Papa John’s to make pub debut in Staffordshire: Papa John’s is to be available from a pub for the first time. The company has teamed up with Staffordshire-based pub the Saracen’s Head, to offer customers pizza with their pint. From Monday (12 April), pub-goers returning to the public house in the village of Weston, can order Papa John’s pizza. It will also be available for collection and delivery. Justin Gilbert, director of business development at Papa John’s UK, said: “With pubs reopening, Papa John’s at the Saracen’s Head is a great example of how we can help drive profitable growth for selected establishments right at the heart of the community. By flexing our franchise offering we can provide the global support and marketing of our brand to suitable pubs to help them drive traffic and differentiate from the competition. They can now reap the rewards of our high-quality ingredients, processes and products with a low cost of entry to benefit their existing eat-in dining market. If there is no existing franchisee in a pub’s trade zone, there is also the opportunity to deliver to the local community opening up a new year-round revenue stream.” Lucy Dell, general manager of the Saracen’s Head, added: “DHG managing director Martin Hirst acquired the pub five years ago and since then we’ve invested heavily in refurbishment, including a substantial new extension plus an open sided marquee. Our partnership with Papa John’s is the next step designed to enhance our proposition as we gear-up to welcome the return of customers this spring and summer. Aligning with a global brand like Papa John’s which is known throughout the world for its high-quality pizza, means we can complement our existing menu with more fresh food and fun! We have already taken hundreds of bookings for the 12 April and beyond and are now looking forward to a super summer with pizza on the side!” In January, Papa John’s said it was introducing new flexible franchising formats in the UK. Following the continued success of its franchised high street stores, Papa John’s is aiming to expand its reach by providing even more convenience for customers, by opening in new locations such as holiday parks, stadiums, leisure attractions and other “non-traditional” venues. Papa John’s has more than 450 sites in the UK, and 5,000 stores in more than 40 international markets and territories. 

Travelodge appoints Martin Robinson as chairman: Travelodge, which operates 586 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has appointed Martin Robinson as its new chairman. Robinson has spent most of his career within the leisure sector and brings a wealth of brand building, strategic management and leadership expertise. He spent 17 years at Center Parcs as chief executive of its European business and chairman of the UK. He also spent ten years on the boards of Disneyland Paris and Regus and has chaired various other businesses, including Holmes Place Health Clubs and Wagamama. He currently chairs the UK business for Burger King and holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts. Stephen Shurrock, Travelodge non-executive board director, said: “Martin brings a broad wealth of hospitality and strategic management experience to the role. The well-established management team and board look forward to working with him to further develop the Travelodge business. As travel restrictions start to be relaxed, business and leisure confidence returns, and our market recovers, Travelodge is well positioned to benefit from improvements in trading conditions.” Robinson added: “My passion is to unleash the true potential of a brand with a focus on delivering for our customers in a rapidly changing consumer market. I am looking forward to working with the experienced and highly impressive management team to further strengthen and grow the Travelodge business.” During the pandemic, Travelodge has operated a smaller network of hotels to provide accommodation for key workers, NHS staff, business workers, employees allowed to travel and also supported local authorities across the UK.