Today’s news in brief – 02/11/23

Coffee#1 reported strong trading for Q1 ended 31 August, with a 21.9% year-on-year growth in sales. The company, which operates in Wales, the Southwest, the South Coast and parts of the Midlands, opened three new stores in Godalming, Yate, and Cwmbran, all of which performed well. The brand’s iced coffee range contributed to its strong sales performance, with 39% like-for-like growth. The Coffee#1 app also continued to grow, with over 600,000, marking a 25.6% increase compared to the previous year.

Two former Chozen Noodle sites, now operating as Chopstix venues following the takeover, have seen sales increase by nearly 50% since the conversion. These sites, located at Beaconsfield Extra motorway service area and Cobham Extra motorway service area, were the only equity locations included in the Chozen Noodle acquisition. Chopstix attributes this success to its strong relationship with motorway service area operator Extra. 

The Cornish Bakery has opened its 58th location in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Over the past year, the bakery and coffee brand has successfully opened eight new locations in various towns and cities. Upcoming openings in Cheltenham and Salisbury will bring the estate to a total of 59 sites, including six franchise locations with Roadchef. The company is also actively negotiating with landlords for an additional 10 locations with the goal of reaching 100 bakeries within the next two to three years.

NEC Birmingham has introduced a new street food offering called StrEat Kitchen, provided by live events caterer Amadeus. Located in Hall 3, the concept aims to bring the excitement of street food to an exhibition setting, capturing the theatre of street food in an exhibition environment. StrEat Kitchen builds on the success of previous installations in the NEC’s Piazza and mobile units at the venue.