Casual Dining Group
Reporting on the legacy operations, brand transitions, and strategic changes tied to one of the UK’s most recognisable casual dining groups, now operating under new ownership. This section covers estate restructures, leadership shifts, and F&B developments across former group brands, offering insight for hospitality professionals tracking the evolution of high street dining, post-administration recovery, and brand repositioning in a competitive marketplace.
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Aug- 2020 -10 AugustRestaurants
22,000 restaurant jobs lost so far in 2020, double 2019 total
The number of jobs lost across the embattled restaurant and casual dining sector so far this year is already nearly double the amount shed during the whole of 2019. Figures compiled by the Centre for Retail Research show so far a total 22,039 jobs were lost across large restaurant groups…
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3 AugustRestaurants
Casual Dining Group rebrands following takeover
The Casual Dining Group (CDG) has rebranded as The Big Table, following its acquisition by private equity firm Epiris. A new business formed by the firm has successfully concluded a deal to take control of the Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge chains, alongside their existing management team led…
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1 AugustCoronavirus
Casual Dining Group falls into administration
The owner of Bella Italia and Café Rouge, Casual Dining Group, has fallen into administration. According to a report by the BBC, almost 1,900 of the group’s 6,000 strong workforce have been made redundant, with 91 sites closing their doors for good. The BBC said AlixPartners, the appointed administrators, will…
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Jul- 2020 -13 JulyRestaurants
Former TGI owner in talks to buy Casual Dining Group
Epiris, the former owner of TGI Friday’s, is reportedly in talks to acquire the Casual Dining Group from administrators. According to Sky News, the former backer of TGI is currently the frontrunner to acquire the restaurant group and while no deal has yet to be confirmed Sky sources said a…
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Feb- 2020 -17 FebruaryAwards & Events
Casual Dining 2020 confirms over 65 keynote speakers
Casual Dining, the restaurant, pub and bar event, has confirmed it has added CEOs, founders and senior directors from YO!, London Union, Loungers, Carluccio’s, Byron, Flat Iron, Imbiba, Pizza Pilgrims, Wahaca, Dishoom, Busaba, Yard & Coop, and Hippo Inns to its lineup of over 65 keynote speakers. The event, which…
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6 FebruaryEducation
CDG launches Leadership Academy Plus programme
The Casual Dining Group (CDG) has officially launched its Leadership Academy Plus programme, which aims to combine its internal talent and leadership programmes with apprenticeships. The programme has been launched during National Apprenticeship Week 2020, which takes place between 3 -7 February. The scheme was developed in partnership with apprenticeship…
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Aug- 2019 -14 AugustRestaurants
Casual Dining Group commits to sourcing higher welfare chicken
Casual Dining Group (CDG), has signed up to the European Chicken Commitment, in a bid to improve welfare for the animal. The commitment requires companies to commit to a range of key standards by 2026 around slower growing chicken breeds, reduced stocking density, environmental enrichment, natural light, and humane slaughtering…
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Apr- 2019 -30 AprilPubs and Bars
Greene King CEO leaves on high as sales outperform market
Rooney Anand, the outgoing CEO of pub group Greene King, is leaving the company on a positive note as its like-for-like (LFL) sales for the 52 weeks to 28 April were ahead of the market with a 2.9% increase. Anand announced his departure in November after 14 years, effective 30…
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24 AprilRestaurants
James Spragg appointed Casual Dining Group CEO
Casual Dining Group (CDG), the operator of c.280 mid-market restaurant brands including Bella Italia, Las Iguanas and Cafe Rouge, has announced the appointment of James Spragg, currently chief operating officer, to the position of chief executive officer, effective from 29 April. Spragg has extensive experience in the restaurant and leisure…
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11 AprilFeatures
Recruitment in the catering industry
When asked in a recent survey, only one third of employees from the catering industry said that they chose their job based on having a passion for food. But, what makes this industry an attractive one to work in and what is recruitment currently like in the sector? Is there…
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