Cafes and Coffee Shops

The latest news and updates on cafes and coffee shops, from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.

Dec- 2020 -

22 December

Pistachio Holdings acquires Creams

Pistachio Holdings, a firm backed by Ankush Shah of the East Africa-based Sumaria Group, has acquired a majority stake in the dessert brand, Creams. Creams, which was founded in 2008 by Balal Aqil and Adam Mani, currently employs over 1,400 staff across its 93-strong UK portfolio. As well as his…
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17 December

Paul Bakery seeks UK franchise partners

Bakery chain Paul has announced it is looking to secure UK franchise partners in a bid to roll-out the chain on a national level. The 38-strong bakery said that the “tried and tested” operation has been proven in multiple countries, and will provide franchisees with a national supply chain, as…
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1 December

Caffe Nero snubs Issa brothers offer

Caffe Nero has rejected a takeover offer from the billionaire Issa brothers, after the chain revealed its advisors received an “unsolicited non-binding offer”, from a third party late last night. Yesterday speculation arose about the fate of the coffee chain, after Sky News broke a story about the brothers intention…
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Nov- 2020 -

30 November

Issa brothers eye up Caffe Nero

Mohsin and Zuber Issa, the owners of British petrol retailing company EG Group, are rumored to have proposed a takeover bid for struggling highstreet chain, Caffe Nero. According to Sky News, the offer comes hours before the brand is set to request approval from landlords to cut the price of…
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16 November

Greggs to make 800 job cuts

Greggs has announced plans to cut over 800 jobs from its UK sites, as a result of trading difficulties due to Covid-19. This month, chief executive Roger Whiteside issued a statement on the company employee information site revealing that recent weeks have been “particularly difficult” for the chain and the…
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13 November

Caffe Nero launches CVA proposal

Caffe Nero has launched a CVA proposal, in which it will ask landlords to cut costs as the ongoing impact of Coronavirus take its toll on the coffee chain. The company which employs 6000 people said it was undertaking the proposal to “better manage” its fixed costs moving forward in…
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9 November

Caffe Nero lenders prepare for CVA

Alcentra and Partners Group, which reportedly provides mezzanine debt to Caffe Nero, has called in financial advisers as the company prepares for a CVA that could potentially lead to permanent store closures and job losses. According to Sky News, Alcentra has requested FTI Consulting to join them in discussions regarding…
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Oct- 2020 -

29 October

WSH acquires Bartlett Mitchell

Westbury Street Holdings (WSH), has announced the acquisition of catering company Bartlett Mitchell for an undisclosed sum. Bartlett Mitchell, founded in 2000 by Wendy Bartlett and Ian Mitchell, offers food services to a variety of clients across the UK. Bartlett said: “Our clients will gain from our combined resources. With…
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26 October

Caffe Nero eyes CVA proposal

Caffe Nero is reportedly considering the launch of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), as the pandemic takes a toll on its earnings. According to Sky News, the coffee chain is considering a CVA to cut costs on rent bills and exit loss-making outlets. Reports suggest it has not yet been…
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19 October

Pret A Manger to axe further 400 jobs

Pret A Manger has announced that it will close a further six branches and make up to 400 more redundancies as the pandemic continues to affect business. The food and coffee chain had previously cut 2,890 jobs and permanently closed 30 sites through a restructuring of the business, it announced…
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