Consumer spending in hospitality holding up well despite cost-of-living crisis: Consumer spending in hospitality is holding up well despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to CGA by NIQ’s new BrandTrack Plus research. BrandTrack Plus is CGA by NIQ’s new research tool that combines consumers’ out-of-home preferences with card spending data to deliver analysis of engagement with key hospitality brands. The insight in its launch edition shows 6.5 pence in every pound of consumers’ spending between January and July 2023 went on out-of-home eating and drinking, an increase from 6.2 pence in the same period last year. The entertainment/leisure and travel categories also increased their share of spending, in a sign that consumers remain keen to prioritise hospitality experiences even when money is tight. Typically, consumers that visit Nando’s spend over a quarter of their restaurant budget there (27%) and 73% at other competitor restaurant brands. Ego (21%) and Pizza Hut (19%) rank second and third for restaurant groups, with the highest level of consumer spending at brand relative to their competitors, while Dishoom, Hickory’s and Hawksmoor score highest for both guest satisfaction and net promoter score. Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director – hospitality operators and foo, EMEA, said: “It’s encouraging to see that hospitality venues have increased their share of consumers’ spending this year, and it’s testament to the compelling experiences offered by Britain’s restaurants, pubs and bars. But in a competitive and fast-changing market, there is no room for complacency. Our data consistently shows the close correlation between satisfaction and sales, so all brands need to stay laser-focused on guest experiences and the fundamentals of hospitality.”

Wagamama launches new menu including debut hot pots as it airs first TV commercial since 2021: Wagamama, The Restaurant Group-owned business, has launched a new menu including its first hot pots. Inspired by classic Korean flavours, the pots will feature chicken, steak or tofu in a spicy broth with seasonal vegetables and tteokbokki. The menu also sees the introduction of the Korean street food favourite, k-dogs, as well as gochujang rice bowls, available to order with chicken or shichimi tofu. A range of new sides includes rotis served with raisukatsu sauce and mushroom skewers coated in a sweet chilli and miso glaze. To mark the new menu launch, today (Wednesday, 3 October) will see the first airing of Wagamama's first television advert since 2021. The campaign draws a parallel between the sensation of open water swimming and the “refreshing, renewing and energising feeling of slurping on a steaming bowl of ramen”. It will also be partnering with the charity, Mental Health Swims, to host three swim events later this month, which will feature the first swim-up Wagamama pop-up. Kay Bartlett, chief marketing officer at Wagamama, said: “Our nourishing bowls aren’t just about food, they’re about the sensory journey and the feeling of enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Our partnership with Mental Health Swims is also an extension of our commitment to promoting well-being and mindfulness.” The Restaurant Group features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, one of six databases available exclusively to Premium members. Its turnover of £883,000,000 for the year to 1 January 2023 is the 13th 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.