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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Aug- 2020 -10 August
22,000 restaurant jobs lost so far in 2020, double 2019 total
The number of jobs lost across the embattled restaurant and casual dining sector so far this year is already nearly double the amount shed during the whole of 2019. Figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research show so far a total 22,039 jobs were lost across large restaurant groups…
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10 August
Pubs ahead of restaurants in reopenings, says CGA
The pattern of reopening across hospitality sites has been “uneven” since lockdown eased, according to the latest Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners. Some 62% of Britain’s licensed premises were trading again by the end of July, though pubs were ahead of restaurants, and sites in London “lagged behind…
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10 August
The Great British Beer Festival goes virtual
The Great British Beer Festival, which usually takes place this week at Olympia in London, is making its virtual debut from 11-13 September 2020. For the first time ever, visitors to CAMRA’s beer event can purchase a ticket to a weekend of live beer tastings that will run from 2pm…
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7 August
The Eat Out to Help Out scheme – Its strength and weaknesses
With over millions of individuals and businesses put at a stand still, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage daily life as we knew it before. One of the most hard-hit areas is the food industry, as diners and even takeaway hopefuls are wary of seeking out outside food due to…
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7 August
Eat Out to Help Out boost praised by operators
Restaurant and pub operators such as Nando’s, Oakman Inns and Hawksmoor, have praised the new Eat Out to Help Out scheme as a “great example of government support” after seeing sales improvement during its first week. Eat Out to Help Out offers customers 50% off their food or non-alcoholic drinks…
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7 August
JD Wetherspoon to axe up to 130 head office roles
JD Wetherspoon has warned that up to 130 positions in its head office could be at risk of redundancy, following a restructuring of the group. The company confirmed it has written to all 417 employees at its head office, including those who are regionally based, to inform them of the…
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7 August
No trade-off needed between pubs and schools, says BBPA
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has refuted claims that a trade-off is needed between pubs and schools, to enable schools to reopen in September. The trade association has said that the government has made it clear it does not need to nationally close pubs to reopen schools, but…
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6 August
Franca Manca owner completes £2.25m equity raise
The owner of Franca Manca, Fulham Shore, has announced it completed a £2.25m equity raise and has also entered into a new £10.75m debt facility and agreed new terms for its existing £15m banking facilities. The group, which also owns the Real Greek Restaurants brand, said the funds have improved…
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6 August
Yo Sushi eyes CVA
Yo Sushi has reportedly drafted in Deloitte in a bid to negotiate rent concessions with landlords and secure a potential CVA, Sky News has reported. While the sushi chain has not yet made a formal decision to proceed with a CVA, sources told Sky that the group would have “little…
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6 August
CAMRA urges PM to cut the price of a pint to boost pub jobs
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is calling on the PM to cut tax on pints served in pubs to boost jobs and spending, following a recent survey which has found that 42% of people are visiting the pub less often than they did before lockdown. The survey of nearly…
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