All articles by Shwetali Sapte
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NewsSales growth at JKS Restaurants soars beyond 20%
The multi-brand hospitality growth delivered 22% sales growth for the year to 30 March 2025, reflecting sustained demand, new openings, and brand appeal
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NewsMark Brooke steps down as CEO of Amber Taverns
The pub company said Brooke steps down by mutual agreement with the board and investors, less than one year after assuming the CEO role in August 2025
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Analysis & InsightPub and bar insolvencies more than double since 2020
Analysis from UHY Hacker Young said insolvencies were up nearly 3% year-on-year, with notable cases including Sixes, Oakman Inns, and more recently BrewDog and the Revel Collective
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NewsTim Hortons carries strong trading momentum into 2026
The UK & Ireland business has reported like-for-like sales growth of 9% in the 10 weeks to 15 March, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of LFL growth
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring new sites from Sticks’n’Sushi, Yard Sale Pizza, Sandwich Sandwich and more
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NewsFlat Iron to make Scotland debut in Glasgow
The steak restaurant group will open its first Scottish venue on Glasgow’s West George Street next year, following launches in Brighton, Bristol, and Newcastle
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NewsSocial Pub and Kitchen rolls out menu refresh
The Stonegate Group brand has introduced new menus across 62 sites - with new smash burgers, healthier options, and offers - as it looks to evolve its offering in line with changing consumer trends
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InterviewsShepherd Neame: ‘We’ve got multiple investment opportunities’
CEO Jonathan Neame tells MCA his outlook remains positive due to a strong performance from pubs and own beers, but warned of potential disruption from the Middle East war
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Analysis & InsightUK restaurant market declined 2% in 2025
The restaurant sector’s growth lagged the total eating out market - but demand remains for premium-casual dining, differentiated propositions, and strong guest experiences, according to Lumina Intelligence
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NewsJohn Vincent had ‘a few surprises’ after taking back Leon
The co-founder said the “very fabric of the restaurants” needed investment - but remains positive about prospects for recovery after closing more than 20 sites
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NewsRichard Caring closes in on £1bn deal
The hospitality tycoon is said to be in talks to close with Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company, with a deal that could value his portfolio at up to £1.3bn
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NewsStrong trading for Shepherd Neame pubs offset by brewing decline
The Kent-based brewer and pub operator has reported £84.7m revenue for the 26 weeks ended 27 December 2025, a slight dip from £85m in H1 2025
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InterviewsChaiiwala: ‘We’re the most unknown big brand in the country’
Speaking at MCA’s Food to Go conference, co-founder Sohail Ali discussed opening hundreds more locations in the UK, entering new formats like hospitals, and what’s next for the Indian QSR concept
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NewsRocket Room: ‘Leicester Square will be the first of many’
The new small-format experiential concept, designed to fit into existing venues, hopes to open 15 sites within two years, founder Michael Pearson of Elangeni Hospitality tells MCA
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NewsMichael’s Coffee House begins franchising push
The independent Manchester-based coffee business has begun franchising with the intent of opening five sites per year, founder Thanasis Michael tells MCA
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NewsBewliehill: ‘We can have a real impact’
The seasonal eatery concept is exploring further expansion opportunities after opening its third location in the City of London this month, founder Angus Lambert told MCA’s Food to Go conference
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NewsBoston Tea Party on the lookout for new sites
The all-day cafe group reported sustained like-for-like growth in its latest accounts for the year to October 2025
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Analysis & InsightFrequency and spend beats inflation in February
Promotions enticed consumers to return to eating out, leading to a 7.3% jump in frequency and a 9.4% boost in spend year-on-year, according to Lumina Intelligence
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring new concepts from Evolv Collection, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, and more
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NewsThe Wolseley Hospitality Group secures New York debut
Parent company Minor Hotels will open an all-day brasserie and 76-bedroom hotel near Times Square next year, with further overseas expansion on the cards