Exclusive – Greene King to continue to operate Venture Hotels division after talks end on sale of 39-strong portfolio: Greene King is to continue to operate its Venture Hotels arm, after talks on a possible sale of the division have ended, Propel has learned. Propel reported last month that Greene King and RedCat Hospitality, the recently rebranded operator of Coaching Inn Group and RedCat Independent Pubs, were in discussions over the 39-strong portfolio, in a deal that would have been valued at around £90m. A Greene King spokesperson told Propel at the time: “We have made good progress with Venture Hotels over the last three years. However, we are now looking at all investment options for this part of our business. This includes the possibility of different ownership.” However, Propel understands that there was a gap in the valuation of the portfolio between the two parties. Greene King told Propel that it has now completed a review of its Venture Hotels business and “has made the decision to continue to operate it as part of its Venture Brands portfolio”. At the same time, Greene King has promoted Vincent Madden to managing director of its Premium Ventures division. The expanded role will see Madden head up Metropolitan Pub Company and Crafted Pubs, of which he has been caretaking since the start of this year, as well as his current responsibility for Venture Hotels. Madden will continue to report to Jodie Tate, managing director of Destination Brands and Ventures for the group, who said: “This is a strategically key part of our business as we look to build our presence in the premium pubs market, so we’re thrilled Vincent will lead our teams at what is an exciting time for Metropolitan Pub Company and Crafted Pubs.” RedCat declined to comment. Greene King and RedCat feature in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members and the next edition will feature 1,125 companies when it is released tomorrow (Friday, 13 June) at 12pm. Greene King’s turnover of £2.45bn for the year to 29 December 2024 is the fourth highest in the database while RedCat’s turnover of 129.8m for the year to 31 March 2024 is the 95th highest. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Wagamama launches its biggest-ever campaign as it repositions with new focus: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group owned brand, has launched new campaign “Food is Life”, in what the brand said was its most powerful and expansive launch since it was founded in 1992. Wagamama stated: “At its core, 'Food is Life' is a celebration of food's emotional power and cultural importance. It reflects Wagamama's intention to lead with originality, integrity and soul, from tasty new menus to mindset. ‘Food is Life’ is a long-term view on the role that great, fresh food plays in modern life. At its most basic, food is fuel. But at its best, it's nourishment. It's excitement. It's the snap of chopsticks. The slurp of the noodle. It's special. Food is how we say hello, we love you, good luck and many more times in our lives. It brings us together in a world that desperately needs togetherness. To us, food is life and it puts this front and centre; something that Wagamama is famous for.” The first expression of “Food is Life” is a new campaign entitled “Wagamama when”, which “captures the unscripted nature of life and the many moments when Wagamama plays a role”. Wagamama said to bring “Food is Life” to life it has launched a “bold” new summer menu “centred around personalisation, freshness and feel-good food”. Dishes include the build-your-own donburi – a fully customisable bowl that allows guests to tailor their meal exactly to their taste. Wagamama said the move responds directly to guest insights, which revealed a strong demand for greater flexibility and customisation. Other additions include pho noodle soup, made with a clear yuzu broth, and konjac noodles, “a high-fibre, low-calorie noodle alternative”, served with a choice of chicken thigh, flaky hoki fish or king oyster mushroom. New salads also feature, including a sweet chilli salad with either caramelised chicken or tofu, and a Pad Thai salad. New alcohol-free drinks include the saffron picante, strawberry spritz and a kickstart juice. Desserts feature the miso caramel banana bread served with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and a drizzle of sweet toffee sauce. Emma Colquhoun, chief marketing and commercial officer, said: “Food is Life is at the heart of Wagamama, it represents fresh, innovative dishes as well as the relaxed and friendly environment it is served. In a world that often moves too fast, we're championing food as a source of connection, creativity and care. With 'Wagamama when', we're celebrating those real, everyday moments when food brings people together. This is a bold new chapter for us, one that reflects not just what's on the plate, but the role we play in other people's lives.”