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.

Jul- 2020 -

14 July

UK GDP slumped 19.1% in three months to May

GDP fell by 19.1% in the three months to May 2020, as government restrictions on movement dramatically reduced economic activity. According to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), this was driven by falls in nearly every industry, most notably by food and beverage service activities, which fell…
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14 July

Brewhouse & Kitchen revenues rise 2.9% during first week of reopening

Brewhouse and Kitchen – the 22 site national brewpub group – has reported 2.9% like-for-like sales growth in its first week trading post the Covid-19 lockdown. The group said it attributes the “strong start” to a “measured and gradual” approach to the reopening of its brewpubs, the “considerable” amount of…
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14 July

Frankie & Benny’s unveils reopening plans

Frankie and Benny’s has confirmed the six restaurants have now opened for dine-in service, having previously opened for both click-and-collect and delivery. Its parent group, the Restaurant Group, plans to open all 35 Frankie and Benny’s sites by the end of the month. The six restaurants now open for dine-in…
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14 July

Michelin-starred restaurant Pensons to reopen on 15 July

Michelin Star restaurant, Pensons, has announced the reopening of its site from tomorrow (15 July). The only Michelin-starred restaurant on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Shropshire border has revealed the social distancing measures put in place, which includes tables being “much more widely spaced” than the government guidance and the front of house team…
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13 July

Businesses must remain Covid-secure, warns HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned businesses that they must ensure they are Covid-secure as lockdown measures ease across the UK. According to the authority, inspectors will be “out and about”, spot-checking employers that they are complying with health and safety law. HSE defines “Covid-secure” as being “adaptable…
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13 July

Former TGI owner in talks to buy Casual Dining Group

Epiris, the former owner of TGI Friday’s, is reportedly in talks to acquire the Casual Dining Group from administrators. According to Sky News, the former backer of TGI is currently the frontrunner to acquire the restaurant group and while no deal has yet to be confirmed Sky sources said a…
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13 July

Hospitality Action launches ‘Invisible Chips’ campaign

Hospitality Action has launched a new fundraising campaign in a bid to “harness the UK’s goodwill and affection” for the hospitality industry. The ‘Invisible Chips’ campaign allows customers to show their support for the industry , and participating venues will be asked to add Invisible Chips to their menu, priced…
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13 July

Delayed Saffron Summer restaurant to finally open

Saffron Summer, a sister restaurant to the eponymous Indian fine dining restaurant in Chessington, is to open in Reigate in Surrey tomorrow (14 July). The restaurant which occupies the site of the former Clove restaurant at 15 Church Street in Reigate, had originally been due to open in March, before…
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10 July

Guide on food safety and sanitation in the time of COVID-19

Now more than ever, food and beverage businesses should take extra precautions on how they prepare, handle, and deliver their products to their customers. They should follow the health and safety protocols set forth by the Department of Health and Social Care of the UK and the World Health Organisation.…
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10 July

Oakman Inns appoints new CEO and chair as sales slide 17%

Oakman Inns has announced a series of board changes including the appointment of Dermot King as chief executive, also revealing that FY sales fell by 17% due to Covid-19. Prior to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Oakman revealed it was “trading well” with LFL sales up 4.3% year to…
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