Coyote Ugly franchisee looking to open six more UK bars by 2026 as he prepares to take brand to Europe and Middle East: Steve Lewis, who holds the franchise rights for Coyote Ugly in the UK, has told Propel he is looking to open six more UK bars by 2026 as he prepares to take the brand to Europe and the Middle East. Lewis signed a development agreement in 2016 to open the US brand in the UK and now operates five sites – with openings in Cardiff, Liverpool, Swansea and Birmingham followed by its London debut last summer, in Camden. Propel reported earlier this week that work is underway on a second London site, under the Zedwell Hotel in Shaftesbury Avenue – due to open in April. “We probably see one more in London, and then we’re looking at other major cities in the UK,” Lewis told Propel. “We’re still targeting Scotland and a lot of the north east and north west. We’re hoping to get agreements in place on one or two more UK units in the next couple of months, and we’re also in close negotiations on our first Dubai site. We’re actively looking for high footfall locations in major cities and we’re hoping to do two or three new units per year. Benidorm is going to open in April, and we’re hoping to get into Dubai by the end of the year. We’re also looking at Asia, but we haven’t yet fulfilled where we should be in the UK either. I think the UK could end up being around 12, I’d like to think within the next three years. This next opening will put us up to six in the UK, so we’re 50% of the way there to where we want to get.” Lewis is especially excited for his next opening, with the 350-capacity ground floor venue in Piccadilly Circus set to have a 3am licence, the first granted in the West End for more than 25 years. “We’re very excited about this as our Coyote Ugly there is going to be much more of a theatrical experience, with girls dancing above the bar as well as one the bar,” said Lewis. “Experience bars seem to be the future now, everything opening seems to be more of an experience and people don’t seem to want to walk into anywhere without some kind of entertainment. The key to this site is it’s the first Vegas-style operation. There’s 860 bedrooms above it in the hotel, so it’s the hotel’s bar as well, and the first music concept inside a hotel in London.” Lewis added the recent train strikes “hit us heavily in every city” and he is also “concerned” about energy prices, but said trading has been “beyond expectations” in his other London site.

Updated Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies released today at midday, 51 businesses being added: A total of 51 new multi-site companies, operating 268 sites, have been added to the next edition of the Propel Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies, which will be released today (Friday, 27 January), at midday. The updated Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, includes regional restaurant and bar operators, growing entertainment concepts, and expanding hotel operators. Premium subscribers will also receive a 3,200-word report on the new additions to the database. The comprehensive database is updated monthly and provides company names, the people in charge, how many sites each firm operates, its trading name and its registered name at Companies House if different. The database now features 2,769 companies. Premium subscribers will also receive the next edition of the New Openings Database on Friday, 3 February, at midday. It focuses on newly announced openings and upcoming launches in the sector and is updated every month. The next edition also includes a 12,000-word report on the new additions to the database. Premium subscribers also receive access to three other databases – the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, and the Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage, which was sent to Premium subscribers for the first time this week. 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 single subscription rate is £445 plus VAT for operators and £545 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. 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 group editor Mark Wingett.

British Takeaway Campaign adds voice to growing calls for government action to tackle sky-high energy charges: The British Takeaway Campaign (BTC) has added its voice to the growing calls for the government to take action to prevent energy companies hitting commercial customers with high standing charges. The group has written to chancellor Jeremy Hunt highlighting the dissonance between small businesses, who are struggling with higher bills despite government support, and the profit growth across the energy sector. The BTC said as a result of this imbalance, many restaurants and takeaways, which are low-margin businesses without large cash reserves or the ability to readily access capital, are having to close for good, costing jobs and livelihoods. The group added energy providers have increased their daily standing charge, undermining the intention of the government's price per-unit strategy and leaving businesses with eyewatering costs. The BTC said it has heard stories of food businesses facing costs of £1 per day instead of 31p. Another restaurant is paying £283.50 per month towards its standing charge, when previously it was only £46.70 per month. The BTC said at the very least, the government must allow small businesses to seek alternative deals if their contracted supplier increases their standing charges. But beyond that, the government and Ofgem must intervene urgently to prevent energy companies disproportionately increasing the daily standing charges, “or risk undermining the work that has already been done to keep small businesses afloat”.

Hospitality taskforce launches to ‘revitalise the industry and help businesses thrive amid challenges’: A hospitality taskforce comprised of leading food and beverage industry experts with more than 50 years of experience has launched. The taskforce will address key issues facing the hospitality industry, including increased competition, changing consumer preferences, labour shortages, rising costs, and the need for environmental sustainability. Through targeted initiatives and partnerships, the taskforce will work to support the industry and its employees, while also promoting the benefits of travel and hospitality to the public. “The hospitality industry plays a vital role in our economy and in the lives of millions of people around the world,” said co-founder Mike Hoff. “We are dedicated to supporting the industry and helping it overcome the challenges it faces. What we’ve found is most owners of multi-site hospitality businesses are frustrated with inconsistent results across their locations. These results are in areas such as standards, profits and people.” Co-founder Rohit Nanda added: “Many have told us they get to a point where they fear that they may lose their business and it badly affects their life. We have the capability and motivation to support all those in the industry to stop just surviving and start thriving.” The taskforce will engage with industry stakeholders, including hotel owners, restaurants, coffee shops and tourism boards, to gather insights and ideas for improving the industry. 

Mission Mars lines up Shaftesbury Avenue opening for Albert’s Schloss concept: Mission Mars, the Rudy’s Napoletana Pizza operator, has lined up an opening under its Bavarian beer hall concept Albert’s Schloss, in London’s Shaftesbury Avenue. Propel understands Mission Mars plans to open on the Jungle Cave site, which was formerly The Rainforest Café. The new site near Piccadilly Circus station will have a maximum capacity of 700. Earlier this month, Mission Mars reported its three current Albert’s Schloss venues in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, saw revenue grow to £4.3m for the five-week period to 1 January 2023, an increase of 104% on the prior year. Albert’s Schloss Manchester delivered like-for-like growth of 29%. Albert’s Schloss Liverpool opened at the end of November and the company said it was delighted with the performance. Propel reported last month that Mission Mars plans to invest £25m-£30m over the next three years in doubling the size of the business. As part of its three-year plan, it will look to open six to eight Rudy’s sites per annum and one Albert’s Schloss. The BGF-backed company also hopes to double the size of its current circa 1,000-strong workforce by 2025. In terms of target locations for the Bavarian beer hall concept, Ellis said the business was looking at London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dublin, Belfast, Newcastle, Leeds, Bristol and Las Vegas.

Eggs-centred concept Yolk plans 25-strong estate by end of 2026: Eggs-centred concept Yolk is targeting an estate of 25 sites by the end of 2026. Speaking at this week’s Restaurant Marketer & Innovator Summit, Nick Philpot, who founded the business with Alkesh Tandon in 2015, said the company planned to open four sites this year, with expansion in London its short-term focus. Last month, the business opened its fifth site in London, near London Bridge. The company opened on the former Spianata & Co site in More London. The business launched its first permanent site in Finsbury Avenue Square, Broadgate, in 2018, following a string of pop-ups. It followed this with an opening in New Street Square, and on the former EAT site in Golden Square, and most recently in Cabot Square, Canary Wharf. The concept features poached egg pots, sourdough toast and “ultimate sandwiches”.

Afrikana seeking to secure first international site this year, five UK stores in pipeline: Midlands-based African restaurant concept Afrikana is seeking to secure its first international site this year, Propel has learned. Founded by Omair Ali in the village of Aldridge, near Walsall, in 2018, Afrikana has since grown to eight sites, the latest opening a 140-cover restaurant in Bristol in December. As well as planning further UK expansion in 2023, with five new sites in the pipeline, the franchise brand has also targeted striking a deal for its overseas debut. “2023 will be a big year for Afrikana – a year for growth, opportunities and new beginnings as we enter exciting and premium territories,” brand and marketing director Syeda Kayanath told Propel. “Such locations include shopping centres and retail parks, and also internationally. Afrikana is going international this year, and we are looking for franchisees to take it to the next level. We are aiming towards securing international deals in the Middle East and Europe by the end of 2023. Our UK expansion is also growing rapidly.” Next in the UK pipeline for Afrikana is Mile End, east London, which should open in March. This will be followed by openings in Manchester in April, and Hounslow, west London, in May. Later on in the year, a Glasgow opening has been targeted for the second quarter, followed by Ilford, east London, and Coventry in the third quarter. Last year saw Afrikana introduce its first food truck, which will go around festivals this summer, and first kiosk, in Lakeside’s food court.

Two Magpies to launch new smaller format: Suffolk bakery Two Magpies is to open a new smaller format called “Mini Magpies”, which could become a part of its expansion plans. The first “Mini Magpies” site will launch on Monday (30 January) and will be based in the former office of estate agent Musker McIntyre, in the market town of Beccles. Co-founder Steve Magnall told Propel: “We have been looking at a ‘Mini Magpies’ concept for a while. We have always wanted to go to Beccles and the opportunity for a smaller site came up. The concept is simple – same offering that can be taken out predominantly, but have a limited number of seats (ten in this case). So, we will be doing a slightly larger range of our croque/melts so we can quickly heat up and the customer can have it with their coffee or tea, or they can have any of our products at a table. But because of size we see it as a take-out model in the main. Because it's smaller, we have no chef and don't have to fit out a fully functioning kitchen. If successful, we see a mixture of Mini Magpies and fully serviced Magpies being around. We are looking at other sites, but want to see how this goes first.” Last year, Magnall told Propel the business was seeking investment to triple the company’s seven-site estate and he saw potential for up to 50 sites in East Anglia. On the funding front, he said: “Nothing as of yet because of our relative size and how the economy is at present. Hence why we are just getting on with our strategy without external investment.”

German Doner Kebab to open 12 restaurants in North America in 2023, targets 500 sites over next decade: German Doner Kebab (GDK), owned by Hero Brands, is set to open 12 restaurants in North America this year as it targets 500 sites over the next decade. The brand, which has more than 130 restaurants worldwide, opened its first US site at the America Dream retail, entertainment and dining destination in New Jersey in 2021. It will next month open at Astoria in Queens, New York, which it will follow with “a new restaurant every month throughout the rest of the year”. Three new restaurants are expected to launch in the first quarter, including Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and Houston. Further US openings will be in key locations such as Westfield, New Jersey; Frisco, Texas; Brighton Beach, Brooklyn; Houston Heights, Texas; and Boston, Massachusetts. The company will also be adding to its existing portfolio of restaurants in Canada with the opening of outlets in Surrey, Vancouver, and Mississauga. Two further openings are also in the pipeline. “The North American market is a significant opportunity for GDK,” the company said. “In just a few short years, we have opened more than 120 locations in the UK, and we are excited to replicate that growth in the US and Canada, opening 500 locations throughout the next decade.” Nigel Belton, GDK managing director for North America, said: “We have big plans for the USA and Canada, and the next 12 months will prove to be a landmark in our story. We aim to expand our footprint and bring the unique GDK experience to more consumers in the USA and Canada, as we build the fast-casual brand of the future.” Mark Treptow, GDK franchise director for North America, is supporting the expansion having previously worked for brands such as Five Guys, The Halal Guys, Freshii and Rise Biscuits & Chicken.

Chicken Cottage appoints new head of global development: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has appointed Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusuf as its new head of global development. Yusuf was previously based in Kuala Lumpur and has sat on the board of various Malaysian companies, and was most recently head of plantation division at oil palm plantation and healthcare company TDM Berhad. He said: “I am thrilled to announce I have started a new role as head of global development at Chicken Cottage. I am looking forward to working with the team to bring delicious and high-quality halal chicken meals to customers around the world.” Chicken Cottage is wholly owned by TI Global Holdings, incorporated in Malaysia. The first Chicken Cottage opened in 1994 in Wembley, north west London, and currently has 47 UK locations – the latest opening in Hounslow earlier this month – as well as operating in several overseas territories. Ian Jeffrey, former head of global development (UK & International) at Chicken Cottage, left to become Indo-Chinese concept Oodles Chinese’s new commercial and global director in September last year.

Maybourne Hotel Group to open first new London site in 50 years, UK debut for ABC restaurant concept: The Maybourne Hotel Group, which is behind Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley, is to open its first new London property in 50 years, complete with the first UK opening for the Manhattan-based restaurant concept ABC. The company will launch the Emory in Old Barrack Yard, Belgravia, this winter, which will be its fourth site in the capital and sixth worldwide. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who runs an eponymous restaurant at the Connaught, will open the first UK outpost of his ABC restaurant concept at the hotel. The concept is described as offering “fresh, local and conscious cuisine” and trades from a site in New York. Vongerichten operates circa 45 sites globally, with the majority in the US. Maybourne Hotel Group said the hotel’s rooftop will be the “jewel in its crown” with 360 degree views of the London skyline in a space kept private for hotel guests. Gianluca Muzzi, chief executive of Maybourne Hotel Group, said: “This is our first new London property in 50 years, and we believe it will be a truly ground-breaking new addition to our distinguished hotel family. We plan to bring the inspiration and creative energy that have made our other hotels so notable, while also making the Emory a world class hub of art and culture. This opening further cements our vision and commitment to growing Maybourne Hotel Group, and heralds a bold new future for the company.”

Birmingham bubble tea franchise eyes national expansion: Birmingham bubble tea franchise Mowchi is planning national expansion following the success of its debut store. The female-led business was founded last year by Syeda Kayanath, brand and marketing director at Midlands-based African restaurant concept Afrikana. “We currently have one store in a prime food strip in Birmingham, but we have interest and are currently in talks with other high streets and shopping centres in the Midlands and London,” Kayanath told Propel. “We are looking to expand nationally, with other target locations including Manchester, Liverpool and Bradford in the north. The Birmingham store has done exceedingly well, and most of our franchise interest has actually come from within the store. We have gained a loyal customer base, and everyone wants a little bit of Mowchi!” The business is looking to expand through a flexible franchise model, which allows franchisees to take either a 500 square-foot kiosk selling just bubble tea, or a cafe offering food too. Kayanath added: “Mowchi does not offer just bubble tea but also bao buns, which are also becoming increasingly popular. We are ultimately more of a bubble tea cafe, offering bao buns and coffee but also frozen yoghurt. This allows us to expand our radius in terms of customer base, offering something for everyone.”

Yard Sale Pizza to open tenth site with Tottenham launch: Yard Sale Pizza, the restaurant and delivery concept that includes sector investor Paul Campbell as non-executive director, is to open its tenth site. The outlet will launch in Tottenham, north London, in early March. Co-founders Johnnie Tate and Nick Buckland started the business cooking pizza in their backyard eight years ago, and now have nine sites across south, east and north London. The restaurant in West Green Road will offer the brand’s signature menu of 12-inch and 18-inch pizzas, including favourites such as the “Holy Pepperoni” topped with smoky gyula pepperoni, regular pepperoni and nduja; and the “TSB”, topped with tenderstem broccoli, pine nuts, garlic oil and parmesan. Tate and Buckland said: “It’s been a challenging time to run an independent business, so we’re extra proud to be going from strength to strength, while staying true to the same commitments to top quality pizza, neighbourhood spirit and in-house delivery service that we launched Yard Sale with. We’re excited to be bringing Yard Sale to Tottenham for site number ten – it’s somewhere we’ve wanted to open for a very long time.”

Tom Sellers to open Parisian-style rotisserie restaurant in London’s Seven Dials and refurbish Restaurant Story: Two-Michelin starred chef Tom Sellers is set to open a Parisian-style rotisserie restaurant in London’s Seven Dials. Story Cellar will launch at 17 Neal’s Yard in March, offering counter dining with rotisserie chicken the primary focus, served alongside house cured charcuterie and classic dishes. Joining Sellars in the kitchen as head chef will be Stephen Naylor, having worked as sous chef at Sellars’ Restaurant Story, in Tooley Street, for the past four years. A Coravin system will allow guests to try “rare and exceptional” wine by the glass, which would usually only be available as full bottles. Guests can also store their own personal collections at the restaurant. As well as counter-style seating at street level, there will be a handful of tables downstairs beside the walk-in wine cellars, with this space also available to book for private dining. Julia Wilkinson, restaurant director at Seven Dials landlords Shaftesbury, said: “It is a proud moment for us to announce such a well-established and renowned chef like Tom Sellers has selected Seven Dials for his new restaurant location.” The new venture will be a continuation of Restaurant Story, Sellars’ first restaurant, which celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2023. The milestone will be marked with a major refurbishment in the spring, including the addition of an upstairs dining area with outdoor seating.

Saudi Arabia-founded, Malaysian concept to make UK debut with two openings: MyMakan, a restaurant concept based in Saudi Arabia, is expanding into the UK, with openings lined up in Leeds and Norwich. The business is being overseen in the UK by Mathew Wilcox, alongside his two business partners Imran Abidin and Turki Bin Afif, who are based in Saudi Arabia. The company, which already operates two sites in the Middle East, will open in Horsforth, Leeds, next month on the former Kuala Lumpur Restaurant site. It is also set to open above the Evans Cycles shop in Westlegate, Norwich, later this year. Wilcox told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “MyMakan has been in operation for four years and has two restaurants in the Middle East, as well as one new restaurant starting in Norwich serving modern authentic Malaysian dishes. We are excited to bring modern Malay cuisine to Leeds, as we plan to expand in the north of the UK to other cities.” MyMakan, which translates to “a place to eat”, will serve 100% halal food with more than 40 Malaysian dishes to choose from.

North east pan-Asian restaurant and bar business Geisha lines up new sites: Pan-Asian restaurant and bar Geisha, based in Newcastle, which earlier this week announced it had secured “significant investment” for expansion, has lined up two new sites. Co-owner John-Paul Gardner said: “Geisha is opening two new restaurants in north Tyneside, adding to our already hugely successful Jesmond venue. We can now confirm Geisha Asia and Geisha Italia Grill will begin construction and refurbishment in February at the famous Casa Antonio Building in Benton, Newcastle. This will give Geisha its second and third amazing restaurant to add to the brand portfolio that has now received investment to open restaurants throughout the UK. The new venues will be even more amazing and more Instagramable than anything you have seen before!” The company’s original venue, in Sandyford Road, has a Japanese garden inspired interior that includes lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Earlier this week, it posted on social media: “We’re extremely happy to announce Geisha, the most Instagram-able restaurant in the north east, has secured significant investment from private equity to open restaurants and venues throughout the UK! We plan to give the rest of the country the full Geisha experience.” 

Cupp eyes 30-site landmark after opening in Lancaster: UK bubble tea brand Cupp has said it will soon be celebrating its 30-site landmark after opening store number 25, in Lancaster. Following the opening, at the Marketgate Shopping Centre in Penny Street, Cupp head of franchise Paul Tanner said five more stores will follow shortly. “That’s store 25 in Lancaster,” he posted on LinkedIn. “What an amazing start to Lancaster’s journey with Cupp, with a line of people right around the street! The team here was just brilliant and smashed all expectations. Here’s to many more days like this! Five stores coming in the coming weeks, we simply cannot wait!” The brand will open in Sauciehall, Glasgow, next month, followed by launches in Nottingham, Blackburn, Exeter and Guildford.

Josie’s to open fifth Hampshire site: Josie’s, the Hampshire-based cafe and deli concept, is to open its fifth site in the county. The company, which was founded by mother-and-son team Josephine and Kevin Latouf in 2011, is planning to open in the ex-Barclays Bank site in Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh. The first Josie’s opened in 2011 in Bishops Waltham, with further sites launching in Winchester, Romsey and Petersfield. The concept offers specialty coffee, tea, smoothies, and all-day breakfast. 

London Shell Co to launch first land-based restaurant: Independent seafood restaurant London Shell Co, which already operates two sites on barges in the capital, is set to open its first land-based venue. Founders Harry and Leah Lobek are planning to open a fishmonger and seafood bar at Unit 4 in Sonny Heights in Swain’s Lane, near Hampstead Heath, in late March. Seating around 30, there will also be space for a wine shop, while in charge of the food will be Grace Bryson, currently sous chef on one of the barges, the Grand Duchess. Future plans include tastings, events, masterclasses and picnic bundles. The Lobeks said: “In our restaurants we source the best fish from around the British Isles and we are excited at the thought of bringing it to a wider audience. And even though we have strong sea legs, we've wanted to open a bricks and mortar site for many years. We love this area and we felt it could use a little restaurant like ours, so to be able to combine the two concepts is a dream come true. We're also keen to reach new audiences in another part of London – the London we know and love. If you know us, you know that our dishes are beautiful and that we're bon vivants who love our wine and socialising. This is exactly the vibe we are going for with Swain's Lane.” The pair launched London Shell Co's debut floating restaurant, a cruising venue aboard the Prince Regent barge, in 2016. A static floating restaurant on board the Grand Duchess, moored on the Regents Canal in Paddington, followed in 2019.

Carol Welch resigns as MD of Odeon UK & Ireland: Odeon Cinemas is looking for a new managing director for the UK & Ireland, following the resignation of Carol Welch after some six years at the company. Welch, who was managing director for the UK & Ireland, and chief commercial officer (Europe), is leaving the company to become chief executive of AF Blakemore, the food distributor and Spar retailer, and one of the UK’s largest privately-owned family businesses. Following Welch’s departure Odeon will split the two roles. Chris Bates, commercial director UK & Ireland and Europe, has been promoted to the role of chief commercial officer, extending his current remit as European commercial director. He will also be joining Odeon’s executive committee. Odeon said a search for a new managing director for the UK & Ireland is now in its final stages. On Welch, Mark Way, managing director of Odeon Cinema Group, said. “I would like to congratulate her for everything she has achieved at Odeon over the last six years and thank her for her passion, dedication, and commitment to our colleagues and guests. She has made a significant difference to our business.” Welch also held positions at Costa Coffee, Associated British Foods, Cadbury-Schweppes, and PepsiCo. She is also a non-executive director at Hammerson. As well as the Spar retail and wholesale businesses, AF Blakemore operates across the foodservice, wholesale distribution, and fresh meat sectors alongside the 15-strong Philpotts, a chain of prepared-food stores. Welch said “I am thrilled to be joining a fantastic business with a deep understanding of retail, wholesale, and foodservice and an enviable values-led culture, fuelled by more than 7,000 colleagues and partners who are passionate about delivering great food and drink solutions.”

Yorkshire dessert bar opens ninth site and first outside county: Yorkshire dessert bar operator Rassam’s Creamery has opened its eighth site, and first outside of the county, in Beeston. Propel reported in June that Rassam’s Creamery had taken on a 4,200 square-foot venue in the £50m Beeston Square development in Nottingham. It has now opened, offering a 34-page menu which includes vegan and dairy free options, from 11am until late. The company said: “Beeston has such a thriving and growing community, and we knew Nottingham was more than perfect for our next venture. It has taken us a long time to perfect this branch to match our unimaginable standards that we hold dear to our hearts. We have exceeded our budget three times to perfect our visions of the most luxurious restaurant that we plan to surprise the people of Beeston with.”

Libertine Burger to open third site: Warwickshire independent restaurant group Libertine Burger is opening its third site, in Stratford upon-Avon. The business, which has restaurants in Leamington and Rugby, will open in March at the former Burger Priest unit in Bell Court, reports The Stratford Herald. Founder Charles Harris, who started Libertine Burger as a street food van in 2017, said: “We spent a long time looking for the perfect place for our third site, and Stratford-upon-Avon is just right. Thanks to our nationwide delivery service, people across the country can enjoy a Libertine Burger at home, but we know everyone loves the full restaurant experience, and now we can bring that to even more people.” In February last year, Harris said he is planning a “national rollout” of Libertine Burger.