The Times – YO! Sushi to open eliminate its conveyor belts: YO! Sushi is to eliminate the conveyor belt from some of its restaurants in an attempt to broaden its appeal, The Times has reported. The newspaper stated: “This summer the chain, which opened its doors more than 20 years ago, will establish its first restaurant – at the Westfield shopping centre in east London – without the kaiten belt snaking around the premises. It also will remove the belt from its outlet at Manchester Piccadilly station. Richard Hodgson, chief executive of the chain, said that the change was “probably the biggest thing that’s happened to YO! since it was founded”. The company was created in 1997 in Soho by Simon Woodroffe, now 67. Removing the belt will enable the chain to highlight that it is no longer only a sushi concept.” The belt-free restaurants are expected to lead to less food wastage. Sites at airports and franchised sites are expected to retain their conveyor belts.

Domino’s sales and marketing director to leave: Domino’s UK sales and marketing director Tony Holdway will leave the business at the end of June to join furniture retailer Dreams as chief marketing officer. Holdway replaces former chief marketing officer Lisa Bond, who left Dreams at the end of last year. In an email to staff, Domino’s chief executive David Wild wrote: “During his time with Domino’s, Tony led his team through an agency review, resulting in the appointment of VCCP as our creative partner, with Arena/Havas as our continued media partner. Also under his leadership, we saw the development of the successful ‘Official food of everything’ campaign and the launch of the record-breaking Cheeseburger and Meatfielder pizzas. Digital and offline media planning and efficiency has been both diversified and significantly improved through his work, leading to much better value for money for the national ad fund spend. Please join me in thanking Tony and wishing him every success for the future.” Wild said the business was working on succession plans and would make an announcement in due course. Holdway joined Domino’s in September 2016 after his predecessor, Simon Wallis, was promoted to chief operating officer.

Buzzworks Holdings to open new concept Vic’s & The Vine next month: Scottish bar and restaurant operator Buzzworks Holdings will open its new concept Vic’s & The Vine next month. The company is investing a seven-figure sum transforming its Elliots bar and restaurant in Prestwick into the new format. The venue has closed after 16 years and is being transformed into Vic’s & The Vine, which will be a venue of two halves. The restaurant will be called The Vine and have 150 covers serving an all-day menu. In the kitchen, a churrasco barbecue pit will take centre stage while there will also be a dedicated private dining room for up to 24 guests. The bar will be called Vic’s and will be a modern take on a traditional bar featuring live sport and entertainment. Part of the bar will have a glass roof, while Vic’s is set to become the first venue in Ayrshire to serve tank beer. Buzzworks Holdings managing director Kenny Blair said: “The countdown to opening is well and truly on. Refurbishments are taking shape and the transformation has already been incredible. We’re certain Vic’s & The Vine will appeal to all.”