like and the emergence of restaurants supplanting nightclubs through the party dining phenomenon. The edition includes interviews with Honest Burgers about the soon to be launched QSR spinoff; KFC about its runway for growth in the UK; Sexy Fish about evolving its experiential dining offer; and Burger & Lobster as it looks to pick up its place of expansion. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including Mitchells & Butlers’ approach to innovation, the rise and fall of Cobra beer, and the role of hospitality in driving changes in the food system.
OCTOBER 2023
MCA’s October edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore The Big Table Group’s potential to turn around its recently acquired Leisure estate, Stonegate’s much-discussed move to introduce dynamic pricing, and the trend towards nostalgic dining during times of economic uncertainty. The edition includes interviews with veteran restaurateur Jeremy King as he returns to the UK’s restaurant scene, Loungers’ Alex Reilley as the business marks the 200-site milestone, Itsu on a record summer of sales, and Amber Taverns on building a strong pipeline. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including the consolidation of market halls, changing consumer behaviour, and the intricacies of procurement and supply.
SEPTEMBER 2023
MCA’s September edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore TDR Capital’s £50m investment in Popeyes, the ongoing scandal around employee claims against McDonald’s, and the hype around AI and its implications for hospitality businesses. The edition includes interviews with Deliveroo about keeping the focus on its existing estate; Toridoll about taking Franco Manca out to the world; and Big Table Group on unlocking cost synergies across its portfolio. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including spreadsheet buying plus the resurgence and recovery of pubs this summer and their relationship with the government.
AUGUST 2023
MCA’s August edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month, we explore the implications of Asda’s £2.3bn acquisition of EG Group’s UK arm and speak to Wagamama founder Alan Yau about his next venture and the future of the restaurant industry. The edition includes an interview with MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Award winner Caravan Restaurants, plus additional coverage from our annual Pub conference last month. We also speak to Subway UK about introducing kiosks, Azzurri Group about bringing Boojum to the UK, and Hickory’s Smokehouse following the Greene King acquisition last year. Industry commentators Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh, and David Read share their views on sector issues, including customer service, the long-running rail disputes, and why inflation continues to rise for hospitality as it falls in supermarkets.
JULY 2023
MCA’s July edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector. This month we explore whether confidence in the market is prompting a return to M&A activity, the challenges The Restaurant Group faces from activist investors and how it might turnaround its share price and the buoyant growth of the UK dessert café sector. There are interviews with MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Award winners McDonald’s, Itsu and Imbiba and coverage of MCA’s annual Pub Conference earlier this month – with further coverage to appear in our August edition. Regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read share their views on topics effecting the sector including sustainability, the need for a VAT cut and business buzzwords, while Lumina Intelligence unpicks examples of innovation in the pub sector.
JUNE 2023
MCA’s June edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including deep dives into the slow decline of Prezzo, Hostmore’s new strategy for TGI Fridays and the performance and potential for Barburrito in the fast-casual Mexican market. There are interviews with MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer of the Year Jane O’Riordan, and winners of Best Pub/Bar Company, Inception Group, plus David McDowall gives his first big interview to MCA following his appointment as CEO of Stonegate Group earlier this year. This month’s edition also features a special feature on the progress that is still to be made on diversity and inclusion in hospitality, and the MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read give their spin on sector issues. To view the June edition, click here.
MAY 2023
MCA’s May edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Toridoll’s deal to acquire Fulham Shore and a special feature on the potential for insects on menus. There are interviews with The Wolseley Hospitality Group’s CEO Baton Berisha, MJMK’s co-founder Marco Mendes – following Casa Do Frango’s Emerging Concept win at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards, and Red Oak Taverns’ co-founder Mark Grunnell. This month’s edition also features opinion MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read, as well as exclusive comment from Holly Addison and Lorraine Copes and insight from Lumina Intelligence. To view the May edition, click here.
April 2023
MCA’s April edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Starbucks’ decision to launch olive oil-infused coffee and a special feature on the future of robotics in hospitality. There are interviews with former D&D London CEO Des Gunewardena on his next moves in the sector, The Restaurant Group’s CEO Andy Hornby and Emily Teh, CEO of growing Mexican concept Zambrero. This month’s edition also features coverage of all the winners at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards 2023 and highlights from the Food to Go Conference in March. There is also opinion MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read, and insight from Lumina Intelligence. To view the April edition, please click here.
March 2023
MCA’s March edition features in-depth analysis and commentary on the eating and drinking out sector, including analysis of Stonegate’s decision to put 1,000 pubs up for sale and TriSpan’s stake in Mowgli. AlixPartners assesses the outlook for M&A activity this year, and Lumina Intelligence shares insights from its new Food to Go Market Report. This month’s edition also features profiles on all the finalists in the Rising Star and Sustainability Award categories at MCA’s Retailers’ Retailer Awards, and we showcase the highlights from the Hostech conference last month. In addition there are interviews with the likes of City Pub Company, Pure and Chestnut Group, and opinion from MCA’s regular industry commentators, Peter Martin, Dominic Walsh and David Read. To view the March edition, please click here.