Exclusive – business behind Le Pain Quotidien’s UK arm considers its options: The business behind the UK arm of Le Pain Quotidien, the Belgian restaurant and boulangerie brand, has appointed advisors as it considers its options, Propel has learned. Newly established vehicle BrunchCo acquired 16 (15 in London and one in Oxford) of Le Pain Quotidien’s 26 UK sites through a pre-pack administration in June 2020. The company has since exited several unprofitable restaurants and currently operates nine sites in London and one in Oxford. The business is understood to have generated turnover of circa £21m in FY22 with a gross profit of circa £14.4m. It is also believed to be profitable at store level and the 2023 forecasts project revenue and profits at a similar level to 2022. Propel understands BrunchCo has appointed Kroll Advisory to help it review options, which include the opportunity to acquire shares in the business or acquire the business and its assets. It is thought interested parties must submit interest in the business by close of business on Thursday (25 May). BrunchCo does not own the intellectual property rights to the brand name and trademarks. Any party wanting to take the business forward would need to enter into a franchise agreement with the company’s parent. Le Pain Quotidien operates about 220 sites globally across its franchise and company-owned models. The brand currently operates in 15 countries around the world and already operates a mixture of company-owned and franchise estates in the likes of Belgium and France, while it has master franchisees in the US and Brazil. Earlier this year, the brand told Propel it was planning to launch a franchising model in the UK, as it looked to expand across the country. It had begun working with franchising broker Platinum Wave as it looks to build relationships with existing and prospective single site and multi-unit franchisees. Le Pain Quotidien features in the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, which is an exhaustive guide to the companies offering a food and beverage franchise in the UK and is available exclusively to Premium subscribers. The database is updated every two months and the latest version features 200 businesses. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

 

Three days to go before release of updated Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies, 21 businesses being added: A total of 21 new multi-site companies, operating 145 sites, have been added to the next edition of the Propel Premium Database of Multi-Site Companies, which will be released on Friday (26 May), at midday. The updated Propel Multi-Site Database, which is produced in association with Virgate, includes regional restaurant operators, growing café brands, and expanding franchise operators. Premium subscribers will also receive a 1,300-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 2,853 companies. Premium subscribers will also receive the next edition of the New Openings Database on Friday, 2 June, 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 5,000-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. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. Premium subscribers are also to be given exclusive access to the recording and slides to Propel Multi-Club Conferences. Premium subscribers also receive their morning newsletter 11 hours early, at 7pm the evening before; regular video content and regular exclusive columns from Propel group editor Mark Wingett.

 

CBRE – a good second half could be in store for pub trading: Recent updates from listed pubcos seem to point to a gradual improvement in sentiment and sales over several months, indicating that a good second half could be in store for pub trading in 2023, Simon Johnson, senior director UK pubs at CBRE, has argued. He said: “Clearly there are still large cost headwinds (notably energy, labour and food costs) – but maybe the direction of travel is starting to change? Looking at the larger picture, consumer confidence is still negative according to the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer but has risen in each of the last three months. In addition, the Office for National Statistics reported that at the end of the fourth quarter of 2022 real disposable household income was at its highest growth level since the second quarter of 2019, ignoring the spike in lockdown when most people were being paid and prices of most products were falling due to lack of demand. This follows two quarters in which disposable income has risen. All very encouraging for the top line at the very least, and with warmer weather and lighter nights there may be less of a chill in the economic air, but it doesn’t mean that pubcos are out of the woods. Energy prices are falling, food prices are rising (albeit at a slower rate), and while we wait until October to get the latest rise in the National Minimum Wage (with its knock-on effects) to come into effect from April 2024, most commentators think it will be less than the 9.7% enacted from April this year. However, while there is both mitigation through cost saving and price increases, profitability growth will not be at the historically geared level of previous years. And we continue to think about debt. Leverage taken on (pre and during the pandemic) is getting closer to needing to be repaid or refinanced. We have previously expressed the view that in a time of difficult trading, one of the traditional ways of de-gearing (disposals) has been rarely available, as pricing reflects an uncertain profit outlook, as well as lenders being more reluctant to extend their exposure to a consumer-led sector. We believe the profit threat of this may at last be receding, and that year-to-date and last 12 month indicators will give comfort to buyers. But the sector still needs lenders to see the resilience of this low spend, community based, socially important and nation favourite sector before normal service can be resumed.”

 

Government backs scheme to make pubs ‘dementia friendly’: A drive to make pubs, restaurants and cafés across the UK more dementia-friendly has been launched by Scottish experts researching the impact of ageing. The University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has developed a certification scheme that will encourage pub and restaurant owners to make adaptations for people with age-related degenerative conditions. The voluntary scheme will make the spaces more accessible to people with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. The aim is to create a Google map to chart all dementia-friendly facilities across the UK. Establishments would bear a badge to show they’ve considered things like a clear line of sight to the bar, clearly signposted toilets, some private and quieter tables, easy-to-read menus and staff with an understanding of the condition to give customers the support they require. The scheme sits in tandem with the new Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub, part-funded by £7.25m from the UK government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, to pioneer technologies for an ageing society. Lesley Palmer, the University of Stirling’s acting director of DSDC, said: “We have long accepted that there should be no barriers for people with wheelchairs. Similarly, there should be no barriers for people with dementia – they should be able to go out for a drink or a meal without stigma and feel comfortable. The scheme is entirely voluntary for owners, and by making relatively small and inexpensive adaptations, pubs and restaurants can become accredited.”

Caffè Nero launches £50,000 book awards: Caffè Nero, which operates more than 1,000 sites across ten markets, has launched its own book awards, with prize money of £50,000 up for grabs. The multi-category Nero Book Awards aims to recognise “outstanding writing and readability” in books from authors across the UK and Ireland. Judges from across the world of books will select shortlists in the categories of children’s fiction, debut fiction, fiction and non-fiction. The inaugural awards will open for entries on 19 June, with the shortlist of 16 books to be announced in late 2023 before four category winners are revealed in early 2024. The four category award winners will receive £5,000 each, while the Book of the Year winner will receive an additional £30,000. Gerry Ford, founder and chief executive of Caffè Nero, said: “Caffè Nero was founded in 1997 on the principle of being a warm and welcoming neighbourhood gathering spot, a place to bring people together. Our venues were intended as, and have come to be, gathering spots where people come to talk, read and discuss issues of the day, and most of our stores are filled with books. These awards are a natural fit for us.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a luxury estate and golf course in Hertfordshire that is looking for a general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This venue boasts one of the county’s top golf courses along with fine dining restaurants. The business is looking for a well-organised, natural born leader. You will oversee the operations throughout the estate, drive staff training to the highest level, create a strategy to increase revenue, help drive sales and marketing, exceed monthly targets and report to the director. Experience in luxury properties and golf courses will be necessary.” The salary is up to £75,000 plus bonus. For more information, email ed@corecruitment.com

 

Wimpy UK reports operating profit up 12% as full-year turnover rises to £5.9m, increases menu prices twice to protect gross profit margins: Famous Brands has reported its UK Wimpy business saw revenue increase to £5,932,405 (142 million rand) for the year ending 28 February 2023 compared with £5,558,105 (133 million rand) the previous year. Operating profit increased 12% to £793,967 (19 million rand) from £710,168 (17 million rand). Operating margin after impairment for the year was 11.4%. Famous Brands stated: “The year 2023 has been challenging for the UK due to the impact of the Russia/Ukraine war with higher energy costs and a cost-of-living crisis. This crisis eroded consumer confidence and spending. Supply chain disruptions continued in 2023, resulting in inventory shortages and major input cost increases. The general decline in spending resulted in a drop-off in delivery channel sales, including a decline in third-party aggregator sales. However, in-store sales did not decline to the same extent. Two menu price increases were implemented to protect gross profit margins compared with the typical annual increase.” The business opened five sites during the period and closed seven, leaving it with 62 outlets. Two restaurants were refurbished.

 

TRG places 17 sites on market: The Restaurant Group (TRG) has placed 17 of the 23 sites it is set to close at the end of this month on the market. At the start of the month, TRG said as part of its previously announced leisure estate rationalisation plan, the group would close 23 sites in its leisure estate at the end of May, “having successfully negotiated a number of early exits”. Propel understands TRG has now appointed Savills to market 17 of these sites individually. The sites, which are spread across England, Scotland and Wales, are 12 Frankie & Benny’s, three Chiquito restaurants, one Firejacks in Basildon and a Fresh Pizza site in London’s Victoria. The locations include major retail and leisure parks, shopping centres and roadside sites. A number of the units have the potential to be split or converted to drive-thrus.  

 

UK’s second-largest KFC franchisee falls to loss, revenue hit by return to 20% VAT rate: New Demipower, the second-largest KFC franchisee in the UK, has reported turnover fell to £220,156,760 for the year ending 31 October 2022 compared with £230,431,926 the year before after being hit by the return to the 20% VAT rate. The business made a pre-tax loss of £1,020,942 compared with a profit of £23,226,574 the previous year. The group opened four new stores in the period and now operates circa 120 sites. In November 2022, the business amended its banking facilities, which resulted in an additional £2,051,500 being made available and an extension from March to October 2025. In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors started: “The decline in turnover is due to the higher product net price in 2021 that originated from the reduced VAT rate as part of the government’s support for the hospitality industry. Sales transaction level posted an improvement year-on-year and without any interruption in trading. The group is keen to invest in new restaurants and the directors are continuously looking at opportunities to expand the business.” The company did not receive any support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (2021: £317,013) but received £250,023 in business rates grants (2021: £291,565). A dividend of £1,020,942 was paid (2021: £850,000). New Demipower features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book. Its turnover of £220,156,760 is the 39th highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Propel Premium for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription. 

 

TriSpan invests in ‘steak-frites’ concept L’Atelier de L’Entrecôte: TriSpan, the global private equity firm which backs the likes of Pho, Mowgli and Rosa’s Thai Cafe, has invested in a new “steak-frites concept” called L’Atelier de L’Entrecôte, Propel has learned. Through Rising Stars, its dedicated restaurant programme, the business has invested in L’Atelier de L’Entrecôte with chief executive Hubert Lansac. The company will focus on a European roll out “capitalising on Hubert’s 30 years of experience in the sector”. There is little information on said business, which TriSpan describes as an “exciting roll out of a ‘steak-frites’ concept in francophone continental Europe”. It marks TriSpan’s 11th restaurant investment globally, and its fifth in Europe, following previous European investments in Pho, Rosa’s Thai Café, Thunderbird Fried Chicken and Mowgli. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

Caffè Concerto owners ‘satisfied with financial performance’ and forecast ‘strong future trajectory’ following CVA: Lux Management & Investments Group, the parent company of European-style restaurant chain Caffè Concerto, has said it is “satisfied with its financial performance” and forecast a “strong future trajectory” following its company voluntary arrangement (CVA). The chain launched a CVA in February 2021 due to landlord rent disputes dating to the covid lockdowns and completed it early, in August 2022, following a one-off cash injection from a director. In the group’s accounts for the year ending 31 August 2022, director Mohammed Borjak said: “Overall, the director is satisfied with the financial performance and position of the group and intends to continue this strong trajectory in the future.” Turnover increased by 21% during the year to £3,753,912 (2021: £3,094,394) “as a result of an uninterrupted trading period following the closure of restaurants in the prior period due to covid-19 restrictions, and restructuring reducing the number of restaurants in the year ended 31 August 2021”. The group’s pre-tax profit fell to £972,341 from £2,824,792 partly due to restructuring during the CVA. The group’s financial position also improved to a net asset position of £415,702 (2021: £2,998,072 net liability) “as a result of a successful CVA”. Since the year-end, Lux has placed Caffè Concerto up for sale, as revealed exclusively by Propel in November 2022. It is understood FRP Corporate Finance has been appointed to oversee a sale process of Caffè Concerto, which currently has 25 sites in total – 19 in the UK and six in the Middle East. The accounts included no update on the sales process.

 

Punch Pubs & Co unveil inaugural ESG report: Punch Pubs & Co has unveiled its inaugural environmental, social and governance (ESG) report – Punch Promise – aimed at to helping its pubs “contribute towards the world’s goals, albeit at a local level”. The business said it had identified four key areas for targets and commitments – based around promoting and enabling physical and mental well-being; accelerating the transition to clean energy; ensuring good working conditions; and a focus on achieving zero waste to landfill. Punch said it has already taken significant steps towards reducing its carbon emissions and introduced employee mental health, diversity and inclusion programmes as part of its “Push the Pineapple” initiative. It has also implemented energy audits/savings and a behaviour change programme, as well as starting to roll out smart metering, parcel lockers and electric vehicle charging points across its pub portfolio. Clive Chesser, Punch Pubs & Co chief executive, said: “We’re on an exciting journey. We are focused on offering safe and supportive spaces that provide reasons for people to visit, whilst having a positive impact on society.”

 

Moss & Co to add two new sites to pub estate: East Anglia multi-site operator Moss & Co is to add two new sites to its seven-strong estate. The company, which was formed by David and Lisa Moss in 2011, has acquired The White Horse Inn, Badingham near Framlingham, Suffolk. Owing to personal reasons, the pub, which is housed in a 16th century grade II-listed property, closed in late 2021 but will now reopen after being leased to Moss & Co. At the same time, the business, which is led by Andrew Rogers, is to open a pub and restaurant in Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft. Broadlands at Oulton Broad will open in Tingdene Broadlands Park later this summer. Moss & Co, which previously ran The Commodore in Oulton Broad, operates pubs including The Jolly Sailors in Pakefield and The Harbour in Lowestoft. Simon Jackaman, of Fleurets, acted on the White Horse Inn deal.

 

Giggling Squid eyes Exeter opening: Giggling Squid, the Thai restaurant brand backed by the Business Growth Fund (BGF), is planning to open its first site in Devon, in Exeter. The 46-strong company has applied to take space at the current Waterstones site in the city, with the book retailer set to downsize. The new restaurant would face on to Cathedral Green. Earlier this month, Propel revealed Giggling Squid had 21 sites across the UK in legals or under offer. It has already lined up five new openings for 2023 – two in Cardiff, plus sites in Muswell Hill, Shrewsbury and Bracknell. It has also secured the ex-Bill’s site in Epsom, Surrey, for an opening in 2024. Propel understands Giggling Squid has also secured the ex-Loch Fyne site in Knowle High Street, Solihull, as it looks to build its openings pipeline. The business will open in Cardiff and Bracknell next. Propel understands the openings will be financed through cash flow and support from the company’s bank, Barclays.

 

Chipotle lines up East Dulwich opening: US brand Chipotle will further increase its presence in London “villages” with an opening in East Dulwich, Propel understands. Chipotle, which operates 15 sites in the UK – 14 in London and one in Watford – will open on the former Hisar restaurant site in Lordship Lane later this summer. Propel also understands Chipotle is in talks to open a site at the O2 in the space that was previously occupied by Benito’s Hat, and was set to become a Neat Burger. Last month, Chipotle opened its latest UK site on the former Caffe Nero site in London Road, Twickenham. Talking last month, Brian Niccol, chief executive of Chipotle, said the company’s UK business has got “great momentum” but “we’re going to take our time because we want to get it right”. Adam Bowers, of onepoint2, and Louie Gazdar, of Davis Coffer Lyons, acted on the East Dulwich deal.

 

Six by Nico linked to second Manchester site: The team behind the Six by Nico restaurant business has been linked to a second opening under its eponymous brand, in Manchester. The business has applied to open a site in the city’s John Dalton Street, underneath Yotel hotel. It opened its debut site in the city’s Spring Gardens in summer 2019. In March, Propel revealed Six by Nico had lined up an opening in Leeds for its eponymous brand. The business is understood to be lined up to take space at 9 East Parade in the city. E3 Architecture, part of Mayfair Group Investment, submitted plans to create a “prestigious” bar on the lower ground floor of the building and a restaurant with a theatre kitchen on the ground floor. The upper levels would be transformed into a shared office space with a roof terrace built-in restaurant and meeting areas. In February, Six by Nico opened a third site under its eponymous concept in Glasgow, taking Scottish-Italian chef Nico Simeone’s total UK portfolio to 11. In January, the company announced it was set to open four new sites under its core brand, as well as new bar and bakery ventures, and an international launch, on the back of a “robust financial performance”. Earlier this spring, its bakery concept Valaria opened in Glasgow’s West End.

 

Law student takes on first Burger & Sauce franchise as concept expands to Wolverhampton: Law student Saadiya Nawaz has taken on her first Burger & Sauce franchise as the concept expands to Wolverhampton. Nawaz, who has a degree in law and is currently taking her master’s degree in the subject, is set to open the restaurant this week after looking for a business to run while she studies. “My family are in food, and so for me to launch a fresh project made sense,” she said. “I have previously worked in the food industry, so also value the simplicity of the operation. The menu is uncluttered, and this makes preparation and work in the kitchen straight forward. Burger & Sauce’s tech system, where each workstation has its own screen, means everyone knows who’s doing what and makes for a happy team.” Founder Saad Masood opened the first Burger & Sauce restaurant during the pandemic, which turned over more than £1.5m in its first year. The Wolverhampton site, at 29 Market Street, will be its 12th location, with the concept aiming to reach 20 sites by the end of 2023.

 

Wendy’s testing underground tunnels to deliver pick-up orders: Underground tunnels are set to be the key to the latest experiment for pick-up orders from Wendy’s, the third-largest quick service restaurant chain. The company is working with an Austin, Texas, hyper logistics company called Pipedream to test an underground robot system that will deliver digital orders to designated parking spots in a matter of seconds. Testing for the underground delivery system will begin at an existing restaurant later this year. Deepak Ajmani, US chief operations officer for Wendy’s, said: “We know that serving orders quickly and accurately leads to increased customer satisfaction. Pipedream’s instant pick-up system has the potential to unlock greater mobile order speed of service and accuracy, enabling us to consistently deliver hot and fresh Wendy's products to our fans.” To deliver the orders as quickly as possible, Pipedream will connect the Wendy’s kitchen to an instant pick-up portal outside of the restaurant. Autonomous robots will then carry the orders through an underground delivery system to car-side pick-up portals. The company said customers will be able to get their orders without leaving their vehicles, while the automated, underground system will help employees by “streamlining digital order pick-up points”.

 

West Sussex vineyard to add new cafe and restaurant: West Sussex vineyard Bolney Wine Estate is set to add a new cafe and restaurant to its hospitality and retail area. Its existing upstairs Eighteen Acre café will be turned into a restaurant, complete with a lounge area for pre and after dinner drinks, while a new cafe will open downstairs offering sandwiches, snacks and treats using locally sourced ingredients. This follows a period of substantial growth for Bolney, with the hospitality side of the business seeing a 91% increase in revenue in the past two years. With the addition of two more tasting tour rooms and a larger shop area, Bolney has said it will increase visitor capacity by 120%. General manager James Davis said: “The changes we’re making are going to significantly increase our visitor capacity and greatly enhance their experience when here.”

 

Clitheroe operator opens Italian wine bar and cafe for second site: The operator of a Clitheroe cocktail bar has expanded with the opening of a new Italian wine bar and cafe in the Lancashire town. Carlo Graziani, who is behind The Parlour in Westgate, has launched Shawbridge, in Shawbridge Street, which includes a delicatessen counter selling traditional Italian dried goods. The 50-capacity venue has opened following a successful pop-up bar during the festive season, named Miracle on Shawbridge. Graziani said: “My vision for Shawbridge is to create a cosmopolitan place with an Italian feel to attract a discerning clientele. Clitheroe is a town with a very diverse mixture of people, and I see Shawbridge as the go-to for people to meet and enjoy a drink all in a continental and friendly atmosphere. I hope to open similar outlets in other towns.” Graziani opened The Parlour in 2016.

 

PizzaExpress set to make return to Edinburgh’s Stockbridge: PizzaExpress is set to make a return to Edinburgh’s Stockbridge after vacating an “iconic” riverside building in the area last year. The city council has granted PizzaExpress a premises licence for a unit in Raeburn Place previously used as a chocolate factory and cafe. A licensing meeting heard the company was keen to reopen a restaurant in Stockbridge following the closure of its Deanhaugh Street eatery, reports STV. PizzaExpress said in February last year that it was moving out of the building, on the banks of the Water of Leith, after more than a decade there. The former bank has since been taken over by Fulham Shore-owned Franco Manca. However, PizzaExpress has been granted a premises licence for 122-124 Raeburn Place, which was home to Ocelot Chocolate until its closure in July, just four months after opening.

 

Liverpool operator opens second New York-inspired restaurant: Liverpool operator Richard Fergie has opened a second New York-inspired restaurant in the city. Fergie opened The Good Hood in West Kirby in 2021, serving American-style cuisine, having moved to the city the previous year from Stirling. He has now opened a second The Good Hood, in the former Habibi site in Victoria Road, New Brighton. Fergie told the Liverpool Echo the new venue is “an evolution” of the West Kirby site. “New Brighton is amazing,” he added. “I loved West Kirby when I first went there, it was so calm, but New Brighton is alive, and Victoria Road is such an amazing place. West Kirby is going great, it’s been the perfect location. We’ve just got all the back re-done, so we’re set for a busy summer.”

 

Street food venue Bustler Market to expand in Nottingham: Street food venue Bustler Market is set to expand in Nottingham to provide a platform for three small independent traders to push their business to the next level. Bustler Market has taken on a second unit next door to their premises in Avenue E in Sneinton Market. The unit will have permanent kitchen spaces for traders who don't have their own base. Managing director Olivia Pritchard told Nottinghamshire Live: “The second unit is directly next to us and offers so much promise. Our aim is to make it an intimate espresso and wine bar and home to three permanent kitchens, enabling us to expand the whole Bustler offering and adding to the hub of activity in the bustling Sneinton Market area.” A Crowdfunder campaign has been launched to raise £20,000 towards fitting out the new unit. Bustler Market began as a small street food market in Derby in 2017 but is now a multi-venue operation. Since opening in Nottingham in October last year, the venue has hosted food traders including Secret Burger Club, Prad Thai and Kebab Cartel.

 

Milton Keynes Novotel goes on the market: The 124-bedroom Novotel hotel in Milton Keynes has gone on the market for an undisclosed price. Colliers has been instructed to sell the hotel, in Saxon Street near Heelands, which comes complete with conferencing and leisure facilities, including a gym, bar and 75-cover restaurant. The hotel is being offered with vacant possession, free of management or franchise agreement, but brand owner Accor would “welcome discussions” to continue either management or franchise agreement. Kit Abram, associate director of Collier’s hotel team, said: “The Novotel Milton Keynes offers a great opportunity to acquire an asset free and clear of management in a strong south east market. We expect to receive a strong level of interest from UK domestic operators, cross-border, and international capital, as well as institutional investors seeking value added opportunities.”

 

Chelmsford-based Spanish restaurant opens second site: Chelmsford-based Spanish restaurant El Chigre has opened a second site in the Essex city. The concept has opened in High Street, adding to its venue in nearby Moulsham Street. El Chigre, which offers breakfast, tapas, wine “and much more”, started out with a small site at Chelmsford market, serving only coffee and a small tapas menu, reports Essex Live.