Emilia’s Crafted Pasta founder – there is huge demand and potential for the brand: Andrew Macleod, founder of London-based Italian pasta restaurant concept Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, has told Propel there is huge demand and potential for the brand, which is looking to grow inside and outside the capital. The business, which Macleod founded in 2016, will open its fourth site this autumn, in Baker Street. Macleod said: “We’re getting a lot of sites offered to us from landlords and we also get a lot of messages on TikTok and Instagram requesting certain locations as well. I think the plan at the minute is we don't want to rush. We want to build a very strong foundation of sites in London that have reasonable fixed costs and that trade very strongly. We see the mistakes of a lot of brands in the 2010s, when they rushed the growth early on and essentially ended up overpaying quite a lot for property and diluting their brand offering. And that ends up biting you later down the line, because times are not always great and consumers are smart. All our sites have to work both in good and bad times.” In terms of where that expansion will come from, Macleod said the business is looking mostly inside of London, but also further afield. He said: “In London at the moment, you have 30-plus different pasta restaurants. The pasta restaurant space was non-existent before 2016, and we want to be at the forefront of creating the category around the UK moving forwards. There is a lot of competition in London. In the north of England, there are a handful of good brands, but apart from that, we were thinking and discussing internally about whether the best strategy is looking at the likes of Brighton, Guildford, Bath, Bristol and all those sort of areas, rather than competing with everybody in London. This becomes more and more compelling the more competitive pasta gets in London. Are we hindering each other fighting with so many other operators focused on London when there’s millions of people around the country who want great fresh, crafted pasta but don’t have it?” He said the company has been approached by quite a number of potential investment partners, “but we haven't engaged with them yet”. He said: “Once we’ve got a strong foundation, we want to look at bringing a partner on board in order to support us in fulfilling the potential of the brand across the UK. We’re nearly done with building the initial foundations, but there’s still a bit more to go to ensure it’s rock solid – both financially and from a team perspective – before we embark on faster growth.” Macleod said the business is trading well, helped by having built a “very young loyal brand following consisting of young professionals, millennials and Generation Z who relate to the brand ethos”.

Next Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage to feature 64 updated entries and 12 new companies, released tomorrow: The next Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage will feature 64 updated entries and 12 new companies when it is released to Premium subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 18 August), at midday. This month’s edition includes 726 companies and more than 192,000 words of content. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium subscribers also received a new database this week – the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database, which is the first time that profiles of 100 of the top food and beverage franchisees have been available in one place in the UK. The go-to database – which features many of the big franchise operators running Costa Coffee, McDonald’s and Domino’s sites – brings together a wealth of information on an increasingly important part of the market, and the first edition features more than 32,000 words of content. The sixth major database exclusive to Premium subscribers, it will be sent out bi-monthly, including new entries and updates to existing entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around the company’s background, site numbers and board make-up. Premium subscribers also receive access to four other databases: the Propel Multi-Site Database, produced in association with Virgate; the New Openings Database; the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book; and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database. 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 being given exclusive access to the recording and slides to Propel Multi-Club Conferences. They 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.

 

Late-night operators to share how they are evolving to attract staff during panel session at Propel Talent & Training Conference, open for bookings: Late-night operators will discuss how they are evolving to attract staff during a panel session at the Propel Talent & Training Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Tuesday, 3 October at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. The panel will feature Adam Dilks, group people director at Nightcap; Beth Anderson, people director at Revolution Bars Group; Chantal Wilson, people director at NQ64; and Jon Cotterill, director at the Columbo Group. The conference will showcase examples of outstanding people culture among companies within the sector and how the industry is attracting talent. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £395 plus VAT for suppliers and can be booked by emailing kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Fears expressed that sector will be hit by inflation-linked business rates hike: Fears have been expressed that sector businesses will be hit by an inflation-linked business rates hike next year. The Bank of England has announced a sharp fall in the rate of inflation to 6.8%, the second month in a row that the headline rate of inflation has come down. But UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls, while saying another fall in the overall rate of inflation is “encouraging” and “indicates a positive trend”, warned about what may follow in 2024. “Core inflation remaining flat at 7% does raise serious concerns that hospitality businesses will be hit hard by an inflation-linked hike in business rates next year,” she said. “With rate increases following the September inflation rate, we need to see a dramatic fall in inflation by then, or hospitality will face a business rates bill running into the hundreds of millions. It’s clear the fall in the overall rate has been driven by decreasing energy costs, which suggests further action on energy could result in inflation coming down far more rapidly. Ofgem has set out a number of recommendations to clean up the energy market, and these should be implemented as soon as possible.”

 

Former 23.5 Degrees store manager hoping to turn tragedy to triumph with new coffee concept, launches debut store with plans for more: A former store manager with 23.5 Degrees, the UK’s largest Starbucks franchisee, is hoping to turn tragedy to triumph with the launch of a new coffee concept. Katie Ramsden has just launched her first Hit Coffee site, at Crossgate train station in Leeds, after four years running several Starbucks stores in West Yorkshire (Chapel Allerton, Kirkstall and Abbey Retail Park), and plans to eventually expand to new locations. Her new venture is inspired by the memory of her “angel baby”, Tobias, who she lost during covid, and the subsequent birth of her “rainbow baby”, Hudson. Ramsden, who is also mother to a daughter, Isabella, told Propel: “My plan for Hit Coffee is to expand over time, with my main focus to get our mission and values across first and create awareness. I want to create a space where everyone feels welcome, and our aim is to make at least one person a day smile by doing one act of kindness – from asking how their day is to a free homemade cookie. Seeing how I could make someone smile each day really saved me, and I cannot wait to be able to do that for others in my own business. When I lost my son during covid I was so broken, I remember being in the bath unable to stop crying, and I knew I needed to put all my pain and sadness into my passion for work so I could carry on. Losing a child changes you as a person, but it allowed me to spend more time reflecting on how our actions and having a business can save someone without you realising. That’s why Hit Coffee has been formed, to serve great food and coffee, but most importantly, to be a place where you can go for a chat, be accepted and feel something other than loneliness. People may think it’s just a café, but from the name to the owner, it’s so much more. It has my whole life’s meaning, it represents me, my children and my reason for smiling every day. I hope Hit Coffee lives up to its vision and my son’s name represent something positive.” Ramsden, who is also planning to sell her homemade cakes and bakes online, added: “I have always wanted my own business, and working at 23.5 Degrees, you are lucky enough to be able to feel like your store/area is yours. I performed many roles over my four years there, from store manager to acting area manager, and I learnt that to have something successful you must put time in, allow it to evolve and find the right people.” 23.5 Degrees features in the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database, a new database which was sent to Premium subscribers yesterday. The sixth major database exclusive to Premium subscribers, it will be sent out bi-monthly, including new entries and updates to existing entries. It is the first time that profiles of 100 of the top food and beverage franchisees have been available in one place in the UK, and the first edition features more than 32,000 words of content. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, have their most recent results reported as well as broader information around the company’s background, site numbers and board make-up. Email jo.charity@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

 

TGI Fridays appoints Richard Latham as COO: TGI Fridays has appointed Richard Latham as chief operating officer, effective immediately. Latham joined TGI Fridays in 2022 as the regional director for the north west before becoming national operations director for the brand, following his tenure as the international country manager for Burger King. He had been interim chief operating officer at TGI Fridays. The company stated: “Since his leadership as interim chief operating officer, TGI Fridays’ store teams have excelled in achieving operational excellence, while delivering an exceptional guest experience that has set new benchmarks within the industry.” Chief executive Julie McEwan said: “Richard’s exceptional performance and contributions as interim chief operating officer have been invaluable, and we have no doubt that he will continue to excel and lead our company to even greater heights.” Latham added: “We have accomplished so much in such a relatively short period time, and it remains a pleasure to work alongside a group of such talented and committed individuals. While the first half of the year has been challenging, we can look to the remainder of the year with a great deal of confidence.”

 

Sourdough Sophia raises £500,000 toward future growth plans: Sourdough Sophia, the London micro bakery concept, has raised £500,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to aid its further growth in the capital. Founded by Sophia Handschuh and Jesse Sutton-Jones in Crouch End, the business achieved sales of nearly £1m last year out of its 650 square-foot bakery site. The company, which said it has an 87% repeat customer rate and a £10.26 average spend in store, raised the funds through Kickstarter in under three weeks. Sourdough Sophia plans to use the new investment to triple the capacity of its existing site and have a second store opened by the end of this year, with a third store opened by 2025. It is targeting revenues of £3m by 2026.

 

Creams appoints Oliver Rodbard as new COO: Fast-growing dessert parlour operator Creams Café has appointed Oliver Rodbard, formerly of Yum! Brands, Soul Foods Group and Freshii, as its new chief operating officer, Propel has learned. Rodbard joins Creams, which operates more than 100 sites in the UK, after 12 years in Canada, including the last two and a half as chief operating officer for Soul Foods Group, which is a franchisee for Starbucks, Burger King, Taco Bell and KFC. Previous to that, he spent two years as senior vice-president of operations at food-to-go brand Freshii. He also spent nearly seven years at Yum! Brands, including a stint as director, customer and capability, for Pizza Hut. Earlier this month, Creams signed a new partnership with Tesco to introduce a new offering alongside the retailer’s in-store cafe sites across the UK. Earlier this year, Creams, which is led by chief executive Everett Fieldgate, entered the petrol forecourt sector under a new partnership with Park Garage Group as part of its northern expansion plans. Creams has more than 100 sites in the UK, including a centre of excellence and training academy in Nottingham, and has targeted 500 stories worldwide by 2027.

 

Korean food and culture hub concept Oseyo to strengthen regional presence: Korean food and culture hub concept Oseyo is to add two further sites to its growing regional estate. Propel understands that Oseyo, which operates eight sites in London, is set to open a second site in Manchester, at the Arndale Centre. The company, which operates a site in Cambridge, already has a site in Manchester’s Oxford Road. At the same time, it is understood the business has lined up a site in Guildford’s North Street, for an opening later this year. The concept’s sites feature traditional Korean cuisine, a fresh ingredients section and a Korean pancake station as well as non-food including Korean cosmetics, K-pop albums, stationery and Korean household appliances such as talking rice cookers.

 

Former Empire cinema estate brought to market: The former Empire cinema estate has been brought to market by administrators. Independently owned cinema operator Empire collapsed into administration with the immediate loss of 150 jobs last month. Six cinemas in the chain were closed, with a further eight under threat. Administrators BDO have now appointed CBRE to sell the portfolio of eight cinemas comprising two luxury boutique Tivoli cinemas, five multiplex cinemas and one classic standalone cinema. The assets are located across England, in Bath, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Clydebank, High Wycombe, Ipswich, Sutton and Sutton Coldfield, and are available to purchase as either a single portfolio, individual sites or a combination thereof. The sites are available on a variety of tenures with freeholds, long leaseholds and occupational leaseholds. In addition to the cinemas, the fully operational head office in Leicester Square will be offered as part of the sale, which is on a peppercorn rent for the next three years. Toby Hall, senior director, operational real estate at CBRE, said: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire profitable, operating cinemas in a market with renowned high barriers to entry. The sale can either act as a platform for parties to enter the sector or allow existing operators to complement their current estate by acquiring individual or multiple cinemas. We have received significant interest from a wide pool of prospective buyers as they look to capitalise on a recovering industry.” Empire Cinemas was founded in 2005 following the mergers of Odeon and UCI, and Cineworld and UGC. The Office of Fair Trading ruled that both new groups should lose a number of their cinemas, which created an opportunity for Empire to be created.

 

North Yorkshire McDonald’s franchisee anticipating strong summer sales as price rises executed, expects slower delivery growth as market ‘normalises’, sells restaurant for £1.5m: North Yorkshire McDonald’s franchisee JRA Family Restaurants has said it is anticipating strong summer sales as price rises are executed, but expects slower growth in delivery as the market “normalises” post pandemic. “We will expect strong sales growth as a result of our menu and marketing plans across the year, but will see a significant benefit as a result of McCrispy and the permanent launch of McSpicy products,” said director Jason Atherton in his statement accompanying the company’s accounts for the year to 31 December 2022. “We anticipate strongest sales throughout the summer of 2023 as we execute higher levels of pricing alongside seeing continued benefit from our digital plans, including MyMcDonald’s rewards. We anticipate delivery to see softer growth in 2023 as the market continues to normalise after the pandemic and we achieve our new post-covid baseline for the channel. However, we expect to continue to grow market share ahead of our competitors. In 2023, we expect both in-store and drive-thrus to see similar levels of growth, with in-store visits likely to see a greater impact from the cost-of-living crisis. However, this will be slightly offset due to higher proportion of sales flowing through from McDelivery, which will have an increased pricing benefit.” The company, which operates eight McDonald’s franchises, employing circa 970 members of staff, reported turnover of £37,144,699 for the period, up from £34,493,412 in 2021. Its pre-tax profit dropped from £4,990,064 to £1,511,989. It received no government grants (2021: £352,074). Dividends of £584,000 were paid (2021: £84,000). In March 2023, the company sold its restaurant in Knaresborough Retail Park for £1.5m. Atherton said the growth in sales is predominantly due to a growth in delivery sales. “Store and delivery sales profitability, although strong in the first half of 2022, has been impacted in the second half of the year by, among other things, the increase in VAT, a volatile supply chain and rising costs base,” he added. “The financial position of the company is healthy, with the balance sheet showing net assets of £6.50m, increased from £5.89m in 2021.”

 

Pret confirms plans to make debut in Northern Ireland: Pret A Manger has confirmed its first shop in Northern Ireland is set to open later this year, in Belfast city centre, operated by its longstanding franchise partner Carebrook Partnership. The shop in Donegall Square West will be Pret’s fourth on the island of Ireland, having opened three shops in the Republic of Ireland capital, Dublin, in the last 18 months. It plans to open 20 shops across the island of Ireland in the next decade. Pret now operates in 15 markets on three continents and expects to have more than 700 shops worldwide by the end of 2023. Earlier this year, Pret announced half-year revenue in 2023 reached £429.9m, growing by 20.2% compared with the same period in 2022. International expansion has been a key driver of this growth, with international sales now accounting for 18.9% of Pret's revenue. Carebrook Partnership is one of Pret’s longest serving franchise partners, having worked with the business for 30 years, overseeing many shops in London including Camden, Belsize Park and Finchley. Gerard Loughran, the majority co-owner and former Itsu chief executive, grew up in Nenagh, County Tipperary, and has more than 30 years’ experience in the UK and US food sector. Minority co-owner Ray McNamara, from Dublin, has 25 years’ experience in the Irish food industry, including ownership of Ann’s Bakery. Clare Clough, UK & Ireland managing director at Pret, said: ’We’re delighted to be opening Pret’s first shop in Northern Ireland as part of our ambitious plans to bring Pret to more people.” Loughran, chief executive at the Carebrook Partnership, said: “This new opening in Belfast is an important milestone for our partnership with Pret, and it’s fantastic to finally be bringing the Pret brand to Northern Ireland.”

 

Black Sheep Coffee opens Welsh debut site: Speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee has opened its first site in Wales. The fast-growing brand has opened in a unit in Southgate House in Wood Street, Cardiff. It has also opened a new site in High Wycombe, in the town’s Eden shopping centre. It comes after the business opened its 70th UK site in June, in The Sidings, the new destination space within the former Eurostar terminal at London’s Waterloo station. The company has more than ten sites confirmed for its openings pipeline in the UK, including sites in London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Manchester, Warrington and Colchester, and is also set to open a site at Luton airport. Black Sheep also plans to make its debut in the US before the end of the year and has selected Texas as its entry point.

 

State of Play Hospitality opens first Bounce site since pandemic, featuring new design and ‘elevated’ F&B offering: State of Play Hospitality, the Toby Harris-led experiential leisure operator, has opened the first site under its ping pong concept, Bounce, since the pandemic. The site, within the redeveloped Battersea Power Station, is the third London venue for Bounce, joining Farringdon and Old Street, and the group’s 11th across its four brands. The new opening coincides with a “complete brand transformation” for Bounce, including an “elevated food and beverage offering”, featuring a new sourdough pizza menu and cocktails in partnership with Dalston cocktail bar Three Sheets. With room for up to 300 people to play, it will offer 12 ping pong tables, two shuffleboards and two beer pong tables. Bounce Battersea will also feature the brand’s first hi-tech digital platform, where guests can power up their play with automated scoring. Harris said: “I'm thrilled to be opening an all-new look for Bounce with our third London venue in the heart of the iconic Battersea Power Station. With the brand thriving, it’s long been a goal to relaunch it with a fresh new design, and I’m over the moon with the results. While dialling into all the energy and playfulness long associated with Bounce, we’ve also leant further into the aesthetics of ping pong than before.” Bounce has also pledged to provide opportunities for the Battersea community by hiring local people to work in the venue.

 

Soho House confirms Glasgow plans: Soho House has confirmed it will open its first private members club in Scotland, in Glasgow city centre, next year. Located just off George Square, Soho House Glasgow will have various spaces for members to eat, drink and socialise across four floors including a roof terrace. The redevelopment of the former Glasgow Parish Council Chambers and Collectors Hall form part of the Love Loan urban regeneration project that is taking shape in Glasgow’s city centre. Soho House & Co chief executive Andrew Carnie said: “From its renowned School of Art to its rich architectural heritage and the city’s lively music scene, Glasgow has a creative energy that makes it an exciting choice for our first Scottish location. Over the last year, we’ve been building a diverse and creative community of members in Glasgow with ‘Cities Without Houses’ and can now confirm we’re bringing a Soho House to the city.” Earlier this week, Propel reported that construction delays that Soho House is experiencing with opening in Manchester has not put off membership applications, which are ahead of expectations. The opening in the old Granada Studios development in the city has now been pushed into next year. Last week, Carnie said the company’s businesses in the UK and Europe both had their strongest quarter since the pandemic in the three months to the end of July, both in terms of spend per visit, aided by the return of US tourists, and improvements in the company’s food offer. 

 

Paultons Park sees turnover and profits fall as ‘staycation’ bubble bursts and cost pressures bite but both remain above pre-pandemic levels: Hampshire theme park Paultons Park saw its turnover and profits fall in the year ending 27 November 2022 as the UK “staycation” bubble burst and cost pressures took hold, but both remain above pre-pandemic levels. Turnover dropped from £40,363,476 in 2021 to £34,686,738. This compares with £29,625,448 in the last full year before covid, ending 1 December 2019. Its pre-tax profit was down from £15,994,312 in 2021 to £7,529,010 (2019: £6,631,442). The company received £6,000 in government grants compared with £679,000 in 2021. Dividends of £6.5m were paid compared with £14m in 2021 – a year which managing director Richard Mancey had called a “good blip” as the park benefited from the “staycation” boom. “The ability of families to travel more freely for holidays abroad compared with the previous two seasons meant visitor numbers were under pressure compared with the 2020-21 season,” Mancey said in his statement accompanying the latest accounts. “This, coupled with the fact the park was working to its full rather than covid-driven reduced capacity levels, meant the urgency to book tickets well in advance was not so prevalent. However, despite this, and the fact the well-publicised cost-of-living pressures started to bite during the season, guest numbers remained within expected levels. The park's retail and food and beverage departments, despite challenges, recorded strong performances against the key metrics. Despite the significant challenges the season provided, the company remains in a strong financial position with closing assets reported as £18,507,842, a decrease of £63,554 from the end of the previous period.” A new junior roller coaster, Farmyard Flyer, opened during the period, and plans are in place for a new junior water ride to open in the second quarter of 2024. Mancey said recruitment of seasonal team members “continued to be challenging” while the availability and price increases of items used in the food and beverage operations “remained an issue”. 

 

London stuffed gelato concept closes: Stuffed, the London stuffed gelato doughnut concept founded during lockdown by Ikram Hussain, has closed after failing to expand through franchising. The first Stuffed opened in Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch in 2021, and it last year launched a franchise offer, with ten franchise sites lined up, including its debut regional site. But these failed to materialise, and the company has now been dissolved.

 

Scottish premium catering business set to launch first restaurant: Scottish premium catering business Fallachan Dining is set to launch its first restaurant, Fallachan Kitchen. Led by chef Craig Grozier, Fallachan Dining has been offering “tailored dining experiences for a range of clients and events, from premium brands to intimate family affairs, as well as public dining events” since 2012. It is now set to launch Fallachan Kitchen at Arch 15 in Finneston, Glasgow, in the autumn and will build up to the opening by hosting a series of pop-up dinners. Fallachan Kitchen’s menu will reflect the philosophy of Fallachan Dining, which works directly with Scottish growers, foragers, butchers and fishermen. Grozier said: “I am passionate about the craft of cooking. To showcase Scotland’s larder, we’re looking forward to using the new season young grouse, which will be served with girolles that we forage for ourselves.”

 

The Doxford Group strengthens team with five senior appointments: Northumberland operator The Doxford Group has made five senior appointments to support its significant expansion, including the growth of its three venues. The company is behind Doxford Barns, which is located on a private 550-acre estate north of Alnwick, as well as the nearby Charlton Hall Estate and The Tempus boutique hotel. As the group looks to grow its two wedding venues and hotel, Darren McErlain has been promoted to group financial controller. McErlain will apply his knowledge of the hospitality industry to develop The Doxford Group’s financial controls and systems. Elsewhere, Vaida Cesneltye has joined as revenue manager for the three sites, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience, while Marcus Klemm has been appointed hotel manager at The Tempus. Katherine Goodwin joins the team as executive assistant to the directors, Richard Shell and Mark Gubbins, with Joanne Percival becoming venue manager for Doxford Barns. Earlier this year, the business secured a £7m loan from NatWest following a successful post-covid bounce back.

 

Zizzi set to open in Chatham: Azzurri Group-owned Zizzi is set to open in Chatham – its first restaurant in the Medway district of Kent. A premise licence application has recently been submitted by the chain, which is looking to take over an empty space at Chatham Dockside. The unit was previously home to Italian restaurant Villagio and Tex-Mex concept Chimichanga, which closed in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Work is yet to start to convert the site, reports Kent Live. Azzurri chief executive Steve Holmes told Propel in June the Zizzi, ASK and Coco Di Mama operator would like to open more ASKS and Zizzis in the next months, adding: “I think we’ll see how we trade in the first part of 2023”.

 

Boxpark delays Liverpool opening until early 2024: Boxpark has delayed the opening of its new Liverpool venue until next spring. The venue had originally been due to open in the historic Canning Hall, part of the Cains Brewery Village estate, in the autumn. A reason for the delay has not been given. The scheme represents an investment of more than £3.5m into the Baltic Triangle and is expected to create 150 jobs. Boxpark Liverpool will be the first of its kind outside of London, adding to the three current sites in Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley. Boxpark, which was founded in 2011 and was backed by LDC in 2021, holds a 15-year lease with Cains Brewery Village for the site. Liverpool City Council approved plans for the city’s Boxpark venue in January this year. The news of the opening delay comes after Boxpark issued a fresh call for prospective food traders to apply for a place at the venue. Boxpark head of new business and partnerships, Dan Fullarton, told Business Live: “As we get closer to opening Boxpark Liverpool, we want to ensure as many independent food operators as possible have the chance to put their businesses forward, so we’re issuing a fresh call for prospective traders both in Liverpool and nationally. Given this is our first Boxpark site outside of London, we feel so passionate about the city and the talent it has to offer to the venue, and we are confident we have one of the most unique and exciting offerings coming to the city in 2024.”

 

First UK Starbucks franchisee to open drive-thru adds to estate: The first UK Starbucks franchisee to open a drive-thru has added to its estate with an opening in Oxford’s Westgate Centre. The Magic Bean Company, which was founded in 2014 and operates 24 sites across West Wales, the Midlands and Oxfordshire, has opened the store at Unit L27B at 102 Westgate Queen Street, creating 20 jobs. Rob Todorov, head of operations at The Magic Bean Company, said: “We are excited to open our new store and look forward to welcoming the Oxford community.” It is the company’s second Oxford site, having already opened one in Cornmarket Street. It operates 16 sites in Wales and eight in England.

Tops Pizza set to launch first Brighton branch: Tops Pizza, which has circa 70 branches across the UK, will launch its first Brighton branch today (Thursday, 17 August). It will replace the former site of Russian-owned company Dodo Pizza in York Place, which closed last year amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Tops Pizza’s offering includes a German doner pizza with gherkins and tomato sauce; the “Peri Peri Lover” with chicken, chorizo, peppers, red onion and tomato; and the “Tops Club” with chicken, bacon, tomato, three different cheeses and ranch sauce.