Today’s news in brief – 09/05/25
Tasty has narrowed its operating loss from £2.6m to £1.6m in the year to December 2024, while its post-IFRS 16 operating profit rose by 33% to £0.4m. It comes as the owner and operator of dim t and Wildwood restaurants closed 16 sites through the restructuring plan it initiated in April 2024, which was sanctioned by the High Court in June the same year. During the year, Tasty saw its revenues fall by 21.9% to £36.6m year-on-year, as it operated from a smaller portfolio.
GDK has been backed by investment and innovation firm True to continue its expansion in the UK and accelerate growth across new markets globally. Since launching in the UK in 2015 GDK has quickly grown to over 145 UK locations and over 170 globally under Hero Brand Ltd’s (Hero Brands) ownership and the leadership of CEO Simon Wallis. Hero Brands, the majority investor in GDK since 2016, will continue as an investor and key partner as the business looks to further deliver strong growth.
Boxpark has appointed Michelle Farrell as its first-ever chief growth officer (CGO). In her new role, Farrell will oversee the sales, events and marketing and commercial functions of the business, aligning with the company’s commitment to accelerating growth and expanding its UK estate. Most recently she was group sales and marketing director at Nightcap Group, owner and operator of 45 premium bars across the UK. This new appointment follows the appointments of CEO, Matt Snell in March, and CFO, Chris Burford in January.
KFC and Deliveroo have announced a new partnership that will make the fried chicken brand available to customers via the food delivery platform. The partnership, now live, will initially be available from select restaurants covering London and the South East, before rolling out to 924 KFC restaurants by the end of the month. The news comes after Deliveroo agreed to a £2.9bn takeover deal from US delivery platform rival Doordash. Additionally, in Q1 2025, Deliveroo reported GTV growth of 9% year-on-year in the UK and Ireland.