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Thursday 31st October 2019
Update: Starbucks, Greene King and calorie labelling
Starbucks beats revenue and profit estimates: Starbucks beat analyst sales and profit estimates yesterday, driven by new stores, digital ordering and delivery in China, and cold drinks in the United States. Total net revenue for the world … view
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Thursday 31st October 2019
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Yum! Brands reports KFC UK sales up 6% in third quarter and 14% year to date following last year's delivery saga: Yum! Brands has reported KFC system sales in the UK rose 6% for the third quarter ended 30 September 2019, compared with the … view
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Wednesday 30th October 2019
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Pubs, bars and restaurants remain optimistic despite recruitment and retention concerns: The majority (90%) of pubs, bars and restaurants remain optimistic about their future despite challenges surrounding staff recruitment and retention, … view
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Tuesday 29th October 2019
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
GBK rent-to-sales ratio down to 9.5% following CVA, change of managing director: Famous Brands has revealed the rent-to-sales ratio at Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK) has fallen from 17.5% to 9.5% following its company voluntary arrangement … view
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Monday 28th October 2019
Forrester to step down as TGI Friday’s UK chief executive
Forrester to step down as TGI Friday’s UK chief executive: TGI Friday’s UK has announced chief executive Karen Forrester is stepping down after 12 years in the role. Forrester will leave the business on Friday, 13 December. The new chief e … view
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Monday 28th October 2019
Update: Gourmet Burger Kitchen, The Restaurant Group, Tim Hortons and Chapel Down
Gourmet Burger Kitchen reports like-for like sales up 8.6%: Famous Brands has reported its Gourmet Burger Kitchen business saw like-for-like sales increase by 8.6% in the six months to 31 August. The company stated: “In line with manage … view
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Monday 28th October 2019
Propel Monday News Briefing
Watch House Coffee secures investment for growth: London-based speciality coffee concept Watch House Coffee is set for further expansion in the capital after securing £2.1m of new investment, Propel has learned. The initial investment wa … view
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Friday 25th October 2019
Exclusive: Deliveroo partners with Casual Dining Group to licence restaurant brand
Exclusive – Deliveroo partners with Casual Dining Group to licence restaurant brand: Deliveroo has trademarked its first virtual brand, Propel has learned. Roofoods, the parent company of Deliveroo, has trademarked the name Chicken On The Gr … view
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Friday 25th October 2019
Friday Opinion
Subjects: On the market, first impressions, and magic moments
Authors: Glynn Davis, Jamie Campbell and Sally Whelan

On the market by Glynn Davis

Like many towns up and down the country, Do … view
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Friday 25th October 2019
Update: Marston’s disposal, AB InBev Third Quarter and Nando’s
The Times – Fortress frontrunner in buying Marston’s package: The Times has reported that The New York-based investment company that acquired Majestic Wine in August wants to invest in the pub sector. The newspaper stated: “Fortress … view
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Friday 25th October 2019
Propel Friday News Briefing
Comptoir Libanais founder – high rents still hampering opening opportunities: Comptoir Libanais founder Tony Kitous has told Propel that despite there being plenty of empty units in prime locations he finds attractive for his Lebanese c … view
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Thursday 24th October 2019
Update: C&C Group, Patisserie Valerie and Ivy Collection
C&C Group reports revenue and operating profit boost: Tennent’s and Magners producer C&C Group has reported revenue up 13.5% to 874.9m euros in the six months ended 31 August 2019. Operating profit rose by 9.2% to 63.8m euros. Stephen G … view
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Thursday 24th October 2019
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Fuller’s boss – Cotswold Inns & Hotels deal gives us ‘critical mass’ in untapped part of England: Simon Emeny, chief executive of premium pubs and hotels business Fuller’s, has told Propel its £40m deal for Cotswold Inns & Hote … view
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Wednesday 23rd October 2019
Fuller's acquires Cotswold-based inns and hotels business for £40m
Fuller’s acquires Cotswold-based inns and hotels business for £40m: Fuller’s, the premium pubs and hotels business, has exchanged contracts to acquire Cotswold Inns & Hotels for £40m. The acquisition, exclusively revealed by Propel earli … view
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Wednesday 23rd October 2019
Update: Chipotle, McDonald's and delivery, Easyhotel and Heineken
Chipotle reports like-for-likes up 11%, shifts property strategy to drive-thrus: Chipotle has reported like-for-like sales rose 11% in its Third Quarter, with total sales up 14.6% to $1.4bn. It opened 25 sites and closed one. Digital sale … view
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Wednesday 23rd October 2019
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
McDonald’s UK delivery surges in popularity to account for more than 10% of all business: Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald’s UK & Ireland, said the group’s ongoing growth had been particularly driven by a surge in the popula … view
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Tuesday 22nd October 2019
Just Eat board rejects unsolicited offer from investment firm
Just Eat board rejects unsolicited offer from investment firm: The board of Just Eat, the market place for takeaway food delivery, has rejected an unsolicited offer for the company from Prosus NV. Investment firm Prosus NV has offered 710p per … view
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Tuesday 22nd October 2019
Update: Admiral Taverns buys 150 pubs, Whitbread, Bread Ahead
Admiral Taverns completes acquisition of 150 Star Pubs & Bars sites: Tenanted operator Admiral Taverns has completed the acquisition of 150 tenanted community pubs from Star Pubs & Bars. The company stated: “The acquisition of the natio … view
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Tuesday 22nd October 2019
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
BrewDog to offer mini-bond that partly pays lenders in beer, signs India bar deal: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog is to issue a new mini-bond that will pay lenders partly in beer. The company will launch the offer on crowdfunding pl … view
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Monday 21st October 2019
Update: Just Eat, PizzaExpress
Just Eat reports revenue growth of 25% in most recent three months: Just Eat has reported revenue growth of 25% to £247.5m in the three months to 30 September. Revenue growth in the first nine months of the company’s financial year has … view
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Monday 21st October 2019
Propel Monday News Briefing
Caring takes stake in Time Out Group: Richard Caring, the serial sector investor, has built up a stake of just under 7% in the listed global media and leisure business Time Out Group. An announcement by the company late on Friday (18 Octo … view
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Friday 18th October 2019
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Sweet spot, nanny state over-reach, Plan B, and dishing up a sustainable future
Authors: Glynn Davis, Paul Chase, Ann Elliott and Helen McMillan

Sweet spot by Glynn Davis

On a vi … view
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Friday 18th October 2019
Update: Luke Johnson and Elegant, Tortilla, The Alchemist and Easyhotel
Luke Johnson to net circa £12.5m in Elegant Hotels sale: Sector investor Luke Johnson is set to receive around £12.5m after the board of Elegant Hotels, the operator of seven freehold hotels sites in Barbados, accepted a takeover offer … view
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Friday 18th October 2019
Propel Friday News Briefing
Tapas Revolution appoints new management team as managing director departs: Tapas Revolution, the Mobeus Equity Partners-backed group, has shaken up its management team with a number of appointments, Propel has learned. It is understood p … view
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Thursday 17th October 2019
Best UK bar and nightclubs revealed, Domino’s, Barburrito and Big Mamma
UKHospitality names best late-night operators: UKHospitality has announced the winners of the 2019 Dusk ’til Dawn Late Night Awards, held in association with Propel. The winners were announced at a gala ceremony at the Troxy, London, la … view
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Thursday 17th October 2019
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Black Sheep Coffee set to pay another £1.4m for cafes as administrators’ report reveals Taylor St Baristas plight: London-based speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee is due to pay another £1.4m on top of … view
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Wednesday 16th October 2019
CMA begins merger investigation into Amazon’s investment in Deliveroo
CMA begins merger investigation into Amazon’s investment in Deliveroo: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun a merger investigation into Amazon’s investment in Deliveroo. The CMA issued an initial enforcement order against … view
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Wednesday 16th October 2019
Loungers reports like-for-like sales up 5.4%
Loungers reports like-for-like sales up 5.4%: Loungers, the operator of 157 neighbourhood cafe-bar restaurants that trade under the Lounge and Cosy Club brands, has reported like-for-like sales grew 5.4% for the 24 weeks ending 6 October … view
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Wednesday 16th October 2019
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
D&D London in legals on two new UK sites, waiting on Brexit outcome before shaping long-term expansion strategy: Des Gunewardena, chairman and chief executive of restaurant operator D&D London, has told Propel the company is in legals on … view
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Tuesday 15th October 2019
Marston’s reports strong performance from wet-led pubs
Marston’s reports strong performance from wet-led pubs: Marston’s has reported a strong performance from its wet-led pubs in a trading update for the year ended 28 September 2019. It has also increased its guidance on receipts from disposa … view
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Tuesday 15th October 2019
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Wrapchic collapsed into administration after shareholders refused to lend further funds as franchisee liabilities resulted in continued losses: Fusion fast food business Wrapchic collapsed into administration after shareholders refused to … view
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Monday 14th October 2019
Propel Monday News Briefing
Managed pubs and restaurants see like-for-likes up 1.2% in September despite worst month for retail since 1995: Like-for-like sales at Britain’s managed pubs and restaurants grew 1.2% last month despite the retail sector reporting its w … view
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Monday 14th October 2019
Managed pubs and restaurants see like-for-likes up 1.2% in September
Managed pubs and restaurants see like-for-likes up 1.2% in September despite worst month for retail since 1995: Like-for-like sales at Britain’s managed pubs and restaurants grew 1.2% last month despite the retail sector reporting its worst … view
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Saturday 12th October 2019
Exclusive – Wendy’s to use UK as beach head for European expansion
Exclusive – Wendy’s to use UK as beach head for European expansion: Wendy’s, the third-largest fast food chain in the US, is planning a return to the UK with an opening in the next 12 to 18 months. Speaking at an investor day for the bra … view
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Friday 11th October 2019
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Big games mean big money; lunch is dead, long live lunch; and home from home
Authors: Glynn Davis, Charlie McVeigh and Ann Elliott

Big games mean big money by Glynn Davis

When En … view
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Friday 11th October 2019
Third largest US fast food chain opens debut UK site
Chick-fil-A opens debut UK site: Chick-fil-A, the largest chicken, and the third largest US fast food restaurant chain, has opened its debut UK site in Reading. The company, which operates more than 2,300 restaurants across 47 States, ope … view
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Friday 11th October 2019
Propel Friday News Briefing
Firezza and Santa Maria founders partner to launch pizza pub concept in east London: Firezza founder Edin Basic is joining forces with Santa Maria founders Angelo Ambrosio and Pasquale Chionchio to launch a pizza pub concept, Propel has l … view
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Thursday 10th October 2019
Wasabi appoints Henry Birts as chief executive
Wasabi appoints Henry Birts as chief executive: Wasabi, the sushi and bento chain, has appointed Henry Birts as chief executive. The former Pizza Hut Restaurants deputy managing director will join the company on Friday, 29 November. He will re … view
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Thursday 10th October 2019
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Blanket calorie cap proposed for out-of-home sector in childhood obesity report, UKHospitality deems measure ‘impractical and unfair’: A calorie cap per serving of food and drink sold by the out-of-home sector has been proposed by pro … view
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Thursday 10th October 2019
Blanket calorie cap proposed for out-of-home sector in childhood obesity report
Blanket calorie cap proposed for out-of-home sector in childhood obesity report, UKHospitality deems measure ‘impractical and unfair’: A calorie cap per serving of food and drink sold by the out-of-home sector has been proposed by professo … view
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Wednesday 9th October 2019
Exclusive – Luke Johnson paid £2.3m for All Star Lanes
Exclusive – Luke Johnson paid £2.3m for All Star Lanes: Serial sector investor Luke Johnson paid £2.325m to acquire boutique bowling alley operator All Star Lanes out of administration last month, Propel has learned. A report by All Star L … view
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Wednesday 9th October 2019
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Papa John’s UK sees first FY like-for-like sales decline in 12 years, operating profit takes hit as it help franchisees with rising costs: Papa John’s UK, the country’s third-largest pizza delivery company, has reported like-for lik … view
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Tuesday 8th October 2019
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
McDonald’s UK pre-tax profit jumps £65m as it converts managed sites to franchises: McDonald’s UK has reported UK pre-tax profit rose £65m to £406.2m in the year to 31 December 2018 as it converts its managed estate to franchises. … view
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Monday 7th October 2019
Michelin awards record number of new stars for 2020
Michelin awards record number of new stars for 2020: There have been a record number of new stars awarded in the 2020 Michelin Guide. Inspectors awarded one new three-Michelin star, four new two-Michelin stars and 24 new one-Michelin stars. Th … view
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Monday 7th October 2019
Propel Monday News Briefing
People and Training Conference opens for bookings: The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) has launched this year’s People and Training Conference, which will showcase outstanding people culture among companies in the sector. The even … view
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Saturday 5th October 2019
Exclusive: KFC UK reports full-year like-for-likes down 6.8% as it feels impact of delivery saga
Exclusive – KFC UK reports full-year like-for-likes down 6.8% as it feels impact of delivery saga that shuttered 750 restaurants: KFC has reported its UK business saw like-for-like sales fall 6.8% for the year ending 23 December 2018 in a ye … view
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Friday 4th October 2019
Exclusive: Fuller’s in advanced talks over £40m deal for Cotswold-based inns and hotels business
Exclusive – Fuller’s in advanced talks over £40m deal for Cotswold-based inns and hotels business: Fuller’s, the Simon Emeny-led listed group, is in advanced talks to acquire the Cotswolds Inns & Hotels business in a deal believed … view
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Friday 4th October 2019
Thai Leisure Group creditors approve CVA, Trust Inns appoints new MD
Thai Leisure Group creditors approve CVA: Thai Leisure Group, operator of Thaikhun and Chaophraya, has had its proposed company voluntary arrangement (CVA) approved by creditors at a meeting today (Friday, 4 October). The company proposed … view
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Friday 4th October 2019
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Prime seats, tackling loneliness, post-truth world, and start the conversation
Authors: Glynn Davis, Brigid Simmonds, Paul Chase and Angela Malik

Prime seats by Glynn Davis

Takin … view
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Friday 4th October 2019
Handmade Burger Co considers its options
Handmade Burger Co considers its options: The owner of Handmade Burger Co, which was acquired out of administration in the summer 2017, is believed to be reviewing its options, including a sale of the 19-strong business. The Burger Chain, the … view
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Friday 4th October 2019
Propel Friday News Briefing
BrewDog reports double-digit like-for-like growth in bars business in 2019, full-year UK turnover nears £35m: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog has seen double-digit like-for-like growth across its bar division so far in 2019, Propel … view
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Thursday 3rd October 2019
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Thai Leisure Group lays out details of refresh and investment strategy if CVA successful: Thai Leisure Group, operator of Thaikhun and Chaophraya, has laid out details of a rebranding exercise and refresh programme if its proposed company … view
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Wednesday 2nd October 2019
Prezzo turnaround shows early encouragement
Prezzo turnaround shows early encouragement: Prezzo, the Karen Jones-led restaurant chain, has reported solid like-for-like growth from April 2019 and hopes to have 50% of its 185-strong estate revamped by the end of this year. Propel understa … view
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Wednesday 2nd October 2019
Deliveroo reports sales grow 72% to £476m but losses deepen, helps UK restaurant partners boost sales by £1bn
Deliveroo reports sales grow 72% to £476m but losses deepen, helps UK restaurant partners boost sales by £1bn, now working with 80,000 globally: Deliveroo has reported sales grew 72% to £476m for the year ending 31 December 2018, … view
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Wednesday 2nd October 2019
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Revolution Bars Group moves from ten to five-year investment cycle as it steps up refurbishment programme: Revolution Bars Group chief executive Rob Pitcher has told Propel the company has moved from a ten-year to a five-year investment c … view
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Tuesday 1st October 2019
Update: Revolution Bars Group and Greggs
Revolution Bar Group reports like-for-like sales moving in positive direction: Revolution Bars Group, the operator of 77 premium bars, trading under the Revolution and Revolución de Cuba brands, has reported like-for-like sales were down … view
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Tuesday 1st October 2019
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
IRC closes London-based Gino D’Acampo sites to focus on regional openings: Individual Restaurants Company (IRC) has closed its two Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant sites in London to concentrate on further regional openings for the brand, … view
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