All articles by Shwetali Sapte
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InterviewsDa Long Yi looks to expand across UK
The hotpot specialist, which operates more than 300 locations around the world, is eyeing further sites in London as well as Manchester, master franchisee Yang Yu tells MCA
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NewsGDK opens four sites in one month
The kebab chain has opened in Clydebank, Bourneouth, Leytonstone, and Romfort this December, following a year of significant growth
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NewsYard Sale Pizza turnover jumps 22%
The pizza delivery business, which was acquired by Piper earlier this year, grew turnover to £13.2m as it pursues an accelerated growth strategy
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NewsAlcohol consumption in Britain falls to record low
New data from IWSR suggests the average UK adult consumed 10.2 alcoholic drinks per week last year - the lowest figure since data collection began in 1990
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NewsTGI Fridays UK files second notice of intention to appoint administrators
The news comes after the group filed its first notice as recently as 9 December, days after global brand manager Sugarloaf brought in Interpath to explore strategic options
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NewsWendy’s makes Scotland debut
The restaurant on Linwood Road offers a drive-thru lane as well as dine-in, and marks Wendy’s entry into a new region as the QSR chain nears 50 sites
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NewsGerman Doner Kebab delivers £179m sales
Parent company Hero Brands said it continued to invest in its F&B portfolio, with plans for further growth across the UK as well as new regions
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Analysis & InsightHospitality venues hit with average £32k business rates increase
The figures reveal the scale of cost increases facing hospitality businesses across the country, even when factoring in the lower multiplier and transitional relief
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Analysis & InsightDelivery sales growth dips to lowest level since June
Leading restaurant groups saw delivery sales rise by 3.6% year-on-year in November, compared to 7.6% in October, according to the NIQ Hospitality at Home Tracker
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Analysis & InsightQSR meal deal sales jump 92% this year
QSR saw a 63% surge in orders in 2025, with meal deals driving volumes and loyalty schemes driving repeat visits, according to new data from Vita Mojo
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up the week’s biggest openings stories, featuring Gilroy’s Loft at the new Guinness Brewery, a new concept from former Kiln head chef Meedu Saad, and TRGC’s bespoke concept designed for Jersey Airport
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Analysis & InsightPressures on investment and confidence hold back gains from AI
AI is deepening its role in hospitality, but weak confidence about investment and knowledge are contributing to under-exploitation, according to CGA and Sona
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NewsOttolenghi looks to further international expansion
The omnichannel restaurant group reported turnover of £36.6m for FY25, with a strong pipeline of both retail and overseas opportunities in place
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Analysis & InsightHospitality enters Christmas with flat sales growth
Managed hospitality groups recorded like-for-like growth of just 0.3% in November, with restaurants continuing to struggle while pubs delivered their tenth consecutive month of growth, according to the latest NIQ RSM Hospitality Business Tracker
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InterviewsTaco Bell: ‘150 stores sounds like a lot – but there’s room for much more’
Ian Cranna, general manager for UK & Europe, speaks to MCA about reaching the 150-site milestone, accelerating expansion further, and what’s behind Taco Bell’s success story
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NewsCoaching Inn Group promotes Adam Charity to MD
Charity, who originally joined the pubs-with-rooms business in 2008, has served as COO since last year and now takes on the managing director role
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NewsCoffee prices likely to stay elevated, says Caffè Nero’s Gerry Ford
The Nero Group founder has said customers will have to get used to higher prices due to exorbitant commodity costs, but is conscious of the £5 tipping point
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NewsRichard Smothers joins Greggs as NED
Smothers, previously CFO and currently non-executive director at Greene King, joins Greggs with experience in senior finance roles across hospitality and retail
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NewsBlack Sheep Coffee signs Oxfordshire development agreement
Black Sheep has partnered with existing franchisees Anika Dhamecha and Ishaan Khiroya for new openings across the county, complementing its existing Oxford city centre location.
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NewsGreene King loyalty programme hits one million customers
Three months after launching a new and evolved app, the pub company has achieved the one million milestone while making wider investments in digital growth