Easycoffee opening up to 40 sites in next 12 months as it accelerates expansion, all stores profitable at Ebitda level: Easycoffee chief executive Nathan Lowry has told Propel he expects the company to open between 30 and 40 sites in the next 12 months as part of plans to grow the value-led concept to 200 outlets. The company has signed seven development deals including in London and the south east, the north west, East Midlands and Scotland as it prepares to ramp up expansion of the eight-strong portfolio. Lowry said much of the work during the past two-and-a-half years had been on building the platform for growth and it was now ready to accelerate. He said: “The model is proven. At Ebitda level all our sites are profitable and we are now in the position to push on. We have brought in these development partners because it will allow us to open sites quickly while keeping our margins high by streamlining operations. They all have vast experience in the hospitality industry and are looking to expand into the coffee sector. We are also in talks with further franchise partners.” Lowry said the split between corporate stores and with development partners for the 200-site target would be roughly 50/50. He added there were plenty of avenues for the brand to grow, including high-street locations, shopping centres, kiosks, through further tie-ups with sister brands Easyhotel and Easygym, or its near 250-strong vending machine business. Lowry said: “People want really good-quality fairtrade coffee but demand value – and that’s what we offer. We are also adding children’s zones to enhance the experience further for our customers. We’re seeing people spend 25 to 35 minutes in our stores. We’re also looking at opening a barista training centre as we expand. We have to do this to make sure we’re getting every cup of coffee right.” Easycoffee is in the process of raising £3m to support its expansion plans and Lowry is “very confident” of securing the funding shortly. He added there was certainly scope to take Easycoffee abroad in the future. “The ‘Easy’ brand is a European brand and we have had interest in Spain, where there is already an Easyhotel,” said Lowry.

Last chance to sign up for Finance and Investment Conference, four places left: Today (Friday, 18 May) is the last chance to book for the sector’s foremost investment and finance conference, which takes place next Thursday (24 May) – there are four places left. A host of sector operators and investors have signed up. They include Urban Pubs and Bars, Hall & Woodhouse, Bababoom, Beds and Bars, Chopstix, Bone Daddies, Buzzwork Holdings, Bank of Ireland, Albion & East, Urban Village Pubs, The Wright Brothers, Ottolenghi, Anglian Country Inns, Windsor & Eton Brewery, Crussh, Pubs of Distinction, Oakman Inns and Restaurants, Green & Fortune, Chameleon Bar & Dining, Mowgli, Shepherd Neame, Benito’s Hat, Noble Inns, ABC Pub Co, Lisini, Coaching Inn Group, Dip & Flip, Dalziel & Vine, Barclays Bank and Aprirose Real Estate Investment. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £445 plus VAT for suppliers, while tickets for Propel Premium subscribers are £245 plus VAT. To book, email anne.steele@propelinfo.com or call 01444 817691. 

Tim Martin – UK shouldn’t be held to ransom over free-trade agreement: The UK shouldn’t be held to ransom over a post-Brexit free-trade agreement, JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin has said. Talking exclusively to Propel, he said the UK government should take four “sensible actions” that would ensure the nation’s future prosperity. Martin said: “If the EU is keen on a free-trade agreement, so are we. If not, no problem – we’ll be better off under World Trade Organisation rules than we are today anyway. In the meantime, we should not be held to ransom but should take the following sensible actions that will help ensure our prosperity in the future. First, abolish import taxes, which would increase the spending power of the UK consumer and provide a boost to the economy – a dividend for the hard-working taxpayer! Second, don’t pay £39bn to Brussels bureaucrats but allocate £60m each to UK MPs to spend in their own constituencies on local projects. The taxpayer pays the piper and should call the tune, Mrs May! Third, re-establish control of our own fishing waters, helping to regenerate coastal communities and reversing the damage done in recent decades as a result of 60% of fish from these waters being landed by EU boats. The rod of iron rules, OK? Finally, take the moral high ground and grant citizenship to EU migrants who have legally moved to the UK. This will inevitably happen in any event so it’s pointless and demeaning to be involved in phoney negotiations in this area. If the UK adopts these suggestions it is likely the EU negotiators will opt for a free-trade deal, which their exporters will welcome. If they don’t, UK shoppers and the economy will still benefit. So come on MPs, the time has come to stop cowering and copy free-trading nations like New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. It’s not in the interests of democracy or the UK public to be beholden to the arrogant and overbearing demands of the unelected Juncker, Barnier and their friends – or to perpetuate dishonest scare stories about food price rises in the event of ‘no deal’.” Read the full article in this week’s Propel Friday Opinion (18 May at 11am)

Gaming machines ‘vital’ source of revenue for pubs: Gaming machines are a “vital” source of revenue for pubs, UKHospitality has said. The call comes as a reminder to the government, which has just cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to £2, causing fears it could lead to thousands of job losses in the industry and a further crackdown on other gaming machines. UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “The government’s approach to Category C and D machines suggests it is prepared to act pragmatically and entertain the notion of an increase in stakes and prizes if the sector can demonstrate it has implemented measures that will manage the risk of gambling-related harm effectively. Despite there being no evident link between problem gambling and the category C and D machines allowed in pubs, our members are keen to promote socially responsible measures to show these machines are used under supervision and with an absolute minimum of harm. Category C and D machines are a vital revenue stream for many pubs and we will continue to liaise with the government to ensure pubs have the support and opportunities they need to make the most from them.”

Imbiba features on new BBC Two series: Sector investor Imbiba is featuring in new BBC Two series Million Pound Menu. The first episode of the six-part series aired on Thursday (17 May). The show is hosted by Fred Siriex, general manager of the Galvin At Windows restaurant at London Hilton Park Lane, who is well known for his appearances on another television show – First Dates. Million Pound Menu follows 12 restaurateurs on their search for major investment. Imbiba partner Darrel Connell appears on the judging panel alongside other renowned names in the sector, including Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, MeatLiquor co-founder Scott Collins, Living Ventures chief executive Jeremy Roberts, and Fulham Shore chairman David Page. Connell will speak at Propel’s Finance and Investment Conference on Thursday, 24 May. He will talk about the company’s £50m Growth Fund, which will invest in as many as four new growth companies in the leisure and hospitality sector each year.

Wagamama outperforms UK market by average of 8.2% over 208 consecutive weeks: Wagamama has recorded an unprecedented 208 consecutive weeks of UK market outperformance, according to industry sales monitor the Coffer Peach Tracker. During the past four years, Wagamama has outperformed the market on average by 8.2%. The Coffer Peach Tracker analyses performance data from 39 operating groups on a weekly and monthly basis. Wagamama chief executive Jane Holbrook said: “Every one of the 6,045-strong Wagamama family has worked really hard to achieve these Peach-beating results. It is truly humbling to see and feel the passion they put into their jobs. I love working with them all.” Peter Martin, vice president of CGA, the business insight consultancy that produces the Tracker, in partnership with Coffer Group and RSM, added: “It’s an outstanding performance from Wagamama in a tough and uncertain market and shows the results of a brand working hard to stay fresh and relevant as it continues to grow. If people want to know what success looks like, they now know where to look. It’s also flattering to know CGA’s Coffer Peach Tracker is the indispensable yardstick against which operators across the market measure their own sales performance.”

JD Wetherspoon axes hotdogs and cheesecakes as part of menu shake-up: JD Wetherspoon has axed hotdogs and cheesecakes in a shake-up of its menu. Among the other dishes removed are the eight-ounce rump steak, tandoori chicken, New York deli burger and half-roast chicken. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon told Mirror Online: “Wetherspoon serves a range of meals to suit all tastes and we are always keen to evolve our offer. We will be taking some meals off our menu and replacing them with new dishes.” The new menu includes a gourmet beef burger, which is served as part of a meal deal. Wetherspoon head of food Jameson Robinson said: “We’ve teamed American inspiration with British beef for out latest gourmet burger offering as we continue to provide customers with great quality, choice and value.”

Tim Hortons to make Northern Ireland debut with Belfast launch: Tim Hortons, the Canadian cafe and bake shop owned by Restaurant Brands, is to make its debut in Northern Ireland. SK Group, which is leading the UK roll-out of Tim Hortons, will open the site on Friday, 25 May in Fountain Street, Belfast. The restaurant will be the first of a number of locations planned to open in Northern Ireland over the coming year, some of which will be drive-thrus, with further details to be announced in due course. Tim Hortons’ debut UK site opened in Argyle Street, Glasgow, in June last year and it has been rapidly expanding in England, Scotland and Wales as it plans up to 100 UK outlets. Kevin Hydes, chief finance and commercial officer of the Tim Hortons franchise in the UK, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our famous brewed coffee, baked goods and freshly prepared food to the people of Belfast. Following the success of our recent restaurant openings in Scotland, Wales and in England, we can’t wait to bring a taste of Canada to Northern Ireland at our new restaurant and welcome new guests to Tim Hortons.” Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by its namesake, a professional ice hockey player who wanted to create a space where “everyone would feel at home”.

The Cornish Bakery reports like-for-likes up 6% as Ebitda increases 60%: Cornwall-based The Cornish Bakery has reported like-for-like sales grew 6%, with the company set for further expansion this year. The company saw turnover increase 17% to £11,508,399 for the year ending 26 November 2017, compared with £9,831,280 the year before. Ebitda grew 60% to £1.5m, compared with £951,285 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was up 122% to £722,000 compared with £324,101 the year before, according to accounts filed at Companies House. In a report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The company continues its growth strategy by strengthening The Cornish Bakery brand, continuing like-for-like sales growth – now in its fifth consecutive year – making a real difference with its unique culture, and opening new locations. Six new bakeries were opened during the period, which are all trading to expectations with a further four opened in the first quarter of the new financial year. More locations are due to open during the course of 2018.” The Cornish Bakery operates more than 40 sites in the UK and Channel Islands.

Suffolk Country Inns puts pub portfolio on the market: Suffolk Country Inns has put two of its three pubs on the market, while it has received an “acceptable offer” for the other. The company is seeking £1,395,000 for the freehold interest of The Angel Inn in Stoke by Nayland and £895,000 for The Anchor Inn in the neighbouring village of Nayland. Propel has learned the company has been marketing its third Suffolk site, The Swan Inn in Monks Eleigh, for offers around £395,000 and has an “acceptable offer on the table”. The Angel is a 16th century, grade II-listed pub comprising a 52-cover main lounge, a separate bar for 22 covers, further dining areas for an additional 30 covers, and six double bedrooms on the first floor. The venue also has a garden, car park and a detached building providing owner’s accommodation, storage and laundry rooms. The Anchor Inn is beside the River Stour and comprises a 42-cover main bar, two private dining rooms on the first floor for 14 and 50 covers respectively, and a ten-cover riverside dining room with patio access. There is also an outdoor bar, a 36-cover decking area, a 72-cover riverside garden, car park, and external kitchen and smokehouse. Owner’s accommodation is on the second floor alongside office space and storage. The owners have also obtained planning permission to expand the site. Suffolk Country Inns has decided to sell the pubs to concentrate on its Sail Lofts luxury accommodation business in St Ives, Cornwall. Anthony Jenkins, of agent Christie & Co, which is handling the sale, said: “The Angel and The Anchor are established and well-invested businesses that enjoy strong local reputations for quality food with huge potential to further develop the revenue streams.”

Steve Thomson rejoins Matthew Clark as executive chairman: C&C Group, the manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded cider, beer, wine and soft drinks, has announced Steve Thomson has agreed to rejoin Matthew Clark as executive chairman. Thomson was previously chief executive of Matthew Clark Group up to the point it was acquired by Conviviality, having joined in 2002. Thomson’s role will be part-time (two days a week) and he will work with new managing director David Phillips to stabilise the business during the next 12 months and provide support and counsel to Phillips as he steers the business forward. C&C Group chief executive Stephen Glancey said: “I know Steve well and I am delighted he has agreed to come back to Matthew Clark, a business he knows perhaps better than anyone. Most importantly, he knows the customers and supplier base extremely well and I believe he will be a key factor for us in getting the company back to full strength.” Thomson added: “This has come as a very pleasant surprise. I was saddened to watch events unfold at Matthew Clark earlier this year and therefore I am delighted to be part of the team to make sure this historic drinks business re-emerges as strong as ever and in time looks to expand again.” Meanwhile, Glancey told Propel that following C&C Group’s acquisition of Bibendum and Matthew Clark it had now got availability back to 90%, while 80% of suppliers were back on normalised credit terms. He added: “Our customers have been really patient and we are making steady progress in getting the businesses back on track.”

200 Degrees secures seventh site, in Sheffield: Nottingham-based coffee roaster and retailer 200 Degrees has secured its seventh site, in Sheffield. The company will open the 83-seat outlet on Monday, 4 June in Division Street after agreeing a deal through agents Box Property. 200 Degrees co-founder Rob Darby told West Bridgford Wire: “We want to bring our handcrafted approach to as many people and places as possible and we’re excited to be breaking into Sheffield’s food and drink scene.” Box Property founders Ben Tebbutt and Frankie Labbate have been working with 200 Degrees since its first shop opened in Nottingham in 2014 and has secured all its seven premises to date – two in Nottingham and one each in Leeds, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leicester and now Sheffield. In December, 200 Degrees received a £3m investment from Foresight Group. Darby told Propel the funds would allow the company to expand to between 20 and 25 sites during the next three to five years as well as develop the wholesale side of the business.

Boutique bowling alley brand Lane7 to launch Birmingham site in August: Newcastle-based boutique bowling alley brand Lane7, which is owned by entrepreneur Tim Wilks, will continue expansion by opening a Birmingham site in August for its fourth venue. Lane7 Birmingham will open in 25-storey, mixed-use development The Cube in the city centre. The company will also launch a site in Liverpool before the end of the year, with confirmed plans for Durham, Sheffield and Glasgow in the next 18 months. Lane7’s expansion will create about 300 jobs in addition to the 150 staff employed at its Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Aberdeen sites, and headquarters in Darlington. Wilks told BDaily: “Birmingham is the perfect next step for us. The city’s people know how to have a good time. We can’t wait to get our bowl on with the Brummies and bring our own special twist to the thriving late-night scene in the city centre. Adding Durham, Sheffield, Glasgow and Liverpool to our portfolio will further emphasise our commitment to become the UK’s biggest independent upmarket bowling and late-night entertainment venue.” Alongside tenpin bowling, Lane7 sites often offer pool, table tennis, private karaoke booths, beer pong and mini-golf. Earlier this month Wilks took on The Black Lion pub in Sedgefield, his second in the County Durham town. He also owns The Fox Hole in Piercebridge, near Darlington.

Lebanese restaurant operator Meejana acquires Windsor venue for third site: Lebanese restaurant operator Meejana has acquired a site in Windsor to open its third site. The company has bought the leasehold of a site near the castle gates that formerly housed Indian restaurant Dhinchak, operated by Sai Charan Hospitality. Meejana operates restaurants in Kensington and Weybridge in Surrey and the new deal was brokered by agents Christie & Co. Meejana director Edward Terry said: “We have been searching for a site in Windsor for a while and are thrilled to be opening our third restaurant. Eleven years ago we acquired our first restaurant in Weybridge, followed by our restaurant in Kensington in 2014. We are delighted to be further expanding our portfolio. We plan to open in Windsor after a short refurbishment. Our aim is to make this restaurant the place to dine when visiting Windsor. The kitchen is the engine room of the business and our chefs can’t wait to start cooking in it. As with our other restaurants, we will be serving homemade Lebanese cuisine.”

Lasan Group closes Nosh & Quaff diner for new high-end concept: Birmingham-based restaurant group Lasan has closed its American diner Nosh & Quaff in the city and will reopen it under a new high-end concept this weekend. The company will launch upscale New York-inspired steak and seafood restaurant and bar Jailbird at the venue in Colmore Row. Jailbird’s main restaurant will be upstairs overlooking Victoria Square, while the small bar downstairs has been moved to the other side of the room and been substantially enlarged. The new menu will be more varied than Nosh & Quaff, which was known for wings, hotdogs and lobster. Main dishes will include sea bass marinated in creole spices served with kale salad, spider steak with gremolata served with thick-cut chips, and whole lobster with chips. Nosh & Quaff launched in July 2015 and urged its customers to “get messy” as they adorned bibs. Lasan Group chief executive Jabbar Khan told the Birmingham Mail: “This is a new restaurant. Expect a cosmopolitan vibe where you can escape from the humdrum and get the New York state of mind.” Lasan Group also operates Indian fine dining restaurant Lasan in the Jewellery Quarter, Raja Monkey in Hall Green and Izza Pizza at Selfridges. Last year, Lasan Group co-owner Aktar Islam stepped down as chef director and is opening two restaurants in the city.

Pizza Hut strikes Telepizza deal to open 2,550 units in 20 years: Pizza Hut has signed a deal with Madrid-based Telepizza Group to accelerate its global openings by 2,550 units in the next 20 years. Under the deal, Telepizza Group will become Pizza Hut’s largest master franchisee globally by unit count and will double the brand’s footprint in Latin America (excluding Brazil), the Caribbean, Spain and Andorra, Portugal and Switzerland. Growth will occur through new franchise locations or converting Telepizza units. Telepizza Group plans to open at least 1,300 restaurants in the next ten years. Pizza Hut International president Milind Pant told Nation’s Restaurant News: “This ground-breaking deal is a major milestone in our journey to become the most-loved, fastest-growing pizza brand in the world.” During its most recent earnings call, Greg Creed, chief executive of owner Yum! Brands, said Pizza Hut remained in a “turnaround phase”. Like-for-like sales increased 1% in the first quarter, compared with a 3% drop the previous year. International like-for-like sales fell 2%. Telepizza Group operates Telepizza and Jeno’s Pizza brands in 23 countries.

Livelyhood launches fifth south London pub: Livelyhood Pubs, led by Sarah Wall, has launched its fifth south London pub. The Faber Fox has opened at the top of Westow Hill in Crystal Palace at the site of former late-night bar Twenty Five. The Faber Fox features a large bar and dining space offering food and drink from local suppliers and producers. The pub also features a dedicated sports area with giant screens showing the latest games, live entertainment, and a heated garden and terrace. Wall said: “We’re really excited to be opening in lively and vibrant Crystal Palace. The Faber Fox has a prime spot overlooking the city accompanied by our signature warm, friendly neighbourhood feel.” A spokeswoman told Propel the company was “constantly looking for new sites to continue organic growth but have nothing in the pipeline as yet”. She added: “The Faber Fox is already making a splash – we’re fully booked for our royal wedding brunch this weekend! We also have an exciting schedule of summer activity planned across the Livelyhood portfolio.” Livelyhood’s other pubs are The Clapham North in Clapham, The Regent in Balham, The Old Frizzle in Wimbledon, and the Mere Scribbler in Streatham.

Former Polpo chef director Tom Oldroyd to open second London site, next week: Former Polpo chef director Tom Oldroyd is to take over The Duke of Richmond pub in Hackney for his second site in London. Oldroyd, who launched his eponymous restaurant in Islington in 2015, will launch The Duke of Richmond Public House & Dining Room in Queensbridge Road on Thursday, 24 May offering French dishes using seasonal British produce. The 90-cover Hackney venue is much larger than Oldroyd’s Islington site and will be split into a pub and separate dining room, each with its own menu. The 30-cover dining room will offer a seasonal French a la carte menu with dishes such as Swaledale lamb en croute with green beans and wild garlic butter, and cassoulet with broad beans and brioche crumb. Desserts will include rum baba with chargrilled pineapple and toasted coconut with Chantilly cream. The 40-cover bar will offer “elevated pub grub” such as crispy pigs’ ears and a Cornish crab chip butty, alongside local beer and cider, a European wine list and classic cocktails. On Sundays, the venue will feature an all-day pub roast and rotisserie menu. The design of the venue, which will also offer 20 covers on a terrace, has been overseen by Oldroyd’s fiancée – actress and television presenter Meryl Fernandes.

Covent Garden restaurant Native relocates to Flat Iron Square: Zero-waste wild British food restaurant Native, which last week announced it was closing its site in Covent Garden after planning permission was declined, is to relocate to Flat Iron Square, near London Bridge. Native told Hot Dinners the new site would have “twice the capacity” of its current spot with room for a dedicated bar offering a seasonal cocktail list featuring its popular Sea Buckthorn Negroni alongside new additions. Native will close its Covent Garden restaurant after dinner service on Saturday (19 May) before opening its new site on Tuesday, 5 June.

Dublin hotel goes on market for €10.7m: A hotel in Dublin’s Temple Bar has been put on the market with a guide price of €10.7m. The 27-bedroom boutique hotel and bar fronts Dame Street and is operated by Dublin Citi Hotel. Plans are in place to pedestrianise part of Dame Street opposite the venue, while the development of Central Plaza is also under way next door. When complete in 2020, the project will add about 130,000 square feet of office and retail space as well as a 300-seat panoramic rooftop restaurant, bar and viewing deck. Aaron Spring, associate director of hotels and leisure at agent Savills, told Insider Media: “Investors are capturing strong rental income underpinned by experienced operators and the opportunity to own a strategic piece of Dublin’s streetscape.”

London-based Caribbean concept Baygo launches online ordering: London-based Caribbean concept Baygo has launched online ordering in the City. The restaurant, which opened in Eastcheap in March, has launched the service after partnering with ordering technology provider Preoday. Baygo co-founder Khalia Ismain said: “The Baygo mission is to innovate and change the perception of what Caribbean food is and can be. Now, because of Preoday it can be ordered online and delivered with maximum convenience and minimal fuss.” Preoday chief executive Nick Hucker added: “Tastes are changing and, while there will always be space for the traditional meat, veg and fish dishes, there is also a hunger from the world to try something new.”

North Yorkshire Moors pub with accommodation goes on market with £700,000 asking price: A 300-year-old pub with accommodation in the North Yorkshire Moors has been put up for sale at an asking price of £700,000. The Three Tuns Inn in the village of Osmotherley is being marketed by agents Christie & Co. The property, which is owned by the Di Giorgio family, features a restaurant, bar and snug, beer garden and four en-suite rooms. David Cash, business agent at Christie & Co’s Newcastle office, said: “The Three Tuns would be well suited to a lifestyle owner-operator who is looking to live and work in a honeypot village that thrives during holiday season.”

Welsh resort operator Bluestone bids to build £100m resort on Holy Island: Welsh resort operator Bluestone is to partner with leisure development company Land & Lakes in a bid to build a £100m resort on Holy Island, Anglesey. The project, Bluestone Holy Island Resort Ynys Môn, would create 900 jobs and a further 600 during construction. Regeneration of the Penrhos Estate would include premium restaurants overlooking the coast, luxury holiday lodges, a sub-tropical water park, a wellness spa and a water sports centre. Planning permission was granted in 2016. About one-third of the 200-acre coastal park would remain accessible to the public and the development would include new public access to a 100-acre nature reserve. Consideration would also be given to restoring historic buildings. Funding is being sought for the development, which could open as early as 2021. Bluestone chief executive William McNamara told Insider Media: “We have a wealth of experience working with local suppliers and have helped build a huge variety of businesses in Pembrokeshire over the past decade. We hope we can replicate the same in Ynys Môn.” Land & Lakes chief executive Richard Sidi added: “We believe the landmark nature of this development coupled with its excellent transport links to the UK mainland will drive Anglesey’s tourism economy to the next level.”

Kerb partners with charity Street Child: Street food business Kerb has partnered with UK-based charity Street Child, which will see 15p from every meal bought at one of Kerb Caters’ private events donated towards helping families in some of the world’s poorest countries to set up their own street food businesses. Kerb Caters generated almost £1m for its traders at 150 private events in 2017. A portion of this revenue will now go towards supporting parents in West Africa. Kerb Caters has access to more than 90 street food traders and offers full-service, on-site event management. Last month Kerb, which operates six London markets, extended its catering arm to 20 venues after becoming official suppliers to Somerset House, the Natural History Museum and Chiswick House.