Eckbert – the banks are telling us we would be a good candidate for an IPO: John Eckbert, chief executive of Five Guys UK, has told Propel that banks have said the 126-strong brand would be a good candidate for an initial public offering (IPO). The business has been backed by Sir Charles Dunstone since its launch in the UK, in Covent Garden in July 2013. Eckbert said: “Charles has lived in the publicly traded markets before, so he is familiar with it and knows about the good and bad parts of it. He has a good perspective on whether that is a good decision or not. The banks have been very flattering in telling us we would be a good candidate for it. But ultimately, it is a very shareholder-driven decision as to whether that is an attractive liquidity path, way out or way to grow. My job is to wake up and get 8,000 people into our stores to make great burgers and fries and take care of hungry customers. If we are ready for that (an IPO) and that is something they chose to do, it is my job to say yes, we can do that, and I am happy to execute. The fact it is even a discussion is a lovely compliment to the business, and if it ever comes to be, we will be ready to execute.” On further expansion in Europe, where the brand has sites in Germany, Spain and France, Eckbert said the company is in a new place where it can fund new store growth through the business. He said: “So, it is a bit of a different question for the Murrells (founding family) and Charles when it comes to looking at going into further territories in Europe. I think it does make it easier to take on new territories when we are able to self-fund those. The Murrells have an interesting balancing act between franchise revenue and company-owned. They have their own internal calculator on what that right mix should be. We have taken the four biggest economies in Europe and put them in the joint venture. I think it would be exciting and interesting to look at new territories, and there is a good argument that company-owned is proving a successful model, and more territories should be brought on board, but nobody on this side of the Atlantic is going to make that decision. Next year will be as big a year for us, as this year has been from a growth perspective. Because Europe doesn’t have the private equity-owned branded chains the UK has, there hasn’t been the company voluntary arrangement unleashing of opportunity there. Because of the government support, those prime retail opportunities haven’t broken free in Europe as they have in the UK, so I think that will unfold over the next 36 to 48 months. So, I think the growth in Europe could accelerate past budget expectations.”

Sponsored message – deskless employee platform Sona launches in hospitality: Deskless employee platform Sona has launched its next generation software platform for hospitality businesses. Built to “meet the needs and expectations of tomorrow’s hospitality staff”, Sona empowers them to take more control of their work schedules, communications and tasks – all in one easy to use mobile app. At its core is a powerful “shift fulfilment engine” that automates the process of finding shift cover. Early customers have been able to fill 70% of rota gaps within 24 hours, saving managers an average of five hours per week. Sona raised $2.2m in pre-seed funding earlier this year. “We’ve run deskless workforces in the past so we know that great people have never been harder to find, and keep,” said co-founder Oli Johnson. “Staff want more autonomy and flexibility and exceptional software is a central part of that. We created Sona so hospitality organisations can give their people the technology they need – and deserve.” The team will be offering demos at Restaurant & Bar Tech Live tomorrow (Tuesday, 9 November) and Wednesday (10 November) at ExCeL London. To celebrate launching, visitors will be entered into a draw to win a spa break (Ts&Cs apply) – find out more here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com

31 new companies to be added to Propel’s Turnover & Profits Blue Book: The next edition of Propel’s Turnover & Profits Blue Book, produced in association with Mapal Group, will include 456 companies, an increase of 31 companies compared with the October edition. The 456 companies produce total turnover of £30.2bn – 191 are in profit and 265 are reporting a loss. The next edition of the Blue Book will be sent to Premium subscribers on Friday (12 November) at midday. The Blue Book, which is updated every month, provides an insight into UK operator turnover and profitability over five years, profit conversion and directors’ earnings. Premium subscribers also receive two other databases – the New Openings Database, produce in association with StarStock, and the Multi-Site Operators Database, produced in association with Virgate, which are also updated each month. Subscribers also receive access to Propel’s library of lockdown videos and Friday Wrap interviews and now also have access to a curated video library of the sector’s finest leaders and entrepreneurs, offering their insights on running outstanding businesses in the sector. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before our 6am send-out; regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel insights editor Mark Wingett. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £895 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The regular single subscription rate of £395 plus VAT for operators and £495 plus VAT for suppliers remains the same. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to subscribe.

Corbin & King seeks new backer after row: London-based restaurant operator Corbin & King is searching for a new backer after falling out with its biggest investor in a dispute over strategy. The Sunday Times reported Corbin & King, which owns restaurants including the Colbert and Delaunay in London as well as The Wolseley, is understood to have been in talks with a potential new investor after disagreeing with Thai leisure giant Minor Hotels, its majority owner. Minor, one of the largest hotel operators in the Asia Pacific, in 2017 bought out Graphite Capital, which had backed Corbin & King since 2012. At the time, Minor said it planned to expand the brand in the UK and “key international markets”. However, it is understood the relationship has soured, with Corbin & King reluctant to roll-out brands including the Wolseley into regions such as Dubai. It could result in a legal battle. Minor Hotels said there was “no sales process” for its holding, but added: “We evaluate our position from time to time.” Corbin & King declined to comment. Last week, King admitted the company and its backers had a “differing view between us during the pandemic of the best way forward” when it came to developing its new Soho restaurant Manzi’s. The group had hoped to open the restaurant in October, following delays brought on by the various London lockdowns, but King said the opening had been pushed back again following discussions with its financial backers. King said: “The problem there was a differing view between us during the pandemic of the best way forward and what the outlook for London would be – and that held us back because there remains a substantial cash outlay needed, and we had to be prudent with our available cash. We therefore agreed to stall the development until greater certainty is achieved.” Corbin & King has also put the development of its Notting Hill and City sites on hold for what King said was “the same prudential reasons” but said the new year would be “a hive of activity as all these projects crank up”. Speaking at Propel’s Women’s Entrepreneurs and Leaders Conference last month, Corbin & King managing director Zuleika Fennell said the company’s ultimate vision is “to put The Wolseley restaurant and hotel in every major capital city around the world”. She said the company had already explored some lease possibilities in Europe.

Vegan pasta concept Pastan secures second site, set to launch franchise model next year: Vegan pasta concept Pastan, which launched last year as a delivery-only venture, has secured its second restaurant and is set to launch its franchise model next year, Propel has learned. The business, which is the brainchild of Jerome Ibanez-Fawcett, formerly head of operations at Friska, will open the site in the Barbican in the City of London. Ibanez-Fawcett has converted the former Benito’s Hat premises in St John Street, with the restaurant set to open on Thursday, 25 November. The branch will be open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and also have a cocktail bar. Meanwhile, Pastan’s franchise business model is with legals and is set to be rolled out from the third quarter of 2022. Pastan opened its first permanent restaurant, in Notting Hill, in September. The business launched through a dark kitchen in east London last year and opened in a further dark kitchen with Karma Kitchen out of Wood Green earlier this year. Pastan previously ran pop-ups in Neal’s Yard in London’s Covent Garden and Gloucester Road in Bristol. Ibanez-Fawcett told Propel that Pastan is in negotiations on a site in Bristol, which it hopes to open in the first quarter of 2022.

MJMK eyes ex-Jason Atherton site for Victoria opening: London-based bar and restaurant operator MJMK – the team behind piri piri brand Casa do Frango – is eyeing an opening in London’s Victoria. Propel has learned MJMK has applied to take on the unit formerly occupied by Hai Cenato, the Italian restaurant from chef Jason Atherton’s The Social Company, in the Nova development. It is thought MJMK is looking to open a bar and restaurant with capacity for 180 in the site. Last month, Propel revealed MJMK was eyeing an opening in Fitzrovia for its new venture with chef Nuno Mendes. It was reported earlier this summer that Mendes, executive chef at the Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, will open a new Portuguese restaurant in the city in 2022 with the backing of MJMK. Propel understands MJMK and Mendes are in talks to take 30 Charlotte Street for a Lisbon-style restaurant and cocktail bar spread across multiple floors. It is thought the project has the working title Lisboeta. Earlier this year, MJMK opened Cuban-influenced bar La Rampa on the former Sweet Chick site off London’s Oxford Street. It is also set to launch a permanent site for AngloThai, the concept from husband-and-wife team John and Desiree Chantarasak, in London, next year. Propel also understands MJMK has also been in talks on securing the former Ice Bar site in Heddon Street for a third site for its Casa do Frango concept. 

Benito’s Hat plans return to expansion trail with Hinckley opening: Benito’s Hat, the Mexican restaurant brand, is set to return to the expansion trail with an opening in Leicestershire. The business, which underwent a restructure last year that saw half of the business acquired out of administration, is believed to have applied to take on the former Quartz club in Hinckley town centre, for an opening in 2022. Last April, new company DGMP UK secured a deal for the business and four of the brand’s sites, in Covent Garden, Farringdon, Oxford Circus and Oxford Westgate. The group’s other sites in St Albans, Bromley, King’s Cross station and at the O2 were not part of the deal, and were subsequently closed. Since then, the brand’s site in Farringdon has also closed. 

Douglas Jack – JD Wetherspoon has flexibility to boost profitability through increasing prices or accelerating expansion: Peel Hunt leisure analyst Douglas Jack has argued JD Wetherspoon’s strong cash flow and 28% average beer price discount to the market should provide the business with the flexibility to boost profitability through increasing prices or accelerating expansion. Issuing an “Add” note on the shares with a target price of 1,200p ahead of the company’s first-quarter trading update this week, Jack said: “Our 2022E forecasts assume average sales are 1% below 2019’s levels (consensus is in line with 2019). Average sales and margins should be supported by the disposal of 34 sites and the addition of 12 larger sites over the past three years. This, and freehold reversions, increased the freehold ratio from 61% to 66% over the same period. We forecast 2022E Ebit margins being at 6.85% versus 7.25% in 2019 on an IAS 17 basis. Whereas there is potential upside to sales forecasts, aided by the current sales promotion, margins are more at risk, in our view. During November, despite the rise in VAT, 78% of the estate is offering a pint of Ruddles Best, a bottle of Beck's beer or a 25ml shot of Bell's whisky for 99p each. Bottles of wine start at £6.99. Such pricing, close to off-trade levels, is unlikely to boost gross margins, but it may boost footfall. Food and drink costs are expected to rise in line with inflation. Energy costs are fixed until October 2022. Labour and repair costs are expected to be a ‘bit higher’, but ‘nothing significant’, with the company ‘not finding it difficult to recruit and retain staff’. Wetherspoon targets reducing net debt/Ebitda from 3.4 times (in 2019) to 2.0 times on an IAS 17 basis. We estimate it could hit this target in 2026E assuming 15 new sites per annum (mostly freeholds) and limited share buybacks and freehold reversion activity. Our 1,200p target price equates to 9.5 times 2023E EV/Ebitda. This is ahead of the historic average (8.0 times), reflecting the average beer price discount to the industry increasing from 19% to 28%. An extra 2% price increase across all items with no volume impact would equate to circa 25% of profit before tax. This sensitivity and the strength of cash flow underpin our long-term ‘Add’ rating.”

Vocation Brewery set to open fourth bar, eyes first site outside M62 heartland: Hebden Bridge-based brewer Vocation hopes to open a fourth bar next spring and has an option on a site for a fifth, which would see the company make its debut down south. The business currently has bricks-and-mortar sites in Hebden Bridge, Leeds and Manchester, and although always looking for opportunities to expand its portfolio, doesn’t have a set number in mind. “We’ve got an agreement on a site in Yorkshire which we’re near completion on,” managing director Rick Stenson told Propel. “If it completes in the coming weeks, we’ll get straight into that one and hope to open next spring. We also have an option on a site much further down south which we haven’t yet pressed the button on, we’ll see what happens over the winter. There comes a point when you want to spread your wings a bit, and we’ve been increasingly doing business down south, so it would be nice to take a first step outside our heartland area. It’s a big investment and a big site, so there’s quite a financial commitment from the landlord, and they’re more cautious than they’d normally be. Once we’re in a place where we’re happy the uncertainty is over, that’s when we’d go for it. In a perfect world we’d press the button late this year or early next, and with a six-to-eight-month build, open ten to 12 months from now. We’re always looking for new sites, and the plan is to do more but in an organic way as we don’t have a huge budget to roll out bars across the country. We want to continue rolling them out in the way we have the last few years as bars are very much part of our plans, but there’s not a set number, it’s more a case of finding sites which are appropriate.” In support of these plans, Vocation recently rebranded its entire range, with the newly branded beers available across its on-trade network. “On-trade is a big opportunity for us,” Stenson added. “We find the bars are a big showcase for our products and help bring the brand to life. The new branding took into account the on-trade and the fact we wanted to do more in that area.”

Bakery company Greenhalgh’s looks to return to expansion trail: Family-owned bakery Greenhalgh’s is looking to return to the expansion trail as the business continues to bounce back from the pandemic. The company said it has a number of premises “under active consideration” in the Bolton, Burscough, Astley and Aspull areas as it looks to increase its presence in the north west of England. The business has closed three outlets permanently as their leases had expired. Meanwhile, “a small number” of shops remain shut due to the pandemic, although the possibility of reopening “is kept under constant review”. Greenhalgh’s provided the update as it reported the business made a profit in its last full financial year despite the challenges caused by the pandemic with the support of government grants and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), which totalled £1.3m. Turnover was down to £21.1m for the year ending 30 January 2021, compared with £23.8m the previous year. The business made a pre-tax profit of £764,000 compared with a loss of £1.2m the year before. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors stated: “The company has taken advantage of the CJRS offered by the government in order to protect jobs in both the bakery and its retail outlets but did nonetheless make a small number of people redundant for the first time in Greenhalgh's 64-year history. Even though no new shops were opened during the period, the company managed to achieve a profit after tax for the year in excess of £750,000. The company purchased three new sandwich vans during the year as this is an area which has been identified for future growth. The company's sales through its website increased in the financial year and this trend is also expected to continue.” The directors did not recommend the payment of a final dividend. Greenhalgh’s, which was founded in 1957, has circa 60 stores and also serves the wholesale market. The company is majority owned by Kathleen Smart.

Taster reaches 100 digital restaurant milestone, aims to double up in next six months: Delivery-only kitchen concept Taster, which was founded by one of Deliveroo’s early executives, Anton Soulier, has hit the milestone of 100 digital restaurants. The next stage of expansion for Taster, according to Soulier, will be to add 100 more in the next six months. Ultimately, the company has set a target of 10,000 digital restaurants globally by 2025. Founded in 2017, it has so far launched in 25 cities across the UK, France, Spain and Belgium. Using a licensed partner model, Taster partners with restaurants with under-utilised kitchen space, meaning no additional overheads. It owns five street food-inspired brands including Korean fried chicken brand Outfry, vegan dirty burger brand A Burgers and Vietnamese-inspired Mission Saigon. Soulier said: “The pandemic has been challenging for businesses that rely on brick-and-mortar locations, but the rise of the digital-only model is set to continue. We’re always looking to speak to new partners who share our vision to grow and diversify revenues, experiment with new food offerings and expand to new locations.” Earlier this year, Taster raised $37m (£26.5m) of new funding toward further expansion targeted through licensing. UK-based Octopus Ventures was the lead investor, with global venture capital firm Rakuten also participating alongside the company’s existing investors – Battery, Latitude and Heartcore. Taster then launched a £250,000 fundraise on crowdfunding platform Crowdcube to further aid its expansion plans, more than doubling its target by raising a total of £592,076.

Ex-Bel & The Dragon COO acquires second site for hotel venture: The Signet Collection has added its second hotel after securing a £9.4m loan to acquire and refurbish The Retreat at Elcot Park, West Berkshire, opening in the spring. The purchase doubles the estate of Signet, formed by Hector Ross, former chief operating officer of gastro-pub operator Bel & the Dragon, last year, following in the footsteps of its sister property The Mitre at Hampton Court. Set in 16 acres of Berkshire parkland, the grade-lI listed 18th-century building will be refurbished to offer 55 bedrooms, nine apartments, a large brasserie, a pan-Asian restaurant and health club. As with The Mitre, Signet’s latest venture was funded by OakNorth Bank. Ross said: “We are delighted to announce the second hotel from The Signet Collection. As with The Mitre Hampton Court, we look forward to unveiling a property that will be enjoyed in the context of its historical significance, both preserving and restoring authenticity, coupled with offering a vast array of activities on site to keep our guests entertained.”

Greene King captures inspirational pandemic stories from staff in new book: Brewer and retailer Greene King has published Covid Stories, a book that captures a collection of stories from its people throughout the crisis. With pubs closed during much of the pandemic, Greene King has encapsulated the accounts from its team members for generations to come. The book shares the inspirational stories of people from across the business, the challenges they faced, the highs and lows and how they brought communities together. Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: “When covid struck it was devasting for the pub and brewing industry, but we battled through the constant uncertainty and restrictions. The fortitude and can-do spirit, which epitomises the character of people who work in pubs, was phenomenal. Covid Stories aims to tell some of our people’s experiences, from the highs and the lows during the pandemic. I am so proud of all of our team members, and the book is full of selfless, creative, giving, community-minded, team-spirited, endlessly resilient and frankly, inspirational people.”

New immersive retail and hospitality concept to open in Leeds this month: A new cafe, bar and retail space called The Collective will open in Leeds later this month. The venue will be a working showroom where almost everything is for sale, from the tables the customers eat at to kitchenware and lighting. The Collective is the brainchild of directors Dale Wynter and Ellen Pryce, who both have extensive experience in the retail and hospitality sectors and noticed a gap in the market. They spent several years searching for the right location to launch their concept before settling on the 1,819 square-foot site at 34 Boar Lane, in the city centre. Wynter said: “We’re really excited to be bringing something so unique to the heart of the city. We have put together an incredible team of people who have a wealth of experience within the hospitality and interior design sectors, and we are certain people will love what we have created. The location and building are the perfect home for The Collective, and we look forward to welcoming people to experience a new way to shop and dine.” The offering includes New York deli bagels, artisan pastries and salads, cheese boards, a selection of coffee, organic wine and an extensive cocktail menu. 

Crieff Hydro brings in new group executive chef: Crieff Hydro, the eight-strong Scottish hotel operator led by Stephen Leckie, has appointed Ross Bootland as group executive chef. Bootland has worked as head chef at Dakota Hotels in Edinburgh and Leeds, Newcastle’s Hotel Du Vin and De Vere Village Urban Resorts, as well as executive chef at De Vere Mottram Hall. He has also taken to the seas as executive sous chef at Royal Caribbean International and executive chef de cuisine at Seabourn Cruise Line. Bootland will oversee the culinary teams at each of the eight hotels in the Crieff Hydro family – which are set around the Scottish Borders, the Highlands, Perthshire and Dundee – including recruiting and training new talent. He said: “Crieff has approached me on a few occasions, but this felt like the right time to make the move closer to my family at home rather than spending months at sea. Recruitment has been very challenging across the industry, so one of my main objectives will be to hire some fantastic talent into chef vacancies we have across the group. While the head chefs at each of the hotels will continue to be responsible for creating their own menus, I will be on hand to develop concepts that fit the personalities of each of the hotels, and I’m already working on exciting ideas with the team.”

‘Urban resort’ The Gantry to open this week in Stratford featuring hotel, food market, restaurant and bars: “Urban resort” The Gantry will open in Stratford, east London, on Thursday (11 November) – featuring a hotel, food market, restaurants, bars and events space under one roof. Based in Celebration Avenue near Stratford International station, The Gantry will feature east London’s highest rooftop bar (opening spring 2022) and a ground-floor deli, coffee shop and food market from The Stratford Grocer & Co. On the first floor will be Union Social, a cocktail bar and open kitchen with a wraparound terrace, offering an all-day menu of “contemporary flavours from all around the world cooked with London flair”, along with a flexible events space. The Gantry Hotel, the fourth property in London for Hilton’s upscale CurioCollection brand, will offer 291 rooms over 17 floors. The property, which was originally scheduled to launch in summer 2020, will be managed by Saurabh Kukreja, who has experience in managing luxury hotels in the UK, Thailand and Philippines.

Elior launches mentoring programme for women: Contract caterer Elior has launched a mentoring programme for its female staff. Womentoring, a 12-month programme led by Elior UK’s chief financial officer Leni Savva, is designed to get more women into senior roles across the business. The first ten taking part have met with their mentors to discuss their development plans for the year. Savva said: “We have an inclusive culture at Elior that celebrates equality. However, although we have a higher proportion of women than men working here, we noticed there is still work to be done in reflecting this in leadership and management roles. Earlier this year, we set targets to increase the number of women in our leadership team, middle and senior management, and the number of female chefs. We have an incredible pool of talent right here in the business – female and male. It's important to note, however, that this isn’t just about making the numbers – it's about inspiring confidence and helping employees to achieve their potential.” 

Three new restaurants sign up to £50m Southend leisure park scheme: Three new restaurants have been announced as part of plans to turn a Southend car park into a leisure park with a cinema, hotel and a bowling alley. Proposals were first drawn up for the £50m Seaway development in 2012 and the scheme was finally granted planning permission in October 2020, with an autumn 2023 opening planned. A Turkish restaurant, burger company and pizza restaurant will now all join the complex in spring 2024, according to project developer Turnstone Estates. Kervan Kitchen will offer “authentic Turkish flavour” to up to 180 guests – a fourth site in Essex for owners Maggie Themistocli and Savas Firat. Burger Amour and its sister company Dough & Co will also occupy two units, totalling 6,000 square feet and offering more than 200 seats. Chris Sharman, owner of both businesses, said: “We have a number of locations already well established in East Anglia and look forward to serving our fresh and tasty offer to the residents and visitors to Southend.” The new arrivals are expected to create 110 jobs, while the development as a whole is expected to bring an estimated £15m a year to Southend’s economy. Tim Deacon, director of Turnstone Estates, added: “The three restaurants are a real complement to the tenant line-up of the already committed Hollywood Bowl, Empire Cinemas and Travelodge.”

Jamaica Blue set to open in Gloucester: Foodco-owned international cafe restaurant brand Jamaica Blue will this week open its tenth site, this one in Gloucester. The new coffee shop and cafe will open in a newly created unit in Eastgate Street, at the entrance to King’s Walk, on Thursday (11 November). Its menu will include burgers, flatbreads, a “big brekkie”, all-day brunches, a range of sweet and savoury options and coffee made with beans from the Jamaican Blue Mountains. Nerissa Bancroft, operations manager for Jamaica Blue UK, said: “Jamaica Blue’s foundations are built on two simple beliefs that guide us in everything we do. Firstly, a belief in sourcing the very best coffee, and secondly, only using fresh, premium ingredients to deliver contemporary café dishes with a twist. We’re thrilled to be opening at King’s Walk and excited to share our high-quality coffee and delicious menu with Gloucester’s foodies.” Jamaica Blue was founded in Australia in 1992 and operates more than 120 cafes worldwide. Foodco opened the first Jamaica Blue cafe in the UK in Cambridge in December 2014, which has since closed, although a site in nearby Royston opened in May. Its other locations are in Chelmsford, Derby, Eastbourne, Gillingham, Reading, Rushden, Telford and Wednesbury.