Latest Briefing Archive Tab News Tab Events Tab Advertising Tab Contact Tab
 
Search our Previous Briefings
 
New Archive Heading
Current
Nov 2024
Oct 2024
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
 
 
Square Kiosk Banner
 
Contract Furniture Group Banner
 
Nory Banner
 
Tenzo Banner
 
Access Banner
 
Tevalis Banner
 
Tenzo Banner
 
Propel Banner
 
Deliverect Banner
 
CACI Banner
 
Meaningful Vision Banner
 
Growth Kitchen Banner
 
Zonal Banner
 
HGEM Banner
 
Zonal Banner
 
Christie & Co Banner
 
Sideways Banner
 
Venners Banner
 
Airship – Toggle Banner
 
Wireless Social Banner
 
Startle Banner
 
 
Wednesday 31st May 2023
Update: Mission Mars, energy prices, EG Group and DRS
Mission Mars set to bring Albert’s Schloss south for biggest venue yet in £8m investment: Mission Mars is set to bring Albert’s Schloss south for the concept’s biggest venue yet, in London’s West End, in an £8m investment. The o … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 31st May 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Subway reports UK and Ireland like-for-like sales up 10.5% in first quarter, unveils biggest menu overhaul in 25 years to include chef-inspired creations: Subway has reported like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland were up 10.5% in the … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 31st May 2023
Subway reports UK&I like-for-like sales up 10.5% in first quarter, unveils biggest menu overhaul in 25 years
Subway reports UK and Ireland like-for-like sales up 10.5% in first quarter, unveils biggest menu overhaul in 25 years to include chef-inspired creations: Subway has reported like-for-like sales in the UK and Ireland were up 10.5% in the first … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 30th May 2023
Update: Utility bills warning, Neat Burger and Hollywood Bowl
Warning from trade bodies as study shows average utility bill surges by 81% for sector businesses: UK pubs, bars and restaurants revealed their average bills have surged 81% over the past year as they made further pleas to the government … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 30th May 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Zia Lucia aiming to open first regional site in next 12 months, Berto expansion also planned but ‘more opportunistic’: London pizzeria brand Zia Lucia is aiming to open its first regional site in the next 12 months, ahead of planned g … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 26th May 2023
Sky News: Whitbread explores sale of Beefeater and Brewers Fayre brands
Sky News – Whitbread explores sale of Beefeater and Brewers Fayre brands: Whitbread is laying the groundwork for a sale of part of its £700m pub and restaurant arm, including its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre brands. It is understood to have … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 26th May 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Sit down, meeting expectations, key sustainability learnings from the US restaurant sector, a system for success, we promise to keep ‘doing well by doing good’
Authors: Phil Mellows, Ann Elliott, Elbha Purcell, … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 26th May 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Young’s – London bouncing back strongly with sales exceeding pre-pandemic levels, in talks on five pubs: Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young’s, has told Propel the capital is bouncing back strongly, with like-for-like sales in its … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 25th May 2023
Update: Young’s, Cineworld and Fever-Tree
Young’s reports like-for-like sales up 4.8% in last seven weeks with ‘plenty to be excited about for period ahead’, full-year revenue increases 19.4%: Young’s has reported managed like-for-like sales since 3 April 2023 are up 4.8% … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 25th May 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Badiani plans five openings in 2023 as it eyes eventual UK estate of up to 40 sites: Italian gelato brand Badiani plans to open a total of five new sites this year as it eyes an eventual UK estate of up to 40. The company has just opened … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 24th May 2023
Update: C&C Group results, inflation falls to 8.7%
C&C Group – macroeconomic conditions continue to impact trading environment, full-year revenue up 18%: C&C Group has said macroeconomic conditions continue to impact the trading environment. which is expected to remain “challenging i … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 24th May 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Sector like-for-likes up 6.9% in April but inflation erases growth: Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups saw like-for-like sales grow 6.9% in April 2023 compared with last year, the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 24th May 2023
Sector like-for-likes up 6.9% in April but inflation erases growth
Sector like-for-likes up 6.9% in April but inflation erases growth: Britain’s leading managed restaurant, pub and bar groups saw like-for-like sales grow 6.9% in April 2023 compared with last year, the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker show … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Shareholders approve TRG remuneration policy despite ‘significant’ protest vote
Shareholders approve TRG remuneration policy despite ‘significant’ protest vote: Shareholders have approved The Restaurant Group’s remuneration policy despite almost a third voting against the plan while also backing the management team. … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Gaucho owner reports record-breaking turnover of £73.5m, ‘strong’ start to first quarter of 2023
Gaucho owner reports record-breaking turnover of £73.5m, strong start to first quarter of 2023: Rare Restaurants – the 23-strong restaurant group consisting of Gaucho, M and Crane Tap in the UK – has reported record- … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Update: SSP, XP Factory and BrewDog
SSP reports full-year sales and Ebitda anticipated to be at ‘upper end of expectations’: UK-based transport hub foodservice specialist SSP Group has reported full-year sales and Ebitda are now anticipated to be “at the upper end of … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Exclusive – business behind Le Pain Quotidien’s UK arm considers its options: The business behind the UK arm of Le Pain Quotidien, the Belgian restaurant and boulangerie brand, has appointed advisors as it considers its options, Prope … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 22nd May 2023
Propel Monday News Briefing
Inception Group secures £6.7m to help support expansion plans: Inception Group, the hospitality group behind Mr Fogg’s Maggie’s, Bunga Bunga and Cahoots, has secured £6.7m to help support its expansion plans, Propel has learned. The … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 19th May 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Lack of authenticity is scuppering some casual dining brands, surviving the energy crises while tackling the climate challenge, the growing appeal of travel hubs, the changing and unchanging customer demands
Authors … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 19th May 2023
Update: TRG investor revolt, C&C CEO to stand down, delivery apps, Vinoteca
Investor revolt at Wagamama owner The Restaurant Group worsens: The investor revolt at The Restaurant Group (TRG) intensified yesterday when the hedge fund leading the rebellion accused the Wagamama operator of excluding “certain” sha … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 19th May 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Côte ‘excited’ about recent progress, appoints new CFO: Côte, the French brasserie chain backed by the Partners Group, has said it is “excited” by its recent progress after seeing sustained improvements in guest satisfaction, op … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 18th May 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Urban – we are well positioned as the macro headwinds subside, Nicholson’s leading the recovery pack: Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the All Bar One, Toby Carvery and Harvester operator, has told Propel the … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Exclusive: Planet Organic acquired out of administration for £810,000
Exclusive – Planet Organic acquired out of administration for £810,000: Planet Organic was acquired out of administration last month for a total consideration of £810,000, Propel has learned. Planet Organic was rescued from administra … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Update: M&B H1 lfl sales up 8.5%, Buffett’s Diageo stake, salt in pizzas, Brixton Academy
M&B reports H1 lfl sales up 8.5%: Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), the All Bar One, Toby Carvery and Harvester operator, has reported like-for-like sales growth of 8.5% for the 28 weeks ended 8 April 2023 versus HY 2022, built on volume growth … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Delivery and takeaway sales down again year-on-year but decline slows, total sales ‘significantly down in real terms’: Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups saw delivery and takeaway sales drop 1% year-on-year in April, the ne … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Delivery and takeaway sales down again year-on-year, total sales ‘significantly down in real terms’:
Delivery and takeaway sales down again year-on-year, total sales ‘significantly down in real terms’: Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups saw delivery and takeaway sales drop 1% year-on-year in April, the new Hospitality at Home T … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 16th May 2023
Update: Marston’s H1 lfl sales up 10.7%, Greggs, Caprice Holdings, tourism tax, Travelodge
Marston’s H1 lfl sales up 10.7%: Marston’s, the Andrew Andrea-led pub company, has reported a 10.7% increase in like-for-like sales in the 26 weeks ended 1 April 2023 compared to last year, and said trading since the half year end ha … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 16th May 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Jeremy King joins Jamie Oliver Group as a non-exec director: Jeremy King, co-founder of Corbin & King and arguably the best-known figure in London’s upmarket dining scene, has joined the Jamie Oliver Group as a non-executi … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 15th May 2023
Update: Buns from Home appoints Shereen Ritchie as COO, Vianet acquisition, lending, food costs, coffee
Buns from Home appoints Shereen Ritchie as COO, lines up four new openings: London-based, independent bakery business Buns from Home, has appointed Shereen Ritchie, the former chief operating officer of Irish healthy fast-food brand, Spro … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 15th May 2023
Propel Monday News Briefing
Ballie Ballerson strengthens leadership team as it readies for further growth: Ball-pit cocktail bar concept Ballie Ballerson has made a number of key appointments to its leadership team, including the appointment of ex-Hawthorn chief exe … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th May 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Brewery taprooms have changed the way we drink, remembering Gaynor Mary Warren-Wright, taking a slice of the pie, focusing on making great memories
Authors: Phil Mellows, Aby Hawker, Glynn Davis, Ann Elliottview
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th May 2023
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants planning further expansion as turnover surges to £78.9m, SA Brain sees opportunity to grow back into sector with new funding
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants planning further UK and overseas expansion as turnover surges to £78.9m, decisions being taken on underperforming sites: Gordon Ramsay Restaurants has said it is planning further UK and overseas expansion over s … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th May 2023
Update: Stonegate CEO looking to evolve its existing formats and digital agenda
McDowall – There’s lots for us to go after internally in creating value and augmenting the guest experience: David McDowall, the chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s biggest pub company, has told Propel there is lots “for … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th May 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Foodservice price inflation falls below 20% for first time in five months, further drops forecast in months ahead: Food and drink inflation dropped to 18.9% in March, the latest CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index reveals, with furt … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 12th May 2023
Foodservice price inflation falls below 20% for first time in five months
Foodservice price inflation falls below 20% for first time in five months, further drops forecast in months ahead: Food and drink inflation dropped to 18.9% in March, the latest CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index reveals, with further … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 11th May 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Ayerst – we’re clearer on how Shawa concept should work and opportunity for its growth: Nick Ayerst, chief executive of Comptoir Group, the Comptoir Libanais and Shawa operator, has said the business is clearer on how the latter fast- … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Sky News: TRG wins biggest investor’s backing ahead of AGM
Sky News – TRG wins biggest investor’s backing ahead of AGM: The biggest shareholder in The Restaurant Group (TRG), the owner of Wagamama, has delivered a sizeable boost to its board by pledging its support ahead of a crucial annual meetin … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Legal Briefing

Licensing applications in a post-covid world by Tim Shield

The question I am most often asked by new clients, or even old ones who want a quick reminder, is: “How long will the licensing application process take?” And because I get a … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th May 2023
David Campbell appointed chair of Ole & Steen’s parent company, F1 Arcade to make US debut
Former PizzaExpress CEO David Campbell appointed chair of Ole & Steen’s parent company: David Campbell, the former chief executive of Wagamama and PizzaExpress, has been appointed chairman of Danish Bake Holding, the parent company of D … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Update: JD Wetherspoon and Comptoir Group
JD Wetherspoon gears up for record year as strong Q3 driven by best ever Easter and busiest Saturday ever: JD Wetherspoon has said it is gearing up to a record year, as a strong third quarter was driven by a best ever Easter and busiest S … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Urban Pubs & Bars appoints Chris Hill as new MD: London operator Urban Pubs & Bars has appointed Chris Hill, the former chief executive of New World Trading Company (NWTC) and RedCat Pub Company, as its new managing director … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Exclusive: US franchise coffee concept identifies more than 250 potential UK locations
Exclusive – US franchise coffee concept identifies more than 250 potential UK locations: US franchise coffee concept Raining Berries has said it has identified more than 250 potential UK locations. It comes after Propel revealed in Nove … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 9th May 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Urban Pubs & Bars returns to profit as like-for-likes up 12% on pre-pandemic levels, forecasts revenue to rise to £60m by end of FY24: London operator Urban Pubs & Bars returned to profit in the year ending 1 May 2022 as it forecast sale … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th May 2023
Exclusive: All Star Lanes set to review its options
Exclusive – All Star Lanes set to review its options: Boutique bowling alley operator All Star Lanes, which is backed by Luke Johnson's investment vehicle Risk Capital, has appointed advisors, as it explores its future funding options, inclu … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th May 2023
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Paying the price, operators need better access to the data, restaurant diversification strategies – moving into retail
Authors: Mark Wingett, Glynn Davis, James Hacon

Paying the price b … view

................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th May 2023
Propel Friday News Briefing
Hospitality drives city centre growth after robust first quarter but inflation curbs real-terms growth: Pubs, restaurants and bars in Britain’s biggest cities achieved solid year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2023, with London … view
................................................................................................
 
Friday 5th May 2023
Hospitality drives city centre growth after robust first quarter but inflation curbs real-terms growth
Hospitality drives city centre growth after robust first quarter but inflation curbs real-terms growth: Pubs, restaurants and bars in Britain’s biggest cities achieved solid year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2023, with London’s r … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 4th May 2023
Update: Domino's Pizza trading, SSP acquires North American concessions business
Domino’s reports new store pipeline circa 75% larger than last year, current trading ‘encouraging’ following record first quarter sales and orders: Domino’s Pizza Group has reported an encouraging start to its second quarter with … view
................................................................................................
 
Thursday 4th May 2023
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Giggling Squid has 21 sites in legals or under offer: Giggling Squid, the Thai restaurant brand backed by the Business Growth Fund (BGF), has 21 sites across the UK in legals or under offer, Propel has learned. The 46-strong Giggling Squi … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Exclusive: Prezzo puts restructuring plan to creditors, suffers £4m funding shortfall
Exclusive – Prezzo puts restructuring plan to creditors, suffers £4m funding shortfall: Prezzo, the Cain International-backed Italian dining group, has written to its creditors, including landlords, setting out a restructuring plan, wh … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Update: Black Sheep Coffee, tipping legislation, Fluffy Fluffy Pancakes, Robert Parker Collection et al
Black Sheep Coffee set to enter Middle East market: Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee is set to enter the Middle East, with plans to open 250 sites across the region over the next 15 years. Propel understands that the bus … view
................................................................................................
 
Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Hornby – we’re letting our trading do the talking, we’ve got proper volume growth in dine-in: Andy Hornby, chief executive of The Restaurant Group (TRG), the Wagamama and Brunning & Price owner, has said the business is “letting o … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Black Sheep Brewery to appoint administrators
Black Sheep Brewery to appoint administrators: Black Sheep Brewery, the award-winning Yorkshire brewery and pub operator, is to appoint administrators. The company stated: “On 11 April 2023, the company announced it had commenced a review of … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Liberation Group reports UK managed like-for-likes up 4.7% with current trading ‘encouraging’
Liberation Group reports UK managed like-for-likes up 4.7% with current trading ‘encouraging’: Channel Islands and West Country brewer and retailer Liberation Group has reported like-for-like sales in its managed estate are up 4.7% year-on … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Update: Greene King delivers strong FY performance, expects 2023 to be another year of significant investment
Greene King delivers strong FY performance, expects 2023 to be another year of significant investment: Brewer and retailer Greene King said it delivered a strong financial performance in 2022 against a challenging consumer and wider macroecono … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Update: The Restaurant Group and Hostmore
The Restaurant Group reports trading ‘continues to be very encouraging’ with ‘dine-in trends strong’, closing 23 leisure sites in May and accelerating Wagamama expansion: The Restaurant Group (TRG) has reported trading “continue … view
................................................................................................
 
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
JKS and Caprice Holdings to launch sites in Saudi Arabia: JKS Restaurants is to launch a site under its Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Gymkhana concept in the Middle East. The company will launch the new restaurant in Via Riyadh, a ne … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 1st May 2023
Hostmore: No new store openings will occur until at least FY 2025, covenants reset with banks
Hostmore – no new store openings will occur until at least FY 2025, covenants reset with banks: Hostmore – the parent company of TGI Fridays and 63rd+1st – has said it has reached agreement with its brand franchisor to defer all further … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 1st May 2023
Jamie Oliver to make return to London restaurant scene with Covent Garden opening
Jamie Oliver to make return to London restaurant scene with Covent Garden opening: Chef Jamie Oliver is to make his return to London’s restaurant scene with the opening of a new “landmark” site later this year, in Covent Garden. Oli … view
................................................................................................
 
Monday 1st May 2023
Hospitality loses 4,600 venues in a year, ten nightclubs shutting each month, Star Pubs & Bars to invest £40m
Hospitality loses 4,600 venues in 12 months but closures slow in early 2023: Britain has suffered a net decline of 4,593 licensed premises in the year to March 2023, but the resilience of managed groups means the rate of closures has slow … view
................................................................................................