Thu 24th Nov 2016 - Five major casual dining brands join ALMR Five major casual dining brands join ALMR: Five major casual dining brands have joined the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) to cement its position as the key trade body for pub, bar, restaurant, and casual dining multi-site operators. PizzaExpress, Wagamama, Byron, Busaba Eathai and Thai Leisure Group have all become members, deepening its reach among casual dining companies. They join Carluccio’s, Bill’s, Casual Dining Group, YO! Sushi, TGI Friday’s and Cote among others as members. The latest wave of companies to join the trade body from the casual dining sector follows on from the UK’s largest managed pub companies joining in recent years – Mitchells & Butlers, JD Wetherspoon and Stonegate Pub Company. The coming together of the UK’s major multi-site out-of-home operators in one trade body is significant because it will mean the ALMR will be able to claim it speaks on behalf of the entire sector when it is lobbying government. The ALMR now represents 90% of the UK’s managed pubs, bars and branded restaurants, including more restaurants than any other UK trade association. The ALMR’s varied retail member base also includes late-night venues and accommodation providers. It represents more than 220 UK licensed hospitality businesses. Between them, the ALMR’s members account for more than 23,500 outlets and employ more than 650,000 people. Propel managing director Paul Charity said: “We at Propel are big supporters of the ALMR which is, essentially, now the voice of  licensed retail in the UK. It is great news that multi-site operators large and small are joining the body in such large numbers. In Kate Nicholls, the body has a chief executive who is immensely capable and the latest wave of casual dining operators strengthen her hand in negotiations with government as the sector is beset with ever more regulation and red tape. I would urge any company not yet a member to consider joining. The industry has been fragmented for too long and as major employers and job creators the sector needs a united voice. The next thing that is required is a change of name for the ALMR – its current name no longer reflects the breadth of its reach in an obvious and easily understood way.” The ALMR has also welcomed a host of new, smaller multi-site operator members, including Artist Residence, Cambscuisine Group, Camden Dining, Cattlegrid Restaurants, Real Eating Company and Unity Bars & Clubs. Supplier membership has also expanded with Anheuser-Busch InBev, Gardiff Group, Hallgarten Wines, Hofmeister Enterprises, Maxxium UK, Pago Premium Fruit Juice and Vimto all joining.