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.

  • Dec- 2018 -
    19 December
    BusinessNew openings see Hancock’s site count double in a year

    New openings see Hancock’s site count double in a year

    Hancock’s American Kitchen and Bar, the family owned, Rochester-based restaurant group has opened three new outlets and reveals it has also signed a deal for a seventh unit. The chain, which started 2018 with one outlet, is currently trading ahead of expectations at The Quays in Chatham, The Atrium in…

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  • 10 December
    Breweries and DistilleriesOssett Brewery sells 50% stake to private investor

    Ossett Brewery sells 50% stake to private investor

    National award-winning brewer and pub company operator Ossett Brewery has sold a 50% stake in the group business. It includes Ossett Brewery and its 26 retail sites, including 19 traditional pubs and restaurants, four ale and live music-centric bars trading as The HOP, the recently formed new business of Salt…

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  • 7 December
    AdviceHow improving internal communications improves operations

    How improving internal communications improves operations

    Many modern catering and hospitality teams are made up of large numbers of people spread over multiple sites, which presents unique operational challenges. These teams include those working for large hotel chains or catering at major events like music festivals and sporting meets, or one-off occasions such as weddings, corporate…

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  • 3 December
    OpinionFollowing the success of Hygge or Lagom…businesses should now follow the mantra of Prajāva

    Following the success of Hygge or Lagom…businesses should now follow the mantra of Prajāva

    The Swedish lifestyle concept has become big news in recent years. First Hygge (cosy) and then Lagom (just enough) have become massively popular, even boosting Sweden to the Top 10 ranking in the World Happiness Report. This got me thinking – what international concept would most benefit the business world…

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  • Nov- 2018 -
    28 November
    BusinessThe Restaurant Group acquisition of Wagamama to go ahead

    The Restaurant Group acquisition of Wagamama to go ahead

    The Restaurant Group’s (TRG) acquisition of Wagamama is to go ahead despite 40% of shareholders voting against the deal. Shares in the group sank by 13% on Wednesday, with big name shareholders concerned about price and debt levels for the group. Debbie Hewitt, chairwoman of TRG, said she was pleased…

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  • 26 November
    Food and DrinkMayor confirms ban on junk food advertising on TfL

    Mayor confirms ban on junk food advertising on TfL

    Junk food advertising will be banned on the entire Transport for London (TfL) network from 25 February under new measures to help tackle child obesity, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, confirmed on 23 November. The decision follows a public consultation launched in May which found “overwhelming” support from Londoners…

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  • 12 November
    BusinessRestaurant Group plans rights issue to fund Wagamama purchase

    Restaurant Group plans rights issue to fund Wagamama purchase

    The Restaurant Group (TRG) has announced it is a offer a discounted rights issue in order to fund its purchase of Wagamama. As many as 290 million new shares are set to be issued in a ‘13 for nine’ rights issue priced at 108.5p. Current shareholders and analysts have already…

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  • 12 November
    RestaurantsChopstix launches new Westfield site

    Chopstix launches new Westfield site

    Chopstix, UK-based Asian quick service restaurant (QSR) brand, has opened a brand-new store, complete with next generation design at Westfield Stratford. The new opening, which brings to fruition a brand enhancement exercise for the business, will launch on the former Sticky Rice site. The newly designed store will place further…

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  • Oct- 2018 -
    30 October
    BusinessThe Restaurant Group buys Wagamama

    The Restaurant Group buys Wagamama

    Frankie and Benny’s owner The Restaurant Group (TRG) has announced it has conditionally agreed to purchase Mabel Topco, operating as Wagamama for a cash payment of £357m. TRG said its offer valued Wagamama at £559m and it would convert some of its existing sites into Wagamama restaurants. It plans to…

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  • 23 October
    Food and DrinkVegetarian meat substitutes found to be ‘exceeding salt limits’

    Vegetarian meat substitutes found to be ‘exceeding salt limits’

    Vegetarian meat substitutes have been found to be “exceeding salt limits” according to campaign group Action on Salt. The group said more than a quarter of meat-free burgers, mince and sausages were found to exceed maximum recommended salt levels. The worst offenders in Action for Salt’s tests were found to…

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