Today’s news in brief – 25/01/24

Hospitality vendors in the North have averaged 7.2% sales growth in 2023, despite the cost of living crisis and escalating business rates. New research conducted by Northern Restaurant and Bar in partnership with CGA by NielsenIQ revealed that Newcastle (12.7%) and York (9.2%) lead the uptrend, followed by Sheffield (7.1%), Liverpool (6.8%), Chester (5.6%), Manchester (4.8%), and Leeds (4.4%). 

SushiDog secured an investment of £800k from Middleton Enterprises to fuel the opening of four new sites in London. The news marks the second funding round into SushiDog, as Middleton Enterprises invested £612k into the business in April 2023. 

Mexican chef Adriana Cavita is set to open ‘El Bar de Cavita’, a brand new bar concept in the Marylebone area on 16 February. The new addition to her restaurant Cavita will be a conversion of the previous basement area. The new space will feature a “rustic” Mexican-inspired design, accommodating 44 seated guests and 60–70 standing.

Chopstix has appointed Rob King as its new finance director, replacing Jo Barrett in the role. He previously worked in senior finance and commercial roles at Costa Coffee for 12 years and most recently worked as the transformation director at Family First Day Nurseries.