Bluewater

GDK in talks to sell major stake to private equity firm True

Investment firm True is reportedly in advanced talks with German Doner Kebab (GDK) to buy a major stake in the firm, according to Sky News.  GDK, which is run by chief executive Simon Wallis, is currently part of Hero Brands, a Glasgow-based incubator of food and beverage concepts. Sky News…

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Today’s news in brief – 10/04/25

Cooks Coffee has seen store sales rise 26.4% to £35.1m in the year to 31 March 2025, with fourth quarter sales having jumped 35% to £9.5m due to strong trading momentum. It comes as the operator of the Esquires coffee chain expanded its estate in the year, from 75 to…

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German Doner Kebab to open two new sites

German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced that it is set to open two new UK sites, in Norwich and Bluewater Shopping Centre. The launch of its Norwich site marks the company’s 4th opening of the year and its 147th UK location to date. The planned opening of its Bluewater site…

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D&D London owners complete TGIF acquisition

TGI Fridays has been acquired by D&D London owners Breal Capital and Calveton UK through its acquisition vehicle Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group Limited for an undisclosed sum. The sale, which is based on 51 restaurants, should secure the future of more than 2,000 jobs across those restaurants. Breal Capital…

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Wahaca to shutter a third of sites

Wahaca is set to shutter more than a third of its sites, following impacted sales due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The group is now planning to close 10 of its 28 sites. Branches affected by the closure include sites in Bluewater, Kent; St Pauls, London; Liverpool; Manchester and Bristol.  Alongside…

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M&S Cafés begin to reopen for takeaway

Marks and Spencer has revealed plans to reopen 49 café locations across the UK today (14 May). The local cafés will be opening for takeaway hot drinks only, and the chosen locations to open are all based on the café being located next to the in-store Foodhall – meaning customers…

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Slim Chickens to open seventh UK site at Bluewater

The Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) has announced that its seventh UK Slim Chickens site will open in Kent in February 2020. The American fast-casual concept which specialises in “premium”, cooked to order chicken, will open its next UK site in the Bluewater Shopping Centre. BRG said the opening will bring…

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Carluccio’s plans further expansion through franchise partners

Carluccio’s has announced its intention to seek strategic franchise partners to support it in further business expansion. The Italian restaurant chain plans to expand into travel and airport markets, as well as within the Republic of Ireland. The new franchise sites will reportedly adhere by the new ‘Fresca’ format, with…

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Wingstop launches third UK site

Wingstop is set to launch its third UK restaurant in partnership with Xbox. Lemon Pepper Holdings, the brand partner of Wingstop, confirmed the third UK site would be opening in Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent, and feature a “stay and play” gaming zone in partnership with Xbox. This marks the first…

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Carluccio’s accelerates Fresca revitalisation programme

Carluccio’s has accelerated its £10m Fresca revitalisation programme with the announcement that the group plans to refresh at least five more sites over the coming months. Following the Fresca pilot at Richmond earlier this year, Carluccio’s at Heathrow Terminal 5 and at Bluewater shopping centre are set to undergo a…

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