United Kingdom
Focused on the realities of operating in foodservice across the UK, this section delivers essential reporting for professionals running restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes, and catering businesses. We cover regulatory updates, economic shifts, and operational challenges affecting key regions, such as staffing pressures in London, supply logistics in Birmingham, sustainability initiatives in Bristol, hospitality recovery in Manchester, tourism-driven demand in Edinburgh and Cardiff, and licensing changes in Glasgow and Belfast. Whether you’re an independent operator or part of a national group, our coverage helps you stay ahead of regional developments that impact day-to-day decision-making and long-term business planning.
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May- 2025 -19 MayPeople
Pret appoints former Restaurant Brands CEO as chairman
Pret A Manger has announced the appointment of José Cil, former CEO of Restaurant Brands International, which owns brands such as Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, as its new chairman. Cil helped grow that business to more than $40bn (£29.88bn) in system-wide sales and 30,000 restaurants in more than…
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Apr- 2025 -22 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief – 22/04/25
Sticks’n’Sushi has revealed that F1 world champion Fernando Alonso invested in the chain alongside McWin Food Ecosystem Fund. McWin acquired a majority shareholding in Sticks’n’Sushi in February 2024. Since the acquisition, the brand has enjoyed further expansion, opening new London locations in Richmond, Islington and Battersea Power Station. The restaurant…
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22 AprilBusiness
Sticks’n’Sushi receives investment from F1 driver Fernando Alonso
Sticks’n’Sushi has announced that two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso has co-invested in the business alongside McWin Food Ecosystem Fund. McWin acquired a majority shareholding in Sticks’n’Sushi in February 2024. Since acquisition, the brand has enjoyed further expansion, opening new London locations in Richmond, Islington and Battersea Power Station.…
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Jan- 2025 -20 JanuaryRestaurants
Captain D’s to expand in UK with new 20-site deal
US-based fast-casual seafood restaurant Captain D’s has signed a 20- multi-unit franchise agreement for the United Kingdom. The agreement, signed with an experienced team of restaurant operators, will introduce Captain D’s signature seafood offerings to Europe, starting with the first restaurant in the London area in 2025. This development marks…
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Nov- 2024 -7 NovemberCafes and Coffee Shops
Caffè Nero acquires London based FCB Coffee
The Nero Group, owner of Caffe Nero, Coffee#1, 200 Degrees, Harris + Hoole and Aroma, has announced it has completed the purchase of London-based coffee business FCB Coffee. FCB was founded in 1998 when it opened its first kiosk in London. The business has developed over the years and now…
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Sep- 2024 -27 SeptemberNews
Keenan Recycling secures major contract with Heart with Smart group
Keenan Recycling, the provider of sustainable food waste management solutions, has secured its largest-ever direct national food waste contract with Heart with Smart Group, who are the sole franchisee operator of Pizza Hut Restaurants in the UK. It said this partnership marks a “major step forward” in the company’s growth…
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Jul- 2024 -23 JulyCafes and Coffee Shops
Canadian Second Cup plans expansion in the UK
Canadian coffee chain Second Cup has announced that it is seeking to receive proposals for the master franchise opportunity in the United Kingdom. This would mark a “milestone” for the coffee chain as it expands its global footprint and brings its café experience in the UK. With close to 50…
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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,…
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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…
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Feb- 2024 -20 FebruaryNews
Costa Coffee to open 11 cafés in Sainsbury’s supermarkets
Costa Coffee and Sainsbury’s have announced the launch of a new collaboration, aimed at providing a new cafe experience for customers across the United Kingdom. The agreement represents an expansion for Costa Coffee as it unveils initial plans to open 11 new stores within Sainsbury’s supermarkets throughout 2024. The collaboration…
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