French kebab concept seeking entry into UK market: French kebab concept Zen Döner is seeking partners with which to enter the UK market. Zen Döner was founded by Dr Turhan Guldas, a dentist by trade, and opened its debut site last year at 26 Rue Massena in Nice. The concept has been designed to roll out at scale, and the company is looking to expand overseas as well as grow further in its native France. Zen Döner was among the exhibitors at the British & International Franchise Exhibition at London Olympia, seeking potential franchisees ahead of planned expansion here. A Zen Döner spokesman said: “We were proud to take Zen Döner to the UK, connecting with international investors, franchise partners and industry leaders. Meaningful conversations, strong interest and a clear signal that smart, system-driven food concepts resonate globally. Developed in France, our model is built on operational efficiency, standardisation, and smart processes that reduce complexity while ensuring consistent quality. From kitchen workflow to service speed, every detail is designed to work as part of a controlled and scalable structure. As we engage with international markets, we present not only a brand, but a fully structured operating model ready for global environments. Zen Döner offers a unique experience that combines the classic taste of döner kebab with modern flavours and impressive presentation. Our founder has re-interpreted the traditional döner kebab recipes with an innovative touch without deviating from the original. All of our products are made from the highest quality, halal-certified meats and fresh ingredients, and we aim to grow not only in France, but also internationally. Our mission is to re-define döner kebab not only as a quick meal option, but also as a nutritious, high-quality and satisfying experience. As Zen Döner, we aim to become a leading brand that represents the traditional döner kebab flavour with a modern perspective.” Zen Döner will features in the next UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database, which is exclusive to Premium Club subscribers. The latest edition features 380 companies. 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.

 

Leon co-founder John Vincent to speak at first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, open for bookings: John Vincent, co-founder and chief executive of Leon, will be among the speakers at the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2026, which is open for bookings. Vincent will talk about his return to the healthy-eating fast-food brand, what he found when he returned, the changes he has since made, the results, what comes next and his hopes and fears for the wider hospitality sector. The conference takes place on Wednesday, 25 March, at the Park Plaza, Victoria. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

Premium Club subscribers to receive latest Turnover & Profits Blue Book and all 49 videos from Restaurant Marketer and Innovator today: Premium Club subscribers will receive the latest Turnover & Profits Blue Book and all 49 videos from Restaurant Marketer and Innovator today (Friday, 13 February). The videos will be sent out at 9am, followed by the updated Turnover & Profits Blue Book at 12pm. The database will feature 35 new companies and 154 updated accounts. The database now features a total of 1,227 companies, with 758 in profit and 469 making a loss. The Blue Book is updated each month and ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club subscribers also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel chief operating officer – editorial, Mark Wingett, and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. 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.

 

Sector lawyer David Roberts – ‘for the first time, the treatment of the hospitality sector is an election issue’: David Roberts, head of leisure at global law firm CMS, has argued that Nigel Farage has done the sector “a huge favour” because he has “literally guaranteed that for the first time, the treatment of the hospitality sector is an election issue”. Writing in today’s (Friday, 13 February) Premium Opinion, Roberts said: “The fact that political parties are now competing to support hospitality should be seen as an opportunity for the sector – but it must rise to meet it. The industry now needs to come together, articulate its demands clearly, and start behaving like the powerful and influential voting bloc it actually is. No political party seeking to form a government should be able to afford to ignore the hospitality bloc. But getting attention is not enough. The demands must be the right ones.” He also calls for the government to introduce a single Department of Hospitality to bring “coherence, accountability, and expertise”. Roberts shares more of his thoughts on key asks for the sector from the government in Premium Opinion, which will be sent to Premium subscribers at 5pm. This week’s Premium Opinion will also feature Propel chief operating officer – editorial Mark Wingett, looking at this week’s news. 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.

In Conversation – M&A and sector investment special: In the latest In Conversation podcast, Propel chief operating officer – editorial Mark Wingett and Mark Stretton, chief executive of leading sector public relations firm Fleet Street Communications, talk to Craig Rachel, director at leading advisory firm AlixPartners; Ian Edward, sector investor, chair of Incipio Group, and special advisor to AlixPartners; and David Roberts, head of leisure at global law firm CMS, and co-founder of Blacklock. Available today (Friday, 13 February) at 3pm to Premium subscribers, they talk about the current M&A and investment landscape, the impact of the government’s tax decisions on deal flow, buyer sentiment both here and overseas, how there needs to be more creativity in deal structures, and where they expect transactional activity to come from this year. 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.

Former deputy PM says government has ‘to do better’ for hospitality sector, calls for night-time economy minister: Angela Rayner, the former deputy prime minister and potential challenger for the Labour Party leadership, has said the government has “got to do better” for the hospitality sector, criticised its tax raid on the industry and called for a night-time economy minister. Speaking about the importance of hospitality at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool, Rayner said: “These places are part of our national story, and they deserve protection, recognition and support. That is why I would support the government in having a named minister with responsibility for the night-time economy, to champion the sector inside government and ensure the voices of small and medium businesses are heard loud and clear. I talked about the challenges [on the hospitality industry] and the night-time economy and what they’ve been through, and I think we’ve got to recognise it’s not even the double whammy. It’s not even the triple whammy. I talked about the challenges of business rates, the challenges of VAT, the challenges of the minimum wage going up, and the living wage and the cost of energy. We’ve got to start looking at the intersectionality of all these challenges and start relieving some of them. We’ve got to put rocket boosters up what we promised at the election and start delivering. We’ve got to do better.” Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, joined Rayner in calling for tax cuts for hospitality businesses and also said special protection over planning law is needed. He said: “We need to give it the maximum protection, in my view, from a planning point of view, because once you lose it, you lose it – and then you lose the vibrancy; you lose the life in your places.”

 

Valentine’s Day bookings ‘surge across the UK’ as group bookings increase: Restaurant bookings for Valentine’s Day are up 30% year-on-year across the UK, according to new data from payments technology company Dojo. The data revealed that while the traditional romantic table for two remains dominant, Valentine’s Day dining is expanding beyond couples alone, with a sharp rise in larger group bookings. While tables for two rose by 22%, accounting for 83% of all Valentine’s Day bookings, tables for four increased by 65% and tables for eight surged by 133%, pointing to a growing appetite for double dates and group celebrations. Of the UK’s top cities for Valentine’s Day dining, Birmingham leads the way with an 80% increase in bookings, followed by Brighton (up 54%) and York (up 49%). London recorded a 34% rise, while Manchester saw a 26% increase. However, Liverpool saw a 29% decline and Bristol was down 3% year-on-year. Meanwhile, separate data from going out and venue discovery platform DesignMyNight, Valentine’s Day cancellations increased to nearly 30% in February 2025 compared to 2024, when the cancellation rate was 25.70%. 

CAMRA – planning law change could see thousands of pubs lost: The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is calling on the government to rethink plans to weaken protections in the planning system in England, which it says could lead to thousands of pubs being lost forever. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is consulting on plans to change the National Planning Policy Framework. Existing planning rules mean local councils have to protect all pubs as they are considered vital community facilities. Currently, planning permission must be granted before a pub can be demolished or converted into houses, shops or takeaways. But under the government’s new plans, protections would only apply if a pub were the last one in the local area. Paul Ainsworth, CAMRA’s national planning policy advisor, said: “We strongly object to these plans which could spell the end for thousands of viable pubs across England. Strong planning protections are needed to give local people the right to try to save their pub if it is under threat of demolition or conversion. This must apply to all pubs so that communities can save their local, even if there are other pubs in the same area. Without protections for every pub, we risk seeing greedy developers cash in and try to turn pub buildings into other uses like houses, shops or takeaways.”

UKHospitality Scotland welcomes increased business rates relief but warns bills still set to rise: UKHospitality Scotland has welcomed the Scottish government’s decision to increase business rates relief to 40% for licensed hospitality premises but warned bills were still set to rise. Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “This is a good example of how the Scottish parliament can make a positive difference to businesses, when political parties work together. However, the sheer scale of rateable value increases have driven rate bill hikes to such an extent that business rates bills will still increase for the vast majority. This is particularly true for businesses in the higher property rate, who have not been included in relief.” Paul Togneri, a senior adviser for the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, said: “The confirmation that it will also be for three years gives the sector some confidence moving forward. However, it’s important to recognise the retained state aid cap means many pubs will still be unable to fully benefit. Longer term, reserved issues also remain a concern. These pressures continue to hold back investment, growth, and the ability to keep prices affordable for customers.” Stephen Montgomery, director of the Scottish Hospitality Group, added: said: “We believe the only way to avoid an economic catastrophe is to halt any rates increases whilst the methodology review is underway. The reality is that you do not need to be a large venue, to have a rateable value of over £100,000. Many single venues fall into that category without being large operators. So, we must therefore ask why are they being penalised?”

Just Eat launches delivery robot trial in UK: Just Eat UK has launched a new trial in ground robotics. The company said deliveries will be made by Delivers.AI in Bristol and RIVR robots in Milton Keynes as part of a small-scale trial with ten independent restaurant operators. The robotics trial follows the initial ground robotics pilot in Switzerland, where nearly 1,000 deliveries have been completed. As well as ground robotics, Just Eat said it continues to trial drone delivery in Ireland. Just Eat said autonomous deliveries (ground and drone) have a number of advantages for operators to explore, including reaching remote areas and improving delivery service during busy times. It follows the recent announcement the Just Eat had launched a first-of-its-kind Voice AI assistant in the UK. Mert Öztekin, chief technology officer at Just Eat, said: “We’re always innovating to improve the delivery experience for our customers.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a multi-temperature wholesale organisation that is seeking a national account manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The position will be responsible for identifying, securing and onboarding new high-value national and multi-site customers across foodservice, education, healthcare and public sector channels. This is a high-impact, commercially focused role for someone who thrives on opening doors, building long-term partnerships and turning opportunities into sustainable revenue.” The salary is up to £65,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

Stonegate Group set to consult on further redundancies as it continues transformation strategy: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub business, is set to start a further consultation process, which may lead to further redundancies, as it continues its transformation strategy toward a “partnership-led pub company”, Propel has learned. Stonegate announced last year that it was to transition to a streamlined portfolio of around 320 pubs, bars and venues by the end of this September. Stonegate said the move would help towards “a partnership-led pub company built for the future, to re-shape the business reflecting shifting guest expectations and most notably the move towards a smaller, more profitable managed estate”. Propel understands that phase one of the strategy has been completed, leading to 95 redundancies – under the circa 140 roles that were at risk, thanks to redeployment and new roles being created. Propel understands that phase two is ongoing and that a consultation process is set to begin next week in regard to circa 80 roles, with the company again looking to redeploy staff whenever possible. A Stonegate spokesperson told Propel: “As part of our transformation strategy the size of our managed estate continues to decrease, while our Pub Partners and Craft Union divisions grow. This means that we must continue to reorganise our support functions as the business changes. We recognise that this is a difficult time and we are committed to supporting our colleagues with care and fairness as we consult with the business on the proposed changes.” Last month, Stonegate appointed advisers to help it to streamline its structure. The company, which has more than 4,300 sites in the UK, has appointed FRP Advisory as it seeks to implement a series of strategic measures, including simplifying the company’s structure.

 

Chuck E Cheese hires director of operations ahead of UK launch: Chuck E Cheese – the US entertainment restaurant brand which last summer signed a multi-unit franchise agreement to launch in the UK, which will mark the brand’s debut in Europe – has hired Mannie Sehmar, formerly of Popeyes, as its director of operations. Sehmar joins Chuck E Cheese, which is planning to open its first UK site this year, after three and a half years as head of new store openings at Popeyes UK. He also previously had stints at Stonegate Group and Domino’s Pizza Group. Propel revealed at the end of 2024 that Chuck E Cheese, which was founded in California in 1977, had appointed property advisors Wright Property to scope out possible sites for its launch here. Chuck E Cheese currently operates nearly 600 “fun centres”, with locations in 45 states and 17 countries and territories. The brand is working in the UK with a new vehicle, the Kent-based CEC Leisure UK, which is headed up by Alistair Burnett, managing director of Gravitee Golf and formerly of kids play area concept Kidz About. Chuck E Cheese is believed to be looking at sites between 10,000 to 15,000 square feet on leisure and retail parks, with target locations including Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds. 

  

TFE Hotels – ‘the UK market is very mature and resilient’, aiming for ‘not less than a dozen’ openings here in next decade: Australian hotel company TFE Hotels, which made its debut here at the end of last year, has told Propel its sees the UK market as “very mature and resilient” and is aiming for “not less than a dozen” openings here in the next decade. The company currently has 57 hotels in Australia and New Zealand, 22 across Singapore, Malaysia and Japan and a further 22 across Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Denmark. TFE Hotels launched into the UK in November with the opening of The Hobson Cambridge by Adina in Cambridge and followed that by opening The Wellington Glasgow by Adina in Glasgow in December. Ray Goertz, the company’s regional general manager for the UK, said: “The UK has always been a market we want to be in. It’s been the talk of the town for years and always been a primary target. The UK market is very mature and resilient and very well connected internationally. Cities like Cambridge and Glasgow made a lot of sense for us as they have a strong leisure appeal and corporate demand. They’re also not over-saturated with apartment-style hotels, which are a relatively new thing. The time felt right from a market and a guest expectation point of view, and that’s why we entered that market. We’d been looking at the UK for years, the right opportunities came around and we went for it. We definitely want to grow this market, but the focus for now is getting these foundations right and bedding the brand in the UK – building a great team that we can use for delivering other properties across the UK. Cambridge and Glasgow are ground zero in the UK, so we have to get these right to set us up for future growth and potential. Longer term, we definitely see the UK as a key growth market, particularly in regional cities, we’re looking across the board. But we’re not chasing rapid expansion – it has to be the right locations, properties that suit the Adina model – so that could be any kind of gateway city that is well connected internationally. We’re actively in conversations and looking at opportunities across the UK. Nothing is confirmed yet, but the intention is very much to build on the momentum we have had with these two openings. In five to ten years, we can see a solid UK portfolio focusing on key regional cities. We want to tap into London too of course. Growth will be driven by demand for apartment-style hospitality. I would say we’re aiming for not less than a dozen in the next ten years, so double digit figures in terms of properties throughout the country.” The company has also opened Oz & isle, a new restaurant and bar within The Hobson by Cambridge Adina.

Chopstix opens first site in partnership with Roadchef, exploring opportunities for more: Chopstix, the fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand backed by QSRP, has opened its first franchise site with motorway services operator Roadchef. The new site, the first UK opening for Chopstix this year, has opened at Roadchef Strensham South services, located on the M5 in Worcestershire. As part of the agreement, Roadchef will oversee the full management of the unit, with employees undergoing an extensive Chopstix induction. The company said strengthening the brand's presence at travel hubs is “a core focus for the business” and has already proven “highly effective at not only driving revenue but also supporting the brand's uplift in awareness”. Rob King, chief financial officer and franchise director at Chopstix Group, said: “We’re delighted to open at Roadchef Strensham South and to be bringing Chopstix to the Roadchef estate for the very first time. Motorway services continue to offer an exciting area of growth and is another significant moment for us as we continue to ramp up the momentum we built last year. Roadchef operates a high-quality network of motorway service areas, so we’re excited to explore further opportunities as part of this ongoing partnership.” Last month, Chopstix, which operates more than 170 restaurants in the UK and Ireland, opened its debut site in France, in Paris, with plans to open 50 restaurants across the country over the next three years.

 

Harris + Hoole reports full-year like-for-like sales up 4.7%, change of focus to high street model ‘gives better potential for growth going forwards’: Speciality coffee house business Harris + Hoole, part of the Nero Group, has reported like-for-like sales were up 4.7% in the year ending 31 May 2025 and said the change of focus to a high street model “gives better potential for growth going forwards”. Revenue was down to £6,462,000 compared with £9,673,000 the year before following the decision to exit from the Tesco estate at the end of 2024. The company posted a pre-tax loss of £801,000 compared with a profit of £674,000 the previous year. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The company usually targets an annual range of 3%-5% growth in like-for-like sales. In the year this figure was 4.7% The directors believe the change of focus to a high street model gives Harris + Hoole better potential for growth going forwards. Operating and pre-tax results were impacted by a full year without the Harns + Hoole Tesco estate, resulting in less stores to absorb overhead costs, which is evidenced by an operating loss of £0.2m (2024: operating profit of £0 9m) and pre-tax earnings moved from a profit of £0.7m to a loss of £0.8m. The directors believe as a speciality artisan coffee house business, Harris & Hoole has strong potential to fulfil a distinct demand. Following signs of the easing of inflationary pressures experienced during the past couple of years and a new focus on the high street model, the company is planning to open a new high street store in the current financial year.” No dividend was paid (2024: nil). Harris + Hoole began in 2012 and now has 15 stores across London and the south of England.

 

Joe and The Juice signs deal to launch in India: Joe & The Juice, the juice and cafe bar brand that operates circa 75 sites in the UK and circa 480 globally, has signed a deal to launch in India. The business has signed a strategic partnership with Aditya Birla Group’s hospitality arm, Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH), to launch in the country, with the first flagship site set to open in the second half of this year. It marks Aditya Birla Group’s foray into a scalable foodservices format as part of its strategy to build a comprehensive portfolio of brands in this category, “straddling across occasions and price points”. Its current portfolio of foodservice brands includes international brands like Yauatcha, Hakkasan and Nara Thai. Thomas Noroxe, chief executive of Joe & The Juice, said: “India represents an important step in our long-term growth strategy and our first true strategic entry into Asia. Partnering with Aditya Birla Group gives us a strong foundation to launch and scale Joe & The Juice in India the right way – with local insight, operational excellence and a shared ambition to build something for the long term.” Aryaman Vikram Birla, director and founder of ABNAH, added: “India is at an inflection point of consumption, led by structural tailwinds of rising discretionary spending, favourable demographics and premiumisation. We believe Joe & The Juice is uniquely positioned at the convergence of health, convenience, and experience.” 

 

Raising Cane’s adds site in London’s The Strand to UK opening pipeline: Raising Cane’s, the third-largest chicken brand in the US by sales, which is set to make its UK debut later this year, has added a site in London’s The Strand to its opening pipeline. Propel understands the brand has lined up an opening on the former Halifax site at 55 The Strand. Earlier this month, Propel revealed the brand has lined up an opening on the former Barclays Bank site at 463-465 Brixton Road, while last summer, Propel revealed last July that Raising Cane’s was in talks to secure a flagship site in London’s Piccadilly. The company subsequently confirmed it will open on the former Angus Steakhouse site at 21-22 Coventry Street. The site, which is thought to have been on the market for circa £1.4m, is set to open later this year as the first of several restaurants planned in London. Propel understands the brand is also in talks on a further site in Paddington. The Louisiana-based company, which was founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge by Graves and Craig Silvey, is understood to be working with property advisory firm Etch on its plans for the UK.

Mission Mars to convert Albert’s Schenke site to new neighbourhood bar format: Mission Mars, the owners of the Albert’s Schloss bar business and Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana brand, is to convert its Albert's Schenke site in Liverpool to a new neighbourhood bar format. Reopening on Wednesday, 11 March, Schiller’s Hall will be a “relaxed neighbourhood bar serving continental food, blending Alpine warmth and European soul”. Spanning 5,000 square feet with more than 170 covers, the updated venue “blends European grandeur with warm, welcoming spirit”. The refreshed menu introduces weekend breakfasts and Sunday roasts, alongside an all-day selection of small plates, “hearty” mains and lunchtime sandwiches.

 

Investment in farm shops and motorway services food offer drives Westmorland profit boost: Investments in its farm shops and motorway services food offers drove a profit boost for motorway services operator Westmorland in the year to 30 June 2025. The company – which operates three motorway service areas, three truck stop and filling stations, a hotel and a visitor centre – reported a pre-tax profit of £8,117,000, up from £6,621,000. Turnover was up 1.7% from £139,755,000 in 2024 to £141,593,000. Director Sarah Dunning said: “The non-fuel turnover increased by 7.6%, but this was offset by a decline in fuel turnover, which is primarily driven by the movement in oil prices affecting the prevailing market retail price of fuel. The group made an increased profit before taxation of £8.1m (2024: £6.3m), brought about by continued investment in farm shops, electric vehicle charging and the unique ‘proper food’ offer, which sets Westmorland apart in its industry. Strong trading was assisted by reduced bank borrowing costs. During the year, we continued to invest in the business, developing our distinctively different motorway service offer that champions ‘proper food’ – £7.6m (2024: £6.9m) was invested throughout the business. The Westmorland Hotel continued to be a popular destination with visitors and enjoyed a 99% occupancy for the month of September 2024, while the visitor attraction space Rheged continues to attract new visitors.” The group has in place two term loan facilities totalling £19.2m (2024: £20.2m), with £1.1m of bank borrowing repaid in the year, and a revolving credit facility of £10m to support growth plans remaining undrawn. The group also repaid £2.8m in other loans (2024: £2.0m), while its net debt fell to £4.7m (2024: £9.9m). The group also operates Tatton Services, a company set up to progress a prospective new build motorway service area, holding 80% of the share capital. Dunning added: “The year ahead is full of opportunities, as we prepare our plans to bring Tatton Services to life and to introduce solar power to help us meet the growing needs of EV drivers.”

 

Maki & Ramen founder Teddy Lee backs Scottish events startup: Teddy Lee, the founder of Japanese restaurant concept Maki & Ramen, has invested in Scottish events startup Black Tartan. Launched in December by Scottish darts player Alan Soutar and media producer Johnny Brooks, Black Tartan describes itself as a fan-first live entertainment business, offering intimate concerts, comedy and never-seen-before stage experiences. The investment is expected to support Black Tartan’s rapid expansion, including the development of new live events across Scotland and beyond. Lee said: “Black Tartan is built around people, experience and community, and that’s exactly what helped Maki & Ramen grow so quickly. Hospitality and entertainment are both about creating moments people connect with and want to come back for, so I’m excited to bring that energy to Black Tartan and help build a loyal, passionate following around the world.” Brooks said: “Securing backing from someone with Teddy’s track record so early in our journey is a huge vote of confidence in both our values and our growth ambitions.” Founded in 2015 by Lee, Maki & Ramen has grown to 17 sites. It will open a franchise site on the former Chopstix unit in London’s Peninsula Square at The O2 on Tuesday (17 February), which will be followed with an opening in Soho on Friday, 6 March. The business, which recently opened its first restaurant site overseas, in Dubai, also has openings lined up in London’s Old Street, Birmingham and Southampton.

 

200 Degrees to open 25th site: 200 Degrees, the Nero Group-owned brand, is to open its 25th site, in the Manchester suburb of Didsbury. Opening at 712-716 Wilmslow Road next month, the former Santander site will be 200 Degrees’ second Greater Manchester location. The brand first arrived in Manchester in 2016, with a city centre café in Mosley Street, which in the past 12 months alone has sold more than 52,500 lattes and flat whites. The Didsbury store will span 1,776 square feet and have 90 covers. Cluster manager for the north west and Yorkshire, Aimee Rhodes, said: “We’ve been building a name for ourselves in the north west for the past few years, and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve gained in an already thriving food and drink scene. Didsbury is another great spot for eating and drinking and we’re excited to join other hospitality businesses in the area.” Earlier this week, 200 Degrees reported it returned to profit in the 14 months to 31 May 2025 amid record sales. The company, which was acquired by Nero Group in October 2024, changed its reporting period following the deal. 200 Degrees reported a pre-tax profit of £571,891 and turnover of £22,992,403 in the 14 months to 31 May 2025. In the year to 31 March 2024, 200 Degrees reported a pre-tax loss of £90,680 and turnover of £16,452,509.

 

Afrikana to open in flagship West End restaurant in London’s Baker Street: African restaurant concept Afrikana is to open a flagship West End restaurant in London’s Baker Street. Afrikana has secured a deal with landlord Portman Estate for a 2,700 square-foot, 98-cover restaurant, including an alfresco terrace, at 112 Edgware Road. The restaurant will serve signature flame-grilled chicken, sharing platters, burgers, plant-based options and a fully halal menu. This will be a sixth London opening for the 18-strong business, joining its sites in Uxbridge, Hounslow, Wembley, Mile End and The O2. Afrikana’s parent company, City Restaurant Group (CRG), is also behind the seven-strong bubble tea business Mowchi and Detroit pizza concept Crave, which has two sites in London. CRG is also the UK franchisee for Dubai fried chicken brand BonBird and French taco brand Tacosmash.

Funstation opens second site for new golf and arcade concept: Family entertainment business Funstation Group has opened a second site for its new golf and arcade concept, Carnival Golf & Games. The concept – which combines the golf and arcade elements of its other concepts, Funstation and Volcano Falls Adventure Golf – has opened in the 23,700 square-foot former Debenhams unit at the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands. The concept features two themed mini golf courses alongside a mix of immersive video and carnival gaming, virtual reality experiences, escape rooms and laser tag. Funstation chief executive, James Miller, said: “With 14 thriving locations across the UK, our new Merry Hill venue represents our largest and most ambitious project yet. We’re pulling out all the stops to create an unforgettable experience combining the best of our concepts and activities and are excited to anchor the leisure offer.” Alistair Winning, of Merry Hill asset manager Sovereign Centros from CBRE, added: “The opening of Carnival Golf & Games is a fantastic way to kickstart 2026 at Merry Hill. Completing the former Debenhams unit with such a compelling experiential leisure operator underlines the strength of our leasing strategy.” Funstation launched its first Carnival Golf & Games site at the end of last year, in High Wycombe. The company also operates ten Funstation sites and four Volcano Falls Adventure Golfs. In August, Chris Alexander, Funstation’s head of marketing and customer, told Propel there is no reason why it cannot grow the new concept as big as Funstation.

 

Tom Simmons to open second Cardiff restaurant: Chef Tom Simmons is set to open a second restaurant in Cardiff, offering diners a “front-row seat to an intimate, chef-led counter experience”. Lofft will officially open tomorrow (Saturday, 14 February), marking exactly six years since Simmons first opened his award-winning restaurant, Thomas by Tom Simmons, in Pontcanna. That site was recently “reinvented” as Thomas The Brasserie. Located upstairs at Thomas The Brasserie, Lofft will open on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, as well as lunch and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. The exclusive space will cater for just 12 guests at £110 a head, with a single table designed to face the open-plan kitchen. Simmons said: "Opening Lofft feels like a really special moment for me. Six years on from opening Thomas, I wanted to create an experience that offers intimate dining teamed with incredible produce and genuine interaction between chefs and guests. This will be a truly immersive experience, where people can see the craft, creativity and teamwork that goes into every plate." Lofft will be led by Adam Day, general manager, alongside executive chef Tom Peters, who brings experience from “some of the world's most respected kitchens”, including Maaemo and Roux at Parliament Square.

 

Liverpool street food and cocktails concept opens third site: Liverpool street food and cocktails concept The Bus Yard, which operates from converted buses and containers, has opened its third site in the city. The Bus Yard has launched the 1958 Bistro at home and lifestyle store Taskers following a pop-up over the festive period. The Bus Yard’s 1958 Bistro menu “blends comforting favourites with lighter daytime options”, including a traditional hot pot served with braised red cabbage, and a chef’s choice pasta dish that changes regularly. Andy Laird, owner of The Bus Yard, said: “We popped up at Taskers over the Christmas period and were overwhelmed by the love and support we received. Opening permanently inside Taskers is a huge step for us. It’s been an institution in the city for so long and is the perfect local business for us to partner with.” The Bus Yard also operates sites in Crosby and at Liverpool ONE, as well as an events business. 

 

Award-winning chef Sally Abé to open first solo restaurant: Sally Abé, the award-winning chef, is to open her first restaurant next month, in London’s Hackney. She will open Teal by Sally Abé, which is described as a “little British bistro”, on the former Sesta site in Wilton Way that closed at the end of last year. Abé said: “My restaurant that I have been dreaming of for 20 years is now becoming a reality. Opening Teal feels incredibly personal. It’s the first restaurant I’ve built entirely on my own, on my own two feet, and I’m hugely proud of that. After years of working in other peoples’ businesses and kitchens, this is me putting my name, my values and my voice into a space that’s mine. Teal by Sally Abé is about celebrating the best of British food, its history, its flavours, and its stories, while championing women, supporting good causes, and building a restaurant that feels rooted in its community.” Nick Garston, of the Found Agency, acted on the deal.

 

Property developer to launch £3m competitive socialising and late-night venue at hospitality-led scheme in Wigan: Property developer The Heaton Group has revealed plans to launch Factory Floor this spring, a new competitive socialising and late-night venue set inside the historic Eckersley Mill at Cotton Works in Wigan. Backed by a £3m investment, Factory Floor will transform part of the grade II-listed mill into a large-scale “social playground” featuring interactive games, street food and a central bar. Factory Floor will accommodate around 350 guests and offer seven interactive games including darts, shuffleboard, pool, karaoke, skee ball, basketball and beer pong, alongside retro arcade machines. The kitchen will be led by the team that brought Super Fry Guys to Factory Floor’s sister venue at Cotton Works, Feast At The Mills, which is introducing its new concept “Feed”. As night falls, the venue will evolve with DJs, dancers, disco lighting and immersive productions. Over time, the space will evolve into a food hall-style venue, with selected games making way for independent food traders and a stage area. Cotton Works is also home to pub The Three Mills and creative workspace Weave Co-Working, which opened in summer 2025. John Heaton, managing director of The Heaton Group, said: “Factory Floor is all about bringing people together for shared experiences in a setting that feels both exciting and rooted in Wigan’s history. Eckersley Mill has an incredible story, and we’re proud to be part of its next chapter. Cotton Works is already building a strong community, and Factory Floor will add another major layer to that.”