Senior agent predicts even more frenetic 2015 London restaurant activity: David Rawlinson, founder and director of the agency Restaurant Property, has predicted even more frenetic activity in the London restaurant scene in 2015. He also a … view

UK-based Hakkasan set for Las Vegas expansion: Hakkasan Group, the UK-founded restaurant and nightclub company, is buying The Light Group in the US, which operates 22 nightclubs, day-clubs and restaurants. Light Group owner New York-based … view

Marston’s launches Generous George brand: Midlands brewer and retailer Marston’s has launched a new “local” brand called Generous George – it has just opened it fourth Generous George site, located at Coulby Newham’s Lingfield … view

Jon Moulton invests in Scotland’s ‘fastest growing independent pizza delivery firm’: Jon Moulton, whose Better Capital vehicle bought the Intertain business last month, has invested £50,000 personally in Edinburgh-based pizza deliv … view

Jonathan Neame – we accept that ‘market rent only’ will become law: Jonathan Neame, who is chairman of the trade body for tenanted pub companies, the British Beer & Pub Association, has told MPs at a parliamentary reception that com … view

Dempsey steps down at Whitbread: Whitbread has announced that, after ten successful years with the company, Patrick Dempsey, managing director of Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants (WHR), will be stepping down from the board and leaving the c … view

Simon Dodd to join Fuller’s as operations director: Simon Dodd, the highly regarded former chief operating officer at Orchid Pub Company, has been lined up to replace Justin Carter as operations director at London brewer and retailer Fu … view

Simon French – Whitbread should demerge Costa Coffee: Cenkos Leisure analyst Simon French has argued for Whitbread to demerge its Costa Coffee business as he initiates coverage with a buy recommendation. He said: “Whitbread’s core b … view

Tesco hires 6,000 staff to improve service: Tesco has hired 6,000 new staff to improve service as it implements new procedures. The company stated: “In recent weeks we have implemented new policies and procedures which will govern our c … view

McDonald’s sales drop in all three major regions: McDonald’s has announced that global like-for-like sales decreased by a much higher than expected 2.2% in November with comparable sales down by 4.6% in the US, 2% in Europe and 4% els … view

Allegra – non-specialist coffee producers, led by pubs, out-pacing branded coffee shops in growth terms: The total UK coffee shop market is estimated at 18,832 outlets and continues to outperform the UK retail sector with significant sa … view

Bread Holdings doubles profits: Bread Holdings, the company that owns Gail’s Artisan Bakery and wholesaler The Bread Factory and where Luke Johnson’s Risk Capital Partners holds a substantial stake, has reported turnover rose to £36, … view

Starbucks boss Schultz outlines five-year strategy: Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz has detailed the company’s five-year strategic growth plan, with details of its plans to develop its mobile, food, day-part and tea initiatives … view

NPD – kids dictate choice of one in four eating out visits: Figures from global information provider The NPD Group show it’s the kids that dictate the decision in one in four foodservice visits. The NPD Group’s data shows that ‘be … view

Cote reports 27.2% rise in Ebitda: The Cote restaurant chain has reported that turnover grew by 31% to £84.8m in the year to 27 July 2014. Adjusted Ebitda rose 27.2% to £16.2m. Adjusted Ebitda margin was 19.2%, down by 0.8% on the year … view

Cinven makes £400m profit as final Gondola assets are sold: The sale of the remainder of Gondola Holdings’ restaurants portfolio has earned private equity owner Cinven a total profit of circa £400 million. Cinven finalised the sale of … view

Fluid Group founder David King is named Star Pubs & Bars Retailer of the Year: North east bar entrepreneur David King, who sold Fluid Group in 2013, has been named Star Pubs & Bars Retailer of the Year. His new company Bar Hound made a £ … view