News
The latest industry news 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.
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Apr- 2025 -7 April
Wells and Co revenues rise 5.6% to £65.8m in FY24
The operator of pubs and breweries, Wells and Co, has revealed that revenues rose by 5.6% to £65.8m in the year to 30 September 2024, despite tough trading conditions. As well as a revenue uplift, group EBITDA rose by 4.2% to £9.9m during the period. In the UK, EBITDA for…
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4 April
Today’s news in brief – 04/04/25
JD Wetherspoon aims to expand beyond 1,000 locations by franchising with hotel groups. The pub group is specifically targeting hoteliers across the UK, noting that as hotel operators seek to maximise profits and utilise space, developing bars and restaurants can be seen as risky in the current climate, with even…
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4 April
Government to launch licensing review
The Government has announced it is set to launch a new working group on how to reduce barriers in the licensing system. The group will report in six weeks, with solutions to improve the licensing system, cut red tape and boost hospitality’s competitiveness. UKHospitality, which sits on the group, will…
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4 April
Pizza Express signs major refinancing deal
Pizza Express has announced that it has agreed a refinancing deal with over 97% of its existing bondholders. The news follows a good opening quarter for the brand with reported LFLs at 1.3% for the first 2 months, compared to last year. Pizza Express has received strong support to extend…
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4 April
JD Wetherspoon plans to hit over 1k sites through hotel partnerships
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has announced plans to expand beyond 1,000 locations by franchising with hotel partners. JD Wetherspoon is specifically targeting hoteliers across the UK, noting that as hotel operators seek to maximise profits and utilise space, developing bars and restaurants can be seen as risky in the current…
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4 April
Doner Shack expands in Glasgow with new multi-unit franchise deal
Doner Shack will be expanding its reach in Scotland, having secured a three-site franchise agreement in Glasgow with local entrepreneur Abrar Khaliq as part of the chain’s nationwide growth strategy. Sanj Sanghera, co-founder of Doner Shack, said: “Even though Doner Shack is now growing across four continents, there’s something deeply…
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3 April
Today’s news in brief – 03/04/25
Yum Brands chief executive, David Gibbs, will retire from the role in 2026, having served since January 2020. During his tenure, Gibbs focused on leading the company’s digital transformation, building the company’s development engine and delivering “strong” shareholder returns powered by a “people-first” culture of collaboration. Simultaneously, he also navigated…
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3 April
The Antelope in Tooting to reopen following £1m refurb
Urban Pubs and Bars has revealed that The Antelope in Tooting is set to reopen following a £1m refurbishment. Originally known as The Foresters Arms the Victorian building will reopen with its historic interior having been carefully restored, with three large rooms still showcasing elements of its interwar-period refurbishment. Guests…
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3 April
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana to open in Brighton
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana, the Manchester-born pizza group, is set to open a new pizzeria in Brighton this Spring. The new pizzeria will serve pizzas cooked in just 60 seconds, using ingredients from Naples. Occupying the former Chilli Pickle site on Jubilee Square in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine, the…
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3 April
Yum Brands CEO to retire in 2026
Yum Brands has announced that David Gibbs, chief executive officer, has informed the board of directors of his intention to retire from the company in 2026. Gibbs has served as Yum Brands’ CEO since January 2020. As CEO, Gibbs focused on leading the company’s digital transformation, building the company’s development…
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