Pho
Coverage of branded growth, menu innovation, and operational strategy at a leading Vietnamese restaurant chain with locations across UK high streets and shopping centres. Tracks site launches, regional expansion, and evolving consumer engagement through digital ordering, dietary flexibility, and health-led positioning. Relevant to F&B operators, casual dining professionals, and multi-site managers monitoring fast-casual performance, scalable kitchen models, and brand development in a competitive eating-out market.
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Sep- 2025 -4 SeptemberRestaurants
McWin and TriSpan take joint control of Flat Iron
Private equity firms McWin Capital Partners and TriSpan have acquired a co-control majority stake in restaurant chain Flat Iron, marking the first investment by McWin’s newly launched Foodservice Fund. The deal sees Piper, which backed Flat Iron in 2017, exit the business. The investment supports the next phase of growth…
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Jun- 2025 -13 JuneRestaurants
Wagamama launches its ‘biggest’ marketing campaign in history
Wagamama has launched the biggest marketing campaign in its 33-year history, unveiling a new brand platform and menu aimed at emphasising “the emotional and cultural role of food in modern life”. The campaign, called ‘Food is Life’, is said to mark a shift in the restaurant chain’s strategy to focus…
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May- 2025 -28 MayRestaurants
McWin in talks to acquire Flat Iron
Gail’s Bakery backer McWin Capital Partners is in talks for a deal to acquire steak restaurant Flat Iron, according to reports from Sky News. McWin has reportedly teamed up with TriSpan to try and buy a large stake in the restaurant chain. As it currently stands it is unclear what…
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Mar- 2025 -26 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 26/03/25
Trispan has brought together Pho, Rosa’s Thai and Mowgli under a holding group called Arcturus Group to become the UK’s largest multi-site casual dining operator in the Asian restaurant segment. Each brand will continue to operate independently, with existing CEOs Sarah Hills (Rosa’s Thai), Patrick Marrinan (Pho) and Nisha Katona…
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26 MarchRestaurants
Rosa’s Thai, Pho and Mowgli brought together under Arcturus Group
Investment firm Trispan has brought together Pho, Rosa’s Thai and Mowgli under a new holding group called Arcturus Group. The company becomes the UK’s largest multi-site casual dining operator in the Asian restaurant segment. Each brand will continue to operate independently, with existing CEOs Sarah Hills (Rosa’s Thai), Patrick Marrinan…
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Mar- 2024 -15 MarchPeople
Incipio Group names Hippo Inns co-founder as chairman
Incipio Group has announced the appointment of Hippo Inns co-founder Ian Edward as its new chairman, having joined the board as non-executive director in 2022. Edward, who has advised and invested in leisure businesses for over 30 years, was a co-founder of Hippo Inns and is a founding investor and…
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14 MarchRestaurants
Hop Vietnamese Street Eats to open second Manchester restaurant
Manchester Arndale has announced another new addition to its food and beverage line-up after agreeing a 15-year lease with Hop Vietnamese Street Eats. Hop Vietnamese, which has a selection of outlets across London and a kiosk in ‘The Orient’ food court at The Trafford Centre, will bring a taste of…
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Nov- 2023 -27 NovemberNews
Today’s news in brief – 27/11/23
Pho is set for expansion, securing fresh funding following a 33.6% turnover surge to £58.3m in FY23. Despite a profit dip to £1.8m (from £5.6m) due to pandemic concessions, restaurant EBITDA held steady around £10.4m. The company attributes the profit decrease to prior government aid. While FY23’s EBITDA stood at…
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27 NovemberRestaurants
Pho to continue expansion amid 33.6% rise in FY23 turnover
Pho has secured additional funding to allow for continued expansion of Vietnamese street food restaurants through the next several years, as its turnover increased 33.6% to £58.3m in the year ending 19 February 2023. According to the group’s filings on Companies House, recent performance has buoyed the company’s confidence in…
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Jan- 2023 -31 JanuaryRestaurants
TriSpan acquires stake in Mowgli
TriSpan, a global private equity firm, has acquired a stake in Mowgli, a leading Indian casual dining restaurant group, after it invested through its dedicated restaurant fund Rising Stars. Nisha Katona MBE, founder of Mowgli, will continue to lead the group as CEO in its next phase of growth, supported…
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