News-In-Brief

Jan- 2025 -

14 January

Today’s news in brief – 14/01/25

Pizza Hut’s biggest UK franchisee is close to finalising a rescue deal, according to Sky News. Directional Capital, which already controls a majority of Pizza Hut’s dine-in operations in Denmark and Sweden, would save the jobs of some 3,000 employees and acquire 140 sites across the UK. The deal could…

13 January

Today’s news in brief – 13/01/25

Arc Inspirations has reported a “record” sales rise of 10.8% for December 2024, with the help of three new flagship openings. The bar group saw total sales hit £2m, with average weekly sales across its 19 venues peaking at a “record” £106k of revenue per site. The three new venues…

10 January

Today’s news in brief – 10/01/25

The Alchemist has seen its total FY sales surpass £60m for the first time. The bar and restaurant chain ended the year to 31 March 2024 with net assets of £9,930k and cash of £2,956k, while profits after tax amounted to £113k, compared to £2,586k a year prior. However, as…

9 January

Today’s news in brief – 09/01/25

Greggs has surpassed £2bn in sales for the first time in 2024. Despite the 11.3% sales increase, Greggs warned that it would raise prices further to offset increased employment costs. Furthermore, Subdued high street footfall contributed to a 2.5% increase in like-for-like sales in company-managed shops. Top restaurant group saw…

8 January

Today’s news in brief – 08/01/25

JKS Restaurants has reported a turnover of £73m for the 65-week period to 31 March 2024. The operator of multiple F&B concepts, which is best known for Gymkhana, has also seen its losses before tax widen to £5.5m during the period from £925,790 in 2023. This is despite having almost…

7 January

Today’s news in brief – 07/01/25

The O2 Arena has seen sales across F&B, leisure and retail rise by 6% in 2024, marking the live entertainment’s “best-ever” year for trade. It comes as The O2 welcomed a record number of people – over 10 million – throughout last year, which spells an uplift of 12% against…

6 January

Today’s news in brief – 06/01/24

Locanda Locatelli will close its Marylebone Italian restaurant after 23 years. The restaurant, owned by husband and wife Giorgio and Plaxy Locatelli, was located within the Hyatt Regency London on Seymour Street. The duo opened the restaurant in 2002 and won a Michelin star the following year, which it retained…

3 January

Today’s news in brief – 03/01/25

Boxpark’s turnover for the year to April 2024 dropped marginally to £19.9m, though the food operator said it is “confident” in its ability to secure further sites in 2026 and beyond. The group’s financial performance was impacted by a tougher macroeconomic environment with a drop in beverage sales partially offset…

2 January

Today’s news in brief – 02/01/25

Pizza Hut’s UK operator is “in advanced talks” with potential bidders to wrap up a deal to secure its futures, according to Sky News. Heart With Smart (HWS), Pizza Hut’s biggest UK franchisee, which operates roughly 140 Pizza Hut dine-in restaurants, is expecting to select a preferred bidder in January.…

Dec- 2024 -

23 December

Today’s news in brief – 23/12/24

US-based PE firm Sixth Street has acquired a majority stake in the UK arm of Wingstop, Lemon Pepper Holdings. While the terms of the deal have not been disclosed, City AM has reported that it is at least the £400m asking price. It comes as Wingstop is aiming to reach…