Sold

We report on business sales and ownership changes across the UK foodservice and hospitality sector, including restaurant acquisitions, pub disposals, catering firm takeovers, and brand portfolio restructures. Our coverage captures who’s buying, who’s selling, and why, with commercial context that matters to operators, F&B executives, and group-level decision-makers. Whether it’s a strategic divestment, private equity deal, or local venue sale, we break down what the transaction means for market positioning, leadership, and operational continuity across the industry.

Nov- 2025 -

3 November

Restaurants

Leon founder buys back chain from Asda

Leon Restaurants has been acquired by co-founder John Vincent after Asda sold the chain for an undisclosed price. The deal includes 46 Leon restaurants and 20 UK franchise sites, as well as three in the Netherlands and one in Italy. Around 1,120 Leon staff will transfer to the new ownership.…
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3 November

Restaurants

Former TGI Fridays chief to acquire UK arm

TGI Fridays’ UK business is reportedly set to be acquired by Sugarloaf TGIF Management, a company run by the brand’s former global chief executive Ray Blanchette, according to Sky News. The outlet has learnt that the deal will see Sugarloaf safeguard around 2,000 jobs. Industry sources also told Sky News…
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Oct- 2025 -

28 October

Cafes and Coffee Shops

KKR in talks to acquire Costa Coffee

American investment giant KKR is reportedly in talks to acquire Costa Coffee, according to Sky News. The publication said the firm has joined a small number of parties currently in talks with The Coca-Cola Company and its advisers at investment bank Lazard regarding a deal. Sky added that KKR’s involvement…
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14 October

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Caffè Nero Q1 sales hit ‘record’ £166m

Caffè Nero has recorded sales of £166m in the first quarter of its 2025-26 financial year, up 9% on the same period last year, as demand for iced drinks lifted summer trading. The Nero Group, which owns the Caffè Nero brand, reported like-for-like sales growth of 6% for the three…
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6 October

Restaurants

Côte Restaurant Group acquired by The Karali Group

Côte Restaurant Group has been sold to The Karali Group, led by Salim Janmohamed OBE and Karim Janmohamed, for an undisclosed sum. The Karali Group is a multi-national family-owned business, with a “proven track record of success” in the hospitality, consumer and real estate sectors. Côte said it is “looking…
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6 October

Food and Drink

Chaiiwala FY sales hit ‘record’ £89.4m amid global expansion

Chaiiwala has reported record global system sales of £89.4m for the year to 31 December 2024, up 35% on the previous year, as the Indian street food and café brand expanded across the UK and overseas. The Leicester-based company said growth was driven by new store openings and rising demand…
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Sep- 2025 -

3 September

Cafes and Coffee Shops

Asda owner TDR Capital mulls bid for Costa Coffee

Asda owner TDR Capital is among the investment groups considering an acquisition of Costa Coffee as owner Coca-Cola explores a potential sale, according to the Financial Times. Coca-Cola has hired Lazard to advise on options for the UK’s largest coffee chain, which it bought from Whitbread in 2019 for £3.9bn. …
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2 September

Pubs and Bars

Vacant licensed venue in Helensburgh sold to Amber Taverns

Christie and Co has announced the sale of a vacant licensed property in Helensburgh to pub company Amber Taverns, for an undisclosed amount. Located on James Street in the town centre, the property previously operated as a successful bar and restaurant, formerly known as ‘The Loggie Baird’ until its closure…
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Aug- 2025 -

20 August

Restaurants

MJMK Restaurants to open Portuguese restaurant Luso

This September Luso, a contemporary Portuguese restaurant from MJMK Restaurants, will launch on Charlotte Street. The 90 cover restaurant will see the ground floor converted into a seated, 30-cover dining area with an extended limestone tiled floor. The menu, which uses “exceptional, well-sourced” ingredients, was developed in collaboration with Portuguese…
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19 August

Pubs and Bars

Brakspear FY turnover rises 7% to £41.3m

Brakspear has reported a 7% rise in turnover to £41.3m in 2024, despite seeing its profits get squeezed by higher operating costs. The Henley-based pub operator, owned by JT Davies and Sons Holdings Limited, saw revenues increase from £38.6m in 2023, with growth across all divisions. However, adjusted EBITDA fell…
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