Today’s news in brief – 16/10/23

Loungers reported H1 total revenues of £149.6m, marking a 22.3% increase from the previous year. They achieved one-year like-for-like sales growth of 7.7% over the 24 weeks ending 1 October, showing an acceleration from the 5.7% growth reported for the 12 weeks ending 9 July. The company opened 16 new sites during H1, bringing their portfolio to 238 sites, with plans to open a total of 34 new sites in FY24.

Levy UK&I, in partnership with Kerb and Peppermint, will manage the F&B operations at Dreamland Margate, a seaside entertainment and amusement park. Kerb will support and expand local traders and introduce new independent operators, while Peppermint will oversee event and concert bar operations. Dreamland Margate’s outdoor season runs from spring to summer, with indoor concerts and events during winter, available for private and corporate bookings year-round.

Creams Cafe has appointed Oliver Rodbard as its new COO, as the company prepares for international expansion. Rodbard brings over 16 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, primarily within franchise models. He joins Creams Cafe from Soul Foods Group, a global franchisee for brands like KFC, Starbucks, Burger King, and Taco Bell, where he also served as COO. Creams Cafe aims to become the world’s largest dessert cafe brand.

The Morgan Pub Collective has acquired The Gardener’s Arms in Oxford, in partnership with Greene King Pub Partners. The pub received a £270k investment, resulting in a complete transformation inside and outside, featuring new seating, fixtures, and lighting. The Morgan Pub Collective, led by the experienced Morgan family, operates over 10 pubs across London and the South, including six in partnership with Greene King Pub Partners.