Latest Briefing Archive Tab News Tab Events Tab Advertising Tab Contact Tab
 
Search our Previous Briefings
 
New Archive Heading
Current
Sep 2024
Aug 2024
Jul 2024
Jun 2024
May 2024
Apr 2024
Mar 2024
Feb 2024
Jan 2024
Dec 2023
Nov 2023
Oct 2023
Sep 2023
Aug 2023
Jul 2023
Jun 2023
May 2023
Apr 2023
Mar 2023
Feb 2023
Jan 2023
Dec 2022
Nov 2022
Oct 2022
Sep 2022
Aug 2022
Jul 2022
Jun 2022
May 2022
Apr 2022
Mar 2022
Feb 2022
Jan 2022
Dec 2021
Nov 2021
Oct 2021
Sep 2021
Aug 2021
Jul 2021
Jun 2021
May 2021
Apr 2021
Mar 2021
Feb 2021
Jan 2021
Dec 2020
Nov 2020
Oct 2020
Sep 2020
Aug 2020
Jul 2020
Jun 2020
May 2020
Apr 2020
Mar 2020
Feb 2020
Jan 2020
Dec 2019
Nov 2019
Oct 2019
Sep 2019
Aug 2019
Jul 2019
Jun 2019
May 2019
Apr 2019
Mar 2019
Feb 2019
Jan 2019
Dec 2018
Nov 2018
Oct 2018
Sep 2018
Aug 2018
Jul 2018
Jun 2018
May 2018
Apr 2018
Mar 2018
Feb 2018
Jan 2018
Dec 2017
Nov 2017
Oct 2017
Sep 2017
Aug 2017
Jul 2017
Jun 2017
May 2017
Apr 2017
Mar 2017
Feb 2017
Jan 2017
Dec 2016
Nov 2016
Oct 2016
Sep 2016
Aug 2016
Jul 2016
Jun 2016
May 2016
Apr 2016
Mar 2016
Feb 2016
Jan 2016
Dec 2015
Nov 2015
Oct 2015
Sep 2015
Aug 2015
Jul 2015
Jun 2015
May 2015
Apr 2015
Mar 2015
Feb 2015
Jan 2015
Dec 2014
Nov 2014
Oct 2014
Sep 2014
Aug 2014
Jul 2014
Jun 2014
May 2014
Apr 2014
Mar 2014
Feb 2014
Jan 2014
Dec 2013
Nov 2013
Oct 2013
Sep 2013
Aug 2013
Jul 2013
Jun 2013
May 2013
Apr 2013
Mar 2013
Feb 2013
Jan 2013
Dec 2012
Nov 2012
Oct 2012
Sep 2012
Aug 2012
Jul 2012
Jun 2012
May 2012
Apr 2012
Mar 2012
Feb 2012
 
 
Tevalis Banner
 
Contract Furniture Group Banner
 
CACI Banner
 
Casual Dining Banner
 
Singa Oy Banner
 
Lactalis Banner
 
Santa Maria Banner
 
Tabology Banner
 
awrys Banner
 
Propel Banner
 
Tenzo Banner
 
HGEM Banner
 
Meaningful Vision Banner
 
Zonal Banner
 
Access Banner
 
Christie & Co Banner
 
Sideways Banner
 
Airship – Toggle Banner
 
Wireless Social Banner
 
Startle Banner
 
Deliverect Banner
 
awrys Banner
 
Growth Kitchen Banner
 
Zonal Banner
 
 
Tuesday 30th April 2024
Update: McDonald's and Mowgli results, Revolution meeting postponed, Greene King's new £40m brewery
McDonald’s reports global like-for-likes up 1.9% in first quarter with UK seeing growth: McDonald’s has reported global like-for-likes were up 1.9% in its first quarter ending 31 March 2024 – with the UK seeing growth. Chief executi … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 30th April 2024
Whitbread to exit 126 branded restaurants and convert 112 more into hotel rooms as it seeks to optimise F&B offer
Whitbread sets out plans to exit 126 branded restaurants and convert 112 more into hotel rooms as it seeks to optimise F&B offer, plans to cut 1,500 UK jobs: Whitbread has set out plans to exit 126 of its lower-returning branded restauran … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 30th April 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
PizzaExpress set to explore US expansion play: PizzaExpress is looking to launch in the US, and has begun the search for franchisees to aid its expansion there, Propel has learned. The Paula MacKenzie-led business currently operates more … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 29th April 2024
Exclusive: Punch acquires 24 ex-Wear Inns sites
Exclusive – Punch acquires 24 ex-Wear Inns sites: Punch Pubs & Co, the Fortress Investment Group-backed company, has acquired the majority of the 25-strong, ex-Wear Inns business, which was placed into administration last year. Propel reveal … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 29th April 2024
Update: Foodservice inflation, pub spending, Butlin's £60m insurance fight
Foodservice inflation dips below 10% for first time in two years: Inflation as measured by the CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index (FPI) fell below 10% in March for the first time in two years. This follows the largest month-on-month dec … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 29th April 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Exclusive – Boparan Restaurant Group signs deal to launch Slim Chickens in Germany: Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG), the owner of the Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Carluccio’s and Giraffe brands, has signed a deal to launch the Slim Chickens … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 26th April 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Getting deals done in the new normal, why Cocochine should shine, hope for pubs everywhere, it’s not all doom and gloom in brewing
Authors: Graeme Smith and Craig Rachel, Glynn Davis, Ann Elliott, Mark Arrolview
................................................................................................
 
Friday 26th April 2024
Update: Loungers lfls up 7.5%, opens record number of sites
Loungers lfls up 7.5%, expects FY24 Ebitda to be ahead of expectations: Cafe bar operator Loungers has reported like-for-like sales growth of 7.5% for the 53 weeks ended 21 April 2024, and said it expects its Ebitda for FY24 to be ahead o … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 26th April 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
Stonegate CEO – our scale and resources should make us go faster, converting more managed pubs to leased and tenanted: David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has told Propel that the company … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 25th April 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Chick-fil-A starts building UK pipeline: US fast food brand Chick-fil-A, which has targeted 2025 for a relaunch in the UK, is understood to have secured a site in Kingston-upon-Thames, as it starts building its opening pipeline here, Prop … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 24th April 2024
Update: Tortilla FY lfls up 3.6%, current lfls down 4.7%, launches new strategic approach
Tortilla FY lfls up 3.6%, Q1 lfls down 4.7%, launches new strategic approach: Tortilla, the UK’s largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, has reported a 3.6% increase in like-for-like sales for the year ending 31 December 2023, as … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 24th April 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
F1 Arcade opens first US site, second to open in the autumn as part of plan for 30 sites there: Kindred Concepts, the parent company of F1 Arcade, has opened its first site in the US, at Boston Seaport. The venue covers 16,000 squar … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 23rd April 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Bistrot Pierre to roll out new all-day dining concept if feedback is positive, launching Pierre’s in response to changing consumer demands: Bistrot Pierre has told Propel it will roll out its new all-day dining concept if the feedback i … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 22nd April 2024
New tipping laws pushed back to October as government publishes final code of practice
New tipping laws pushed back to October as government publishes final code of practice: New tipping laws set to come into force have been pushed back from July until October this year to allow businesses more time for implementation. It comes … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 22nd April 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Brother Marcus to return to the expansion trail, hires Dorian Waite as non-exec: Eastern Mediterranean restaurant concept Brother Marcus is to return to the expansion trail after 12 months of consolidation, with plans to reach ten sites i … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 19th April 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Getting the bug for sustainable eating, a tale of two Guinnesses, plus one management, fuelling a workforce for success
Authors: Glynn Davis, Phil Mellows, Alastair Scott, Alex Kristall

G … view

................................................................................................
 
Friday 19th April 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
Individual Restaurants plans to launch premium pizza concept: Individual Restaurants, which comprises 31 venues across its Restaurant Bar & Grill, Piccolino, Piccolo and Riva Blu brands, is planning to launch a new premium pizza concept, … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 18th April 2024
Update: WatchHouse, Deliveroo, Loungers, Rank Group et al
WatchHouse to launch new crowdfunding campaign, plans more New York sites and US roastery: Specialty coffee concept WatchHouse is to launch its final crowdfunding campaign as it looks to open further sites in New York and a roastery in Brookly … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 18th April 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Celebrations and early Easter holiday lift hospitality groups to 5.2% growth in March: Britain’s top hospitality groups achieved above-inflation like-for-like sales growth of 5.2% in March, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracke … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 18th April 2024
Celebrations and early Easter holiday lift hospitality groups to 5.2% growth in March
Celebrations and early Easter holiday lift hospitality groups to 5.2% growth in March: Britain’s top hospitality groups achieved above-inflation like-for-like sales growth of 5.2% in March, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker rev … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Exclusive: Asda hires Mac Plumpton as new Leon MD
Exclusive – Asda hires Mac Plumpton as new Leon MD: Supermarket chain Asda has hired Mac Plumpton, formerly of Tapas Revolution and Rosa’s Thai, as the new managing director of its natural fast food brand Leon, Propel has learned. Plumpton … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Update: Just Eat Takeaway, Time Out Market, inflation and wages et al
Just Eat Takeaway reports 11% growth in UK and Ireland in first quarter of 2024: Just Eat Takeaway has reported 11% growth in its UK and Ireland operations in the first quarter of 2024. In a trading update, the company said its UK and Ireland … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th April 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Wasabi looking for new expansion opportunities after restaurants post strong lfl growth in 2023: Wasabi, the sushi and bento chain backed by Capdesia, has told Propel it is looking for new UK restaurant expansion opportuniti … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Revolution Bars Group sets out three-year strategic focus, expansion proposed to recommence in FY27
Revolution Bars Group sets out three-year strategic focus, expansion proposed to recommence in FY27: Revolution Bars Group – the operator of the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands – has set out its proposed strategic foc … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Hostmore to acquire TGI Fridays US brand owner and franchisor, Hollywood Bowl and Everyman results
Hostmore to acquire TGI Fridays US brand owner and franchisor: Hostmore has announced that it has reached an agreement on a proposed all-share acquisition of TGI Fridays Inc (including affiliates TGI Fridays), the global hospitality business t … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 16th April 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Six by Nico owner appoints advisors as it assesses strategic options: Six Company, the company behind the Six by Nico restaurant business, has appointed advisors to assess its funding options as it looks to step up its expan … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 15th April 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Red Engine – UK competitive socialising concepts leading the way in the US: Steve Moore, founder and chief executive of Red Engine, the Flight Club and Electric Shuffle operator, has told Propel that UK-founded competitive socialising c … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th April 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: The trouble with chicken, singing Suffolk’s praises, we are at a tipping point, breakfast is a growth opportunity in a challenging market 
Authors: David Read, Ann Elliott, Ben Thomas, Maria Vanifatova 
view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th April 2024
Update: Busaba results, Hospitality Rising initiative paused
Busaba ‘well placed to meet challenges ahead’, latest opening at Lakeside profitable and ‘exceeding expectations’: Busaba, the ten-strong Thai chain founded by Alan Yau, has said it is “well placed to meet the challenges ahead … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th April 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
Chestnut sees turnover rise to £27.5m and site Ebitda jump 220% in FY24, set to add couple of sites to portfolio: East Anglian pub company Chestnut has seen turnover increase to circa £27.5m and site Ebitda jump 220% to reach £6.2m for … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 11th April 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
London Shuffle Club seeks investors to drive growth as it looks to expand across the UK and overseas, opens new venue and rebrands: London Shuffle Club is seeking investors to help drive its growth plans and has rebranded to just Shuffle … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th April 2024
Revolution sets out £12.5m fundraise plan, launches sales process, Luke Johnson proposed as new chair
Revolution sets out £12.5m fundraise plan, launches sales process, Luke Johnson proposed as new chair: Revolution Bars Group, the operator of the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands, has set out its proposed restructuri … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th April 2024
Legal Briefing

Paving the way: the evolution of pavement licensing by Patrick Robson

External seating has always been of great benefit to licensed premises, especially for driving customer sales on those rare, but well-loved, hot summer weekends. Those site … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th April 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Portobello Pub Company acquires Darwin & Wallace: Portobello Pub Company, the pub and restaurant operator backed by private equity firm Zetland Capital, has acquired Darwin & Wallace, the London neighbourhood bar-restaurant … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 9th April 2024
Wildwood operator Tasty unveils plans to exit 20 loss-making sites
Wildwood operator Tasty unveils plans to exit 20 loss-making sites after ‘challenging’ start to FY 2024: Wildwood operator Tasty has unveiled proposals to exit around 20 loss-making sites as part of a restructuring plan after a “cha … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 9th April 2024
Stonegate seeing ‘material improvements in profitability’ as it reports full-year turnover increases to £1.7bn
Stonegate seeing ‘material improvements in profitability’ as it reports full-year turnover increases to £1.7bn: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has said it is now seeing “material improvements in profitability”. … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 9th April 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Red Engine secures new £60m banking facility to support global expansion plans: Red Engine, the Flight Club and Electric Shuffleboard operator, has secured a new £60m facility from Santander, HSBC and Barclays to support its global expa … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 9th April 2024
Red Engine secures new £60m banking facility to support global expansion plans
Red Engine secures new £60m banking facility to support global expansion plans: Red Engine, the Flight Club and Electric Shuffleboard operator, has secured a new £60m facility from Santander, HSBC and Barclays to support its global expansion … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 8th April 2024
Update: Loungers hires Kate Eastwood as Lounge MD, Justin Carter becomes group MD
Exclusive – Loungers hires Kate Eastwood as MD of its Lounge concept, Justin Carter promoted to group MD: Cafe bar operator Loungers has hired Kate Eastwood, formerly of Fuller’s and Revolution Bars Group, as the new managing directo … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 8th April 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
New World Trading Co makes ‘promising start to new financial year’, hires Glenn Pearson as new CFO: New World Trading Company (NWTC), the operator of 35 bars and restaurants under six brands including The Botanist, saw its financial y … view
................................................................................................
 
Sunday 7th April 2024
Exclusive: Britannia Hotels reports record turnover, RedCat posts losses of £31m
Exclusive – Britannia Hotels sees turnover increase to record £154.8m after ‘exceptional’ year: Britannia Hotels, the UK’s largest private hotel group with 64 locations offering more than 10,000 bedrooms, has turnover increased 3 … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th April 2024
Exclusive: Starbucks UK reports systemwide sales pass £1bn for first time
Exclusive – Starbucks UK reports systemwide sales pass £1bn for first time: Starbucks UK has reported it surpassed £1bn in systemwide sales for the first time for the year ending 1 October 2023. The company stated: “The company achieved … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th April 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Pricing dynamics, lowest common denominator management, alcohol prices and political costs, making some dough
Authors: Glynn Davis, Alastair Scott, Phil Mellows, Sarah Travell

Pricing dyn … view

................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th April 2024
Majestic acquires Vagabond Wines
Majestic acquires Vagabond Wines: Majestic, the UK’s largest specialist wine retailer, has bought Vagabond Wines out of administration. The deal saves nine of the 12 wine bars from closure and 171 jobs. The sites in London’s Battersea Powe … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th April 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
Red Engine CEO – we think we can do more than 200 Flight Club sites in the UK: Steve Moore, founder and chief executive of Red Engine, the Flight Club and Electric Shuffleboard operator, has said he believes the company can grow to more … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 4th April 2024
Update: Ping Pong to trial 15% “brand charge”, takeaways research, new Greggs director
Ping Pong to trial 15% “brand charge” ahead of new tipping legislation: Ping Pong, the London dim sum chain, has said it is transitioning to a “service included company” and is to trail a discretionary 15% “brand charge” ahead … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 4th April 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Knoops – ‘we are just touching the surface of a huge market as we establish a new category’: William Gordon-Harris, executive chairman and chief executive of luxury hot chocolate shop concept Knoops, has said the company is “just … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Update: Comptoir finalises new leadership structure
Comptoir Group finalises new leadership structure: Comptoir Group, the Comptoir Libanais and Shawa operator, has finalised its leadership structure, including the hiring of James Fisher as its new finance director. Fisher, who joins from … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Food price inflation in hospitality falls again but remains more than double the rate seen in retail sector: Food price inflation in hospitality remains more than double the rate seen in the retail sector despite steady easing over the la … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Food price inflation in hospitality falls again but remains more than double the rate seen in retail sector
Food price inflation in hospitality falls again but remains more than double the rate seen in retail sector: Food price inflation in hospitality remains more than double the rate seen in the retail sector despite steady easing over the last 12 … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Update: Trading in Revolution shares suspended, new £50m investment vehicle, Amber lfls
Trading in Revolution Bars Group shares temporarily suspended: Trading in shares in Revolution Bars Group, the operator of the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands, has been temporarily suspended after the business was un … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd April 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
The Salad Project plans to reach 20 sites in London by 2026, raises £1m toward expansion: The Salad Project, the all-day dining concept that launched in London in 2021, is looking to open a further 16 sites in the capital over the next t … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 1st April 2024
Exclusive results: Wahaca, The Breakfast Club, Brindisa, Innventure, Thornbridge Brewery
Wahaca completes refinancing, provides a strong platform for the business to develop and grow: Mexican-inspired restaurant group Wahaca has completed refinancing, which it told Propel provided “a strong platform for the business to deve … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 1st April 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
body text here … view
................................................................................................