Pho

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Over 250 hospitality leaders call for VAT to be held at 12.5%

More than 250 business leaders from hospitality and leisure have written to the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, urging the Government to keep VAT at 12.5% beyond March 2022, according to UKHospitality. It revealed the letter calls on the Treasury to maintain the current level to enable many “fragile” businesses to continue…

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