Strategy
This section highlights the strategic moves shaping the UK hospitality and foodservice industry. From brand repositioning and pricing models to diversification plans, leadership changes, and multi-site rollout strategies, our coverage provides valuable insight into how restaurant groups, pub chains, caterers, and bar operators are adapting to shifting market conditions. Whether you’re refining your business model, assessing competitor strategies, or making key investment decisions, this archive offers sharp editorial designed to support strategic thinking at every level of the foodservice sector.
-
Apr- 2024 -16 AprilRestaurants
Hostmore to acquire TGI Fridays for £177m
Hostmore has reached an agreement for an all-share acquisition of TGI Fridays for £177m, including the business’ brand in the US which is the company’s franchisor. The parties have agreed that the proposed transaction would result in existing Hostmore shareholders holding a 36% shareholding in the enlarged business upon completion,…
Read More » -
12 AprilCatering Companies
Freemans Event Partners makes four senior appointments
Freemans Event Partners has announced the appointment of four people to its senior leadership team. Luke Buckle has been appointed as the company’s new head of food, responsible for heading up the food department. Buckle most recently worked at RedCat Pub Company as a regional operations manager. Furthermore, Jamie Coleman…
Read More » -
4 AprilBusiness
Gecko Hospitality expands into UK market through franchising
Gecko Hospitality, a provider of hospitality recruitment services in the United States, has announced its strategic expansion into the United Kingdom market through franchising. Spearheaded by Richard Pakey of Lime Licensing Group, it said this move marks a “significant milestone” in Gecko Hospitality’s global growth strategy. With over two decades…
Read More » -
Mar- 2024 -28 MarchCafes and Coffee Shops
Cooks Coffee appoints new CEO
Cooks Coffee Company, the international coffee focused café chain which includes the brand Esquires Coffee, has announced that Aiden Keegan has been appointed as the new chief executive officer, effective from 1 April 2024. Keegan commenced his role as operations manager at Esquires in Ireland (ECHI) in January 2004. Before…
Read More » -
26 MarchNews
Today’s news in brief – 26/03/24
Employee satisfaction has risen, despite salaries decreasing, according to Access Hospitality’s Largest Hospitality Salary Survey 2024. The survey revealed that 37% reported earning less than £30k – an increase from 30% in 2023. Responses revealed a decrease in salaries across main job roles, with the exception of general management. However,…
Read More » -
26 MarchNews
The Woodman Inn in Yorkshire unveils wedding venue refurb
The Woodman Inn has revealed it has undergone a refurbishment of its events space, elevating its status as a wedding venue in Yorkshire. The pub was acquired privately by Robinsons Brewery in June 2022 and has been central to its wedding strategy in the five pubs it owns with wedding…
Read More » -
22 MarchPeople
Loungers appoints new CFO
Loungers has announced the appointment of Stephen Marshall to the role of chief financial officer and as a director of the hospitality operator, effective 23 April. The news comes as current CFO Gregor Grant will step down from the board in April. However, he will remain with the company to…
Read More » -
11 MarchRestaurants
Azzurri Group achieves reduction in carbon emissions
Azzurri Group, the operator of ASK Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama, has achieved a reduction in carbon emissions, both in absolute terms and intensity reduction of 9.7% (tCO2e/ £1m turnover). Along with a strong financial performance and the opening of additional restaurants, the group’s reduction in absolute emissions was…
Read More » -
7 MarchPubs and Bars
Young’s acquires City Pub Group for £162m
Young’s Pubs has announced the completion of its acquisition of City Pub Group for £162m. As a result Young’s now adds 51 wet led pubs to its managed trading estate, taking its overall estate to 279. The deal will also see Young’s expand into new markets including Norwich and Cambridge.…
Read More » -
Feb- 2024 -23 FebruaryPeople
Tortilla names new CEO
Tortilla has announced the appointment of Andy Naylor as its new incoming chief executive officer, following news that Richard Morris will be stepping down from the role at the end of March. Morris has had a 35-year career within hospitality, with 10 years being spent at Tortilla. Naylor has worked…
Read More »
