All articles by Phoebe Fraser
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EventsIntroducing The Takeaway podcast, with Amol Rajan
Award-winning journalist Amol Rajan, host of Radio 4 Today and University Challenge, delivers a thought-provoking rallying cry to the sector at the MCA Hospitality Awards, in the first episode of a new podcast series
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NewsBlack Tap to open four UK sites in 2025
The US burger brand will open its UK flagship in London’s Soho this month, with plans to launch three additional UK sites before the end of the year
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Wingstop, Pasta Evangelists, Chipotle, and more
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NewsBII and Licensed Trade Charity enter strategic partnership to support pub sector
The partnership is aimed at improving both business and personal wellbeing across the pub sector
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InterviewsLeon prioritises digital loyalty as expansion gathers pace
The health-focused QSR brand is increasing investment in digital loyalty and customer retention as it accelerates domestic growth and international franchising, Mac Plumpton tells MCA
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NewsYum! Brands CEO David Gibbs to retire
The parent company of Taco Bell and KFC has announced that its CEO will retire in early 2026 following nearly four decades with the business
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InterviewsOodles Wok targets 10-12 UK openings annually
The pan-Asian brand is continuing to expand across the UK, with five new openings scheduled across April and May and a long-term target of 10+ new sites per year
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NewsHospitality sector warns of crisis as tax hikes take effect
The NTIA said these additional costs come on top of years of rising overheads and could cost individual operators between £30,000 and £80,000 a year
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NewsHooters files for bankruptcy as founders regain control
The controversial chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US, with plans to sell nearly 100 company-owned restaurants to a group of franchisees
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NewsWasabi founder to debut premium sushi concept Sushinoya
Dong Hyun Kim is set to launch a new high-quality grab-and-go sushi concept, with the first Sushinoya location opening at London’s St Pancras International later this month
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News£3.4bn annual cost hikes take effect
70% of hospitality businesses say they are likely to reduce headcount and around 15% expect to close at least one site as a direct consequence of rising annual costs
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Analysis & InsightFunctional food and drink: the next growth driver in FTG
Food-to-go players are integrating targeted health benefits into their products to drive premiumisation and higher spend
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NewsBrent Cross to welcome first permanent street food market
The line-up includes Sides Fried Chicken, created by YouTube collective The Sidemen, Pasta Remoli, known for its authentic Italian pasta dishes, and Asian street food brand Three Uncles
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InterviewsSourdough Sophia eyes 20 sites
The North London bakery-cafe operator is set to open three sites this year as it balances its artisanal roots with operational growth
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including Wingstop, Loungers, Browns Brasserie & Bar, and more
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InterviewsChicken Shop: ‘We want to own London’
The premium QSR brand is doubling down on London as it prepares to open its eighth site in Canary Wharf – with further expansion in its sights
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NewsFever-Tree reports FY24 growth with on-trade recovery
The mixer brand has reaffirmed its commitment to hospitality and on-trade partnerships as it posted improved performance in the UK
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Analysis & InsightHotels risk losing half of F&B spend as guests turn to delivery and dining out
Zonal research finds 50% of UK hotel guests are likely to order food for delivery or dine at external restaurants rather than use on-site F&B options
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InterviewsMary Brown’s maps out UK clusters as it builds its international base
The Canadian QSR brand is stepping up its UK rollout and expects to reach 10 sites by the year-end
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EventsPICK.YOUR.OWN founder on scaling sustainable food-to-go
The premium salad concept is redefining food-to-go with a focus on sustainability and customer loyalty, rapidly building a following since its December launch