Wasabi to open debut franchise site: Wasabi, the sushi and bento brand backed by Capdesia, is to launch its first franchise site. The company has partnered with global travel retailer, Lagardère Travel Retail, for the opening at Luton airport. Located in the main terminal, the new 107 square-metre restaurant will feature a 30-seat dine-in area and a grab-and-go counter. Wasabi said the new restaurant, which will be operated by Lagardère and open in mid-July, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as it embarks on its franchise journey. Wasabi chief executive Henry Birts, said: “We’re excited to bring Wasabi to Luton airport through our first franchise partnership with Lagardère. This opening represents a major step in our brand’s journey, as not only are we entering a new phase of growth through franchising, but we’re also opening in a location that perfectly suits our offering. Transport hubs like Luton airport align seamlessly with our mission to make fresh, high-quality food accessible to people on the move. We see this as a significant step in our wider growth strategy, with plans to expand further across the UK.” The new site follows the recent opening of the brand’s latest high-street location in King William Street in London, and the recent introduction of elevated menu innovations, such as the premium omakase box for summer. Peter Newbould, chief executive of Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our food and beverage portfolio with the introduction of Wasabi’s permanent airport restaurant at Luton airport. This opening strengthens our commitment to bringing exciting, high-quality dining options to passengers, blending convenience with fresh and flavourful global cuisine.” The restaurant will serve Wasabi’s full range of fresh sushi, bento, hot meals, and snacks, along with an exclusive breakfast menu – a first for Wasabi – featuring items like the Korean barbecue bacon sando, pumpkin katsu and mushroom sando, salmon and avocado potto, and a selection of hot drinks. In December, Propel revealed the 42-strong Wasabi was exploring franchise opportunities to accelerate its growth. Last month, Propel launched the Propel Franchisor Showcase, which will put the spotlight on 11 up-and-coming food and beverage franchisors. The event saw huge demand and was fully subscribed for franchisors taking part within a week of launching. The inaugural event will be held on Tuesday, 25 November at One Moorgate Place in London and will feature 11 presentations from within the UK food and beverage franchisor community. Propel founder Paul Charity said: “This really important and fast-emerging part of the UK food and beverage landscape deserves a bigger stage. For that reason, Propel, in partnership with Seeds Consulting, is proud to present this showcase. To be fully subscribed within a week of going to market shows just how strong this developing part of the market is. Propel has been charting this important part of the sector for the almost two years. We produce a database of franchisors in the marketplace, updated every two months, and now numbering 350 companies. We also produce a database charting franchisees, which is also updated every two months and contains 250 large franchisees.” The UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database and UK Food & Beverage Franchisee Database are available exclusively to Premium subscribers. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

Government rules out ban on alcohol advertising: The government has ruled out a ban on alcohol advertising in upcoming plans to improve the health of the nation. The Department of Health and Social Care told the PA it is “exploring options for partial restrictions”. Officials are finalising the ten-year health plan, which is expected in the coming weeks. A draft version of the document, seen by Sky News, implied a total or partial ban on adverts for alcohol has been considered. However, a total ban has now been ruled out. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The ten-year health plan will not include a ban on alcohol advertising. We are exploring options for partial restrictions to bring it closer in line with the advertising of unhealthy food.” In 2024, the government announced plans to ban TV adverts for junk food before 9pm from October, but this has since been delayed until the new year. Campaigners said a partial restriction on alcohol advertising is a “real opportunity to move alcohol out of the spotlight”. A spokesperson for Portman Group, which represents the alcohol industry, said it is not in favour of “broad, sweeping measures that impact that moderate majority while ignoring the needs of those who drink at the most harmful levels”.