Today’s news in brief – 26/09/24
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Prezzo has appointed the former Brewdog CEO to lead the recovery plan, while the restaurant chain’s former chief executive, Dean Challenger, will rejoin as chief financial officer. It comes as Prezzo, which is now owned by Cain International, is undergoing a restructuring plan, having closed roughly a third of its sites last year.
Mitchells and Butlers saw LFL sales rise 5.3% for the year to 21 September, with total sales rising by 5.9% in the year to date. It comes as like-for-like sales in Q4 increased 2.5%, which the group said was “ahead of the market”. Its Q4 sales also reflected “a progressive easing of the inflationary environment, as well as an unseasonably cool and wet summer period”.
Freemans Event Partners has appointed Natasha Thiebaut as CCO. Thiebaut has more than 25 years of experience in the venue business, having worked with institutions such as Everton FC, FC Porto and Leinster Rugby. She has also worked at national stadiums including the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow and the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
Restaurant groups ended the summer with “strong” delivery sales, as like-for-like sales grew by 7.3% in August. However, the positive performance was driven by increased prices, as the volume of takeaway orders continued a downward trajectory. Year-on-year increases in takeaways have been “comfortably” above the rate of inflation throughout 2024.
Buzzworks will create over 60 new jobs in Edinburgh, as the Scottish hospitality group plans to open a Lido café, bar and restaurant in Musselburgh this winter. This comes after the success of sister venues already operating in Troon and Prestwick. The group is now actively recruiting for numerous positions, including front-of-house and kitchen operations.
Dunoon’s The Strone Inn has been brought to market for £275k. The Scottish inn boasts views over the bay and a Pub Bistro that has been modernised to combine historical features with modern design. The sale offers a lifestyle opportunity, with development potential in the three-bedroom flat located above the pub.
