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Friday 28th June 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Transition to net zero – opportunity not altruism, tackling the strain head on – why are hospitality businesses now some of the best places to work, set it and forget it – how template rotas make labour management effortless, … view
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Friday 28th June 2024
Update: Nightcap to go private, Tasty FY results, Adnams
Nightcap sets out plans to go private: Nightcap – owner of the Cocktail Club, the Adventure Bar Group, Dirty Martini and the Barrio Familia group of 46 bars – has set out plans to go private after deciding its current public market v … view
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Friday 28th June 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
Exclusive – Cote recent lfls up 5%, cover growth returning: Côte, the French brasserie brand backed by the Partners Group, has said it is “excited by current trading”, with like-for-like sales performance ahead 5% across its last t … view
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Thursday 27th June 2024
Update: Various Eateries H1 lfl revenues down, Island Poke
Various Eateries H1 lfl revenues down on back of wet weather and cost increases: Various Eateries, the Hugh Osmond-backed business, has reported that its like-for-like revenues for the 26-week period ending 31 March 2024 were slightly do … view
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Thursday 27th June 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Exclusive – KFC franchisee Adil Group to acquire 40-strong former Caskade restaurants estate: KFC franchisee Adil Group will acquire 40 former Caskade restaurants, adding to its portfolio of 73 existing KFC restaurants across the countr … view
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Wednesday 26th June 2024
Update: Jean-Michel Orieux named new Comptoir Group chair
Jean-Michel Orieux named new Comptoir Group chair: Jean-Michel Orieux, former managing director of Paul UK and chief executive of Ping Pong, has been named the new non-executive chair of Comptoir Group, the owner of the Comptoir Libanais … view
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Wednesday 26th June 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Many prices falling as foodservice inflation hits a 28-month low: Year-on-year foodservice inflation fell to 4.6% – the lowest figure recorded in 28 months, according to the latest Foodservice Price Index (FPI) report from Prestige Purc … view
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Wednesday 26th June 2024
Many prices falling as foodservice inflation hits a 28-month low
Many prices falling as foodservice inflation hits a 28-month low: Year-on-year foodservice inflation fell to 4.6% – the lowest figure recorded in 28 months, according to the latest Foodservice Price Index (FPI) report from Prestige Purchasin … view
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Tuesday 25th June 2024
Tortilla acquires second largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in Europe – Fresh Burritos
Tortilla acquires second largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in Europe – Fresh Burritos: Tortilla, Europe’s largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, has acquired Fresh Burritos, the second largest fast-casual Mexican res … view
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Tuesday 25th June 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Sbarro to open UK’s first dedicated pizza drive-thru, up to six further openings planned in 2024: US pizza-by-the-slice brand Sbarro, which is being rolled out in the UK by EG Group, is to open Britain’s first dedicated drive-thru for … view
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Monday 24th June 2024
C&C Group pushed to go private by activist investor
C&C Group pushed to go private by activist investor: C&C Group, owner of the Tennent’s, Magners and Bulmers Ireland brands, and Matthew Clark, Bibendum Wine and Walker & Wodehouse, has been targeted by activist investor Engine Capital, … view
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Monday 24th June 2024
El Mexicana owners seeking investment partner to support ‘rapid expansion plans’, plans 25 new sites by 2027
El Mexicana owners seeking investment partner to support ‘rapid expansion plans’, plans 25 new sites by 2027: The owners of Mexican burrito brand El Mexicana are seeking an investment partner to support their “rapid expansion plans” wh … view
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Monday 24th June 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Flight Club operator trading ‘strongly’ in first six months of 2024 as full-year turnover hits £68.6m, opens Electric Shuffle in Manchester: Red Engine, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle, has told Propel that trading h … view
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Friday 21st June 2024
Stonegate reports ‘significant’ increase in profitability as first-half turnover rises to £916m
Stonegate reports ‘significant’ increase in profitability as first-half turnover rises to £916m with leased and tenanted and operator-led divisions driving growth: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub operator, has reported turnover in … view
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Friday 21st June 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: A grand day out, when smaller is better, tapping into the taproom vibe and understanding equality, diversity and inclusion
Authors: Katherine Doggrell, Glynn Davis, Phil Mellows and Lorraine Copes

view
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Friday 21st June 2024
Britvic rejects £3.1bn takeover from Carlsberg
Britvic rejects £3.1bn takeover from Carlsberg: Soft drink maker Britvic has rejected a £3.1bn takeover move by Danish brewing giant Carlsberg. The Robinsons squash and J2O maker saw its shares jump by as much as 15% today (Friday, 21 June) … view
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Friday 21st June 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
PF Chang’s – high double digit lfl sales growth since taking on London site has given us the confidence to target 100 UK units: The UK franchisee for US pan-Asian brand PF Chang’s has told Propel that like-for-like sales growth of h … view
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Thursday 20th June 2024
Update: Vue and Time Out Group
Vue completes restructuring as impact of actor strikes last year ‘will be at their most material in 2024 and 2025’: Vue International, Europe’s largest independent cinema operator, has completed its restructuring and said it fears the im … view
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Thursday 20th June 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Heavenly Desserts sets long term target of up to 250 UK sites, second international site imminent and kiosk roll-out set to be ramped up: Heavenly Desserts’ new national operations manager has told Propel the brand has set a long-term t … view
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Wednesday 19th June 2024
Exclusive: Megan’s appoints advisors as it explores funding options
Exclusive – Megan’s appoints advisors as it explores funding options: Megan's, the all-day, neighbourhood restaurant concept, has appointed advisors as it explores its further funding options, which could include a sale of the 20-strong bu … view
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Wednesday 19th June 2024
Thwaites in ‘very strong position’ as it reports full-year turnover up to £115.5m
Thwaites in ‘very strong position’ as it reports full-year turnover up to £115.5m: North west brewer and retailer Daniel Thwaites has said it is a “very strong position” as it reported a “robust” performance for the year ending 31 … view
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Wednesday 19th June 2024
Young’s lfl sales up 2.4% in last nine weeks following record pre-tax profit of £49.4m
Young’s lfl sales up 2.4% in last nine weeks following record pre-tax profit of £49.4m, strong contribution from former City Pub Group pubs: Young’s has said its like-for-like sales have risen 2.4% in last nine weeks after recording a rec … view
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Wednesday 19th June 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Sector returns to growth in May as sales rise 3.6% despite mixed weather: Britain’s managed hospitality groups returned to growth in May as they achieved year-on-year sales growth of 3.6% despite disappointing weather in many part … view
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Wednesday 19th June 2024
Sector returns to growth in May as sales rise 3.6% despite mixed weather
Sector returns to growth in May as sales rise 3.6% despite mixed weather: Britain’s managed hospitality groups returned to growth in May as they achieved year-on-year sales growth of 3.6% despite disappointing weather in many parts of the co … view
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Tuesday 18th June 2024
Update: Whitbread current trading ‘encouraging’ after accommodation sales drive strong first quarter
Whitbread current trading ‘encouraging’ after accommodation sales drive strong first quarter: Premier Inn owner Whitbread has reported current trading is “encouraging” after accommodation sales drove strong first quarter results for th … view
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Tuesday 18th June 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Yorkshire better burger business sees potential for 200 sites and open to opportunities across UK after launching franchise programme: Yorkshire better burger business Urban Fresh Burgers & Fries has told Propel it sees potential for 200 … view
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Monday 17th June 2024
Flight Club operator signs franchise agreement for Ireland and Portugal
Flight Club operator signs franchise agreement for Ireland and Portugal: Red Engine, the team behind Flight Club Darts and Electric Shuffle, has signed a new franchise partnership with Loyola Group – the operator of multiple hospitality … view
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Monday 17th June 2024
Update: Esquires UK sales up 30% in last ten weeks with lfls up 5.5%, ‘new store openings contribute significantly’
Esquires UK sales up 30% in last ten weeks with lfls up 5.5%, ‘new store openings contribute significantly’: Cooks Coffee Company, owner of the Esquires brand, has reported UK sales grew by 30.1% in last ten weeks, with like-for-like sales … view
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Monday 17th June 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Patisserie Valerie to reopen more cafes, launches business-to-business arm: Patisserie Valerie, which is backed by Irish private equity firm Causeway Capital, is set to reopen more of its cafes, Propel has learned. In December, the compan … view
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Friday 14th June 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: The golden rule of franchising, Generation Z and hospitality – a call to action for leaders, is informality now a formality, getting it right with Euros promotions
Authors: Matt Kirby, Alastair Scott, Glynn Davis, … view
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Friday 14th June 2024
Shareholders back Revolution Bars Group restructuring plan and fundraise
Shareholders back Revolution Bars Group restructuring plan and fundraise: Shareholders of Revolution Bars Group – the operator of the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands – have backed the company’s restructuring plan an … view
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Friday 14th June 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
McDonald's UK CEO – we can help government understand what it's like for real people if it spends time with the industry: Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald's UK, has said the hospitality sector can help government understand … view
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Thursday 13th June 2024
Wolseley restaurant owner calls for help from restructuring advisers
Wolseley restaurant owner calls for help from restructuring advisers: The owner of some of London's best-known restaurants, including The Wolseley, has called for fresh help from restructuring advisers more than two years after its parent comp … view
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Thursday 13th June 2024
Double exclusive: Caffe Concerto bounces back from CVA, BrewDog founder makes drinks company investment
Exclusive – Caffe Concerto reports revenue up 45% to record £41m a year after completing CVA: Patisserie brand Caffe Concerto has reported a 45% revenue boost in the year to 31 August 2023 due to new openings and greater demand – a y … view
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Thursday 13th June 2024
Fuller’s ‘in great position for future growth’ with current lfls up 4.4%, FY revenue increases 7% to £359.1m
Fuller’s ‘in great position for future growth’ as it reports lfls up 4.4% in last ten weeks, FY revenue increases 7% to £359.1m: Fuller’s has reported “good trading momentum” with like-for-like sales for the ten weeks to 8 Ju … view
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Thursday 13th June 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Pop star turned hospitality entrepreneur set to open new £300m luxury nightclub in Majorca, continues to build UK portfolio: UK pop star turned hospitality entrepreneur Recardo Patrick has told Propel he is set to open a new £300m luxur … view
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Thursday 13th June 2024
UKHospitality: back us to regenerate our towns and cities
UKHospitality – back us to regenerate our towns and cities: Hospitality can deliver for Britain by growing 6% a year and creating 500,000 new jobs with the right investment, according to economic analysis from UKHospitality and Ignite E … view
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Wednesday 12th June 2024
Legal Briefing

Hospitality silence in the manifestos by Michelle Hazlewood

In less than a month, a new government will take office. There is a lot of change and uncertainty on the horizon, but it is clear that a new round of leadership brings new oppor … view
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Wednesday 12th June 2024
Cornish Bakery secures new funding, hires first MD
Cornish Bakery secures new funding, hires first MD: Fast-growing independent chain Cornish Bakery has secured new funding to support its ambition of doubling its circa 60-strong estate, and hired Mat Finch as its first managing director. The c … view
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Wednesday 12th June 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Fulham Shore evolves management team, lines up new central London openings: Fulham Shore, the Toridoll/Capdesia-backed operator of the Franco Manca and The Real Greek brands, has a made a number of significant changes to its … view
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Tuesday 11th June 2024
Exclusive: Crosstown acquired for £500,000 via pre-pack administration, Punch paid £15.7m for ex-Wear Inns estate
Exclusive – Crosstown acquired for £500,000 via pre-pack administration: Crosstown, the artisan doughnut and specialty coffee brand, was acquired by Karali Snack, part of Karali Group, via a pre-pack administration, for a total conside … view
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Tuesday 11th June 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
St Austell managed business lfls up 10% this year, remains acquisitive with accommodation a ‘growing part of business’: St Austell chief executive Kevin Georgel has told Propel the south west brewer and pub company’s managed busines … view
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Monday 10th June 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Greene King MD – we’ve gained market share from using data to design our new pubs: Greene King managing director Claire Preston-Beer has said the business has gained market share from using data to design its new pubs. She said with t … view
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Monday 10th June 2024
St Austell reports record turnover of £229.5m, operating profit up 15% to £13.2m
St Austell reports record turnover of £229.5m, operating profit up 15% to £13.2m: South west brewer and pub company St Austell Brewery has reported revenue increased 9.7% to a record £229,481,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compare … view
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Friday 7th June 2024
EG Group sells parts of foodservice business as part of £228m deal but retains Cooplands and Starbucks franchise
EG Group sells off parts of foodservice business as part of £228m deal but retains Cooplands and Starbucks franchise: EG Group is to sell its remaining 34-strong UK forecourt business and certain standalone foodservice locations for a he … view
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Friday 7th June 2024
Friday Opinion
Subjects: Help us make hospitality’s voice even louder, drinking it in, uncovering the accessibility opportunity for hospitality, carving out a hospitality innovation
Authors: Kate Nicholls, Glynn Davis, Matt Wadsworth, Phi … view
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Friday 7th June 2024
Update: Ralph Findlay takes C&C group CEO role after accounting errors discovered
Ralph Findlay takes C&C group CEO role after accounting errors discovered: Ralph Findlay, the ex-chief executive of Marston’s, has been appointed group chief executive of C&C Group, owner of the Tennent’s, Magners and Bulmers Ireland … view
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Friday 7th June 2024
Propel Friday News Briefing
Cream Group teams up with Stormzy for immersive nightlife concept in London’s Soho: Cream Group – which operates London nightclubs including Cirque Le Soir, Reign and Dear Darling – has teamed up with musician Stormzy to open a new … view
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Thursday 6th June 2024
Update: Wadworth returns to FY profit, takeaways replacing banks
Improvement in performance of its pubs sees Wadworth return to FY profit: Brewer and retailer Wadworth has said that a “significant improvement” in the performance of its managed house division helped it return to profit in 2023, as i … view
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Thursday 6th June 2024
Propel Thursday News Briefing
Oisin Rogers – The Devonshire understood to be the biggest Guinness account in the world with 240 barrels sold St Patrick’s week: Oisin Rogers, the co-owner of The Devonshire in London’s Soho, has said he has been told by Diageo tha … view
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Wednesday 5th June 2024
Exclusive: Crosstown agrees sale to Karali Group
Exclusive – Crosstown agrees sale to Karali Group: Crosstown, the artisan doughnut and specialty coffee brand, has secured new investment following a sale of substantially all of the business and its assets to Karali Snacks, part of Kar … view
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Wednesday 5th June 2024
Propel Wednesday News Briefing
Exclusive – Simmons to begin national rollout after securing Manchester site: Simmons Bars, the London cocktail bar operator, is to begin its national rollout with an opening in Manchester. Propel has learned that the Nick Campbell-led … view
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Tuesday 4th June 2024
Wildwood operator receives creditor and landlord approval to push ahead with restructuring plan
Wildwood operator receives creditor and landlord approval to push ahead with restructuring plan: Wildwood operator Tasty has received approval from its creditors and landlords to push ahead with its restructuring plan to secure its long-term f … view
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Tuesday 4th June 2024
Propel Tuesday News Briefing
Toca Social to partner with Westfield owner to expand across Europe, plans 20-plus sites: Toca Social, the interactive football bar concept, has entered into a partnership with shopping scheme owner Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) to open … view
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Monday 3rd June 2024
Update: Hostmore lfls down 10%, Hollywood Bowl H1, ‘fakeaways’
TGI Fridays UK operator reports 10% decline in lfl sales: Hostmore, the parent company of TGI Fridays, has reported that it year-to-date (20 weeks ended 19 May 2024) like-for-like sales were 10% lower versus the same period for 2023. Howe … view
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Monday 3rd June 2024
Propel Monday News Briefing
Esquires owner targets 305 UK & Ireland stores by 2034 after opening five in as many weeks, UK sales up 27% so far in FY25: Cooks Coffee Company has targeted having 305 UK & Ireland Esquires stores by 2034 after opening five in as many we … view
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Monday 3rd June 2024
Liberation Group reports ‘strong’ start to new financial year following record full-year revenue
Liberation Group reports ‘strong’ start to new financial year following record full-year revenue: Brewer and retailer Liberation Group has reported a strong start to its new financial year with like-for-like sales in its managed pubs … view
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