Today’s news in brief – 07/03/25

Just Eat has rolled out its new drone-operated deliveries in partnership with Manna, a drone delivery company. Following the new partnership, customers will have the choice to receive their orders from participating partners via drones, which will be deployed from local delivery hubs operated by Manna. The service is already available in Dublin, Ireland, with the aim to roll this out internationally to more markets. 

Doner Shack has awarded the franchise rights to its first-ever US franchisee, to open in Dallas, Texas. The franchisee Mr Zaman has signed an agreement for three locations which Doner Shack is now scouting for. He has a background spanning food service, franchise operations and project management. It comes after the company made a trip to the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) in Doha, eyeing an expansion in the Middle East.

Compass Group UK&I has made two new leadership appointments, effective from 1 April. The catering company has named Michelle Sanders its new chief growth officer and Sophie Smith its chief people officer. Following their appointments the duo will also join the executive team. Sanders was previously the managing director of Samworth Brothers Futures, while Smith joins from a prior role as chief human resources officer at BW Group. 

Network Rail has opened two Gail’s at London Bridge and London Liverpool Street stations, as part of the bakery chain’s entry into travel retail. Gail’s London Bridge, which has just opened, occupies 980 sq ft and gives customers a clear view of the bakery engine room to “add a sense of theatre”. The last 18 months has seen Network Rail proactively evolve the retail mix across its 19 managed stations by introducing new brands and experiences.