Managed operators end year on a high with sales up 8.8% in December, bars see first growth since January 2023: Britain’s managed hospitality groups generated year-on-year sales growth of 8.8% in December, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker reveals. The result capped a solid 2023 for managed pubs, bars and restaurants, who collectively achieved like-for-like growth in every month. December’s figure is a sharp increase from 4.0% in November and double the current rate of inflation in the UK, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The tracker – produced by CGA by NIQ in partnership with RSM UK – reveals like-for-like sales growth of 9.6% for pubs in December, while restaurants enjoyed an 8.3% upswing. Bars bounced back from a long run of negative figures with growth of 5.6% – the segment’s first growth since January 2023. Trading in the on-the-go segment, a new segment for the tracker, was 3.1% ahead. For the 12th time in the last 13 months, growth in London was higher than elsewhere. Groups’ sales within the M25 in December were 11.2% up on last year, compared with an 8.1% increase outside the capital. Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said: “December’s tracker numbers show the enduring appeal of pubs, bars and restaurants over the festive season. They are a welcome sign that pressure on consumers’ spending may be easing, and the extra revenue is vital to groups as we enter quieter trading months. However, cost and labour issues mean some businesses remain under severe pressure. All operators will need to stay resolutely focused on the fundamentals of great hospitality in order to sustain real-terms growth throughout 2024.”

 

Last two days to book for Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit 2024: Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its sixth edition next week, and tickets are on sale until close-of-play tomorrow (Friday, 19 January). The event is a partnership between Propel and Think Hospitality, aiming to build a community, promote the sharing of ideas, recognise talent and define the future of eating out. The two-day conference is the centrepiece of the January event series, taking place on 23 and 24 January at One Moorgate Place in London. The conference will focus on marcomms strategies, proposition and concept development, the latest market insights, technology and digital developments, diversification of revenue streams and how brands are adapting to the new normal. It is designed for marketing, development and innovation teams, as well as senior executives and investors wanting to better understand the latest marketing, innovation and development opportunities to build market share and grow. Day two speakers include: Jenny Packwood, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer at KFC UK; Andre Johnstone, sales and marketing director at Urban Pubs & Bars; Hannah Clark, UK head of marketing at Sticks ‘n’ Sushi; Megan Trimble, marketing director (Bella Italia) at The Big Table Group; Sarah McDermott, marketing director at BrewDog Bars; Aaron Solomon, chief executive and co-founder at Ambl; Mark Stretton, co-founder and chief executive at Fleet Street; Punch Pubs & Co chief executive Clive Chesser; Elior chief executive Catherine Roe; Emma Banks, vice-president of food and beverage strategy and development EMEA at Hilton UK & Ireland; Paul Flatters, chief executive of insight agency Trajectory; Victoria Page, purpose and ESG lead at Fleet Street; Jonathan Doughty, managing director at Viklari Consulting; Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink; Mikala Kofoed Rasmussen, senior manager at Wonderful Copenhagen; Marta Pogroszewska, managing director at Gail’s Bakery; Rory Sutherland, vice-chairman of Ogilvy; Eljesa Saciri, general manager at The Zetter Marylebone; Michael Ingemann, chairman of Think Hospitality; Hilari Voorthuis, global food and beverage manager at Fairmont Hotel & Resorts; Sven Sallaerts, co-founder of Younique Concepts; Tom Patrick, marketing director at Banana Tree; Libby Andrews, marketing director at Pho Restaurants; Ali Alt Recanati, co-founder and brand and marketing director at Farmer J; Dan Brookman, chief executive of Airship and Toggle; Ben Webb, managing director at 3Stories; Joel Robinson, digital and technology director at Azzurri Group; Maya Orr, managing director at Connect Management; Anthony Knight, sales and marketing director at Incipio Group; Lynsey Benton, brand and franchising manager at I am Doner; Myles Doran, former commercial director at Revolution Bars Group and managing director at Hospitality Inc; Supersonic founder Mark McCulloch; Olivia FitzGerald, chief sales and marketing officer at Zonal; Sheri Williamson, marketing director at Bill’s Restaurants; and Tom Johnson, marketing director at Boxpark. For the full schedule, click here. A one-day ticket for operators is £295 plus VAT while a two-day ticket is £550 plus VAT. Supplier tickets are £395 plus VAT for one day and £700 plus VAT for two. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Jo Charity at Propel on jo.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

Next Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage to feature record 142 updated entries and 57 new companies, released tomorrow: The next Who’s Who of UK Food and Beverage will feature a record 142 updated entries and 57 new companies when it is released to Premium subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 19 January), at midday. This month’s edition includes 838 companies and more than 227,000 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 members also receive access to five other databases: the Multi-Site Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. Propel is evolving its Premium subscription offer by launching Premium Club on Thursday, 1 February. All circa 4,000 existing subscribers automatically become members. The launch of Premium Club comes with even more benefits. All subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to four Propel paid-for events – The Excellence in Pub Retailing Conference (14 May), Social Media for Profit (18 July), the Talent and Training Conference (1 October) and Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025). Operators will also be able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club members receive their daily Propel Info newsletter 11 hours earlier than standard subscribers, at 7pm the evening before. They also receive videos of presentations at eight Propel conference events two weeks after they are held. This represents around 100 videos of industry insight over the course of the year. Premium Club members will be sent a dedicated monthly newsletter that will highlight key updates in the sector and direct subscribers to all the vital content their membership offers. Premium Club members also receive exclusive opinion columns every Friday at 5pm, which include the thoughts of Propel group editor Mark Wingett and a host of industry leaders from across the sector. A Propel Premium subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. 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. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

‘Endless’ business cost increases risking inflation spike, sector leaders warn: “Endless” business cost rises are risking a spike in inflation, sector leaders have warned. Inflation rose unexpectedly to 4% in December due to tobacco and alcohol prices increasing – according to the Office for National Statistics – up from 3.9% in November. But the government has been warned there will be worse to come unless it takes action. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, called for a short-term business rates hike cap and a longer-term reduction in VAT for the sector. She said: “This rise in inflation, albeit slight, will come as no surprise to those of us that have been warning the endless rise in business costs risks an inflationary spike at the start of this year. With inflation having fallen steadily over the past year, the high business costs that remain a significant part of the economy risk reversing this downward trend. Hospitality is the highest contributor to the growth in the inflation rate this month, and with business rates and the national living wage set to increase in April, hospitality venues will have no choice but to pass these costs on to consumers, once again fuelling inflation. Businesses have absorbed costs as much as they can, but with food inflation remaining at 15%, wage costs continuing to rise and the impact of the cost of living being felt in customer demand, they can do so no longer.” Writing on X, Alex Reilley, executive chairman of cafe bar operator Loungers, said: “While inflation-busting national living wage increases haven’t yet come into force, businesses will have started to mitigate against the impact through some price increases. I’d be surprised if this trend doesn’t continue (and worsen).” Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, added: “The increase in December’s inflation rate underscores the unrelenting cost pressures faced by the beer and pub sector and the continued challenge to manage these costs and keep businesses operating. It makes it more important that the chancellor addresses the tax burden our industry faces and continues to invest in breweries and pubs at the spring Budget.”

 

Freehold pub prices dropped 18% in 2023: Average trading freehold pub prices dropped by 18% in 2023, according to Fleurets’ 2024 survey of pub prices. This compares with a 41% jump in 2022 and a post-pandemic 9.5% rise in 2021. The national average sale price was £717,000. In the north, it was down 12% to £466,000, and in the south, it was down 9% to £1.05m. “The freehouse market in 2023 can be summarised as having a lack of private buyers,” the report said. “Transactional activity was actually slightly higher than last year, but looking in detail, this can be seen to be a result of certain types of assets being sold, mainly to corporate operators or developers. Wet led freehold pubs have been in strong demand, with the most active buyers being Valiant, Trust Inns and Red Oak, mainly in the north of England. Only 45% of freehouse sales in the year were to individual or small independent buyers, with 55% going to corporate operators and developers. The food led, mid-market, mid-size operations, which despite being viable and profitable businesses, is where the squeeze on demand was most strongly felt.” It said the average sale price was affected by a -10% drop in fair and maintainable trade (FMT) overall, indicating a reduction in the quality of operation being sold. FMT was down -5% in the south and -3% in the north. It was also impacted by an increased proportion of sales being in the north 57% (44%) at lower values. The report said prospects for 2024 include increasing selective demand for specific opportunities; lower inflation and interest rates with increasing confidence in the second half; and an increasing number of unprofitable/low profit pubs. It also forecast a delayed effect of increasing mortgage costs as fixed term deals end; a squeeze on disposable income for some consumer profiles; and potential pressure on operators from lenders as debt is refinanced this year.

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a historic luxury five-star hotel in London that is seeking a health and safety manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The business is looking for a highly self-motivated, structured, hands-on, dynamic and professional person to join its security department. You will oversee everything health and safety, including food safety and environmental initiatives. Some of the duties will include overseeing the health and safety system, carrying out workplace assessments, implementing any changes that are needed, managing the food safety including inspections, assisting the heads of departments with risk assessments and ensuring a work safe environment.” The salary is up to £70,000. For more information, email Ed@corecruitment.com.

 

M&B CEO – Nicholsons, Browns and Toby Cavery led the way over festive season, still has scope on pricing: Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers (M&B), has told Propel that while all parts of the business did well over the festive season, its Nicholsons, Browns and Toby Carvery brands “led the way”. It comes as the All Bar One and Harvester operator reported strong trading over the festive season, with like-for-like sales in the 15 weeks to 13 January 2024 up 7.7% and total sales growth of 9.7% versus the prior year. During this period, food like-for-like sales increased 8.7%, with drink sales up 6.6%. For the seven weeks to 13 January 2024, like-for-like sales were up 8.2%, with food like-for-like sales up 9.0% and drinks up 7.2%. Urban said: “Our first quarter, which ends this week, should be strong. The next few months are difficult to read in the cold dark weeks of January, when our guests are paying for their festive excesses, but we see no reason why we shouldn’t return to our P1 and P2 pre-Christmas trading levels. Macro costs are okay, although the escalating problems emanating from the Gaza crisis is an area of concern.” Urban said the business still has scope on pricing versus the market. He said: “As always, we will take pricing decisions based upon customer insight, market comparison, and headline inflation.” At the same time, M&B’s Birmingham headquarters have been acquired in a £46m deal by Sterling Property Ventures’ new asset management and investment arm. The developer has purchased the asset at 27 Fleet Street and 65 Lionel Street from Legal and General Investment Management. M&B has a 20-year lease on 95,000 square feet of purpose-built office space in the building, which was developed in 2003. Mitchell’s & Butler’s features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book. Its turnover of £2,208,000,000 for the year ending 24 September 2022 is the second 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 kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Exclusive ­– Market Halls trading ‘very strongly’ following 55% lfl sales rise in December, 2024 openings set to include first venue outside London: Market Halls, the London food market hall operator, has told Propel that current trading is “very strong” as it saw a 55% like-for-like sales rise in December, and said its 2024 openings is set to include its first venue outside the capital. The Gees Court-backed business – which operates sites in London’s Oxford Street, Canary Wharf and Victoria – said it doubled the number of booked guests through its doors in December compared with the previous year. Sales were boosted by large corporate bookings, a high-profile appearance on BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals, bespoke Christmas dishes and private hires of spaces such as the Winter Roof Gardens at Market Halls Victoria. Andy Lewis-Pratt, chief executive of Market Halls, told Propel: “We’ve had an excellent festive period and we’re delighted to have seen such phenomenal growth on last year – it’s great to see demand for the food hall experience at an all-time high. Our trade for the first six months of this financial year has been very strong and is ahead of budget. While people are more conscious about the money they spend, our price point remains attractive for quick lunches, large group gatherings and everything in between. Our guests are now seeking more from a night out and our live music and DJ sets have resulted in increased footfall and longer dwell times. We are looking at other ways in which we can expand on this trend in 2024.” Market Halls said in September that it plans to open an average of two or three new sites per year over the next five years, in major UK cities and regional hubs, with target cities including Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. “Our expansion plans remain on track,” Lewis-Pratt added. “We expect to shortly announce the location of our next prime central London venue, with an anticipated opening of the third quarter in 2024. We are under offer on our first site outside London, with a target opening of the fourth quarter. We are also in detailed negotiations for two further venues. Demand from operators remains as strong as ever and we are looking to elevate our offer further with these new site openings. We are regularly rotating our traders to keep our offer fresh and exciting.” Market Halls’ revenue increased 155% to £22m in the 12 months to July 2023 compared with £8.6m the year before.

 

Hub Box founder – after a year of consolidation, we are ready to go again: Richard Boon, founder of Hub Box, the south west-based burger brand, has told Propel the company is set “to go again” after a year of consolidation, with the business on the verge of securing new external investment. Boon told the Propel that the 11-strong business has already secured another round of investment from its existing shareholder base, which includes Loungers founders Alex Reilley and Jake Bishop, and was in advanced talks with private investors on securing further funding. It comes after a year of consolidation for the business, which closed its site in Bristol’s Whiteladies Road after its lease ended and saw Boon take a more hands-on role with the concept he founded ten years ago. He told Propel: “I’ve spent the past three months refining our proposition. Since covid, our menu has evolved and embraced steaks and seafood as we have sites in coastal locations and a wide customer base. Ultimately, I believe this decision was wrong and we needed to stay in our lane. We’re now focused on burgers. We have been obsessing over new burgers, enhancements on old favourites and returning some Hub Box classics. We’ve deep dived into burger history and have had exhaustive new product development. All the signs are that 2024 is looking good for us. We’ve got new investment from our existing shareholder base, we’re close to securing some new external investment from private investors and are looking at our next growth phase. We want to build on the foundations we have strengthened over the past 12 months. Personally, I have enjoyed being at the coalface again and working closely with our excellent ops and management teams.” Regarding further expansion, the deals on sites in Worthing and Weymouth have fallen by the wayside, but Boon said the business is looking “to get back into my home town of Bristol” while also looking at opportunities on the south coast and in South Wales. He said: “We are looking to the second quarter of this year as the time to go again when it comes to pushing the expansion button.” In the year to 31 December 2022, the company reported a turnover of £14,880,347 (2021: £12,322,354), with an Ebitda of £524,876 (2021: £1,537,747). Pre-tax loss stood at £1,148,000 (2021: loss of £282,000) as the business grappled with a “significant increase in energy and inflationary costs”. It is thought that turnover for the current year will be around £16m, with site Ebitda described as “much improved”.

City Pub Group shareholders approve Young’s takeover: Shareholders at City Pub Group, the owner and operator of circa 50 pubs across southern England and Wales, have approved its takeover by Young’s. A total of 99.69% of shareholders have voted in favour of the acquisition. Young’s first agreed to acquire the Clive Watson-led group in November, with the deal being valued at around £162m. City Pub Group said at the time that it intended to recommend unanimously that shareholders vote in favour of the scheme. Under the terms of the acquisition, each City Pubs shareholders will be entitled to 108.75p in cash and 0.032658 of a new Young’s A Shares for each City Pubs share. Following the offer, Young’s chief executive Simon Dodd told Propel it provides a “strong opportunity to accelerate our growth strategy”.

 

US health food concept Coolgreens eyes UK launch: US health food concept Coolgreens is looking to make its UK debut, in London, this year, Propel has learned. The business, which was founded in 2009 by Robert Lee, is understood to be working with property advisors Time Retail Partners on its plans to launch in the UK. It is currently looking for locations in the capital with a dense office population, close to tube stations across central London. The fast-casual brand currently operates 11 corporate and franchise sites in the US, across Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and Florida. The company said: “At Coolgreens, our mission is to fuel healthy communities with fresh food through a chef-inspired menu of signature salads, wraps, grain bowls, and sandwiches.”

 

Megan’s reports most successful Christmas to date as it achieves record monthly restaurant Ebitda, lfls up 19.3%: Megan’s, the fast-growing cafe and deli concept, has reported its most successful Christmas trading period to date as it achieved record monthly restaurant Ebitda. The 18-site all-day restaurant group saw like-for-like sales in the period increase 19.3% compared with last year. Finance director Gill Clements said. “The combination of our streamlined operations and the allure of our festive offerings were instrumental in achieving a record monthly restaurant Ebitda of more than £800,000 in December 2023 and a remarkable 8.7% in cover growth compared with last year. Our results are indicative of our appeal across a broad range of demographics, the efforts of our fantastic front and back of house teams and our ability to offer our guests something for every occasion. We remain on track to deliver revenue and company Ebitda of circa £30m and £5m respectively for the year to March 2024. The return of our festive sharing boards emerged as a highlight, creating memorable experiences for our guests and contributing significantly to the success of our Christmas results. Our sights are set firmly on growth, with our attention now turning to the opening of our 19th site, at Parsons Green later this month – the first of four sites secured so far for 2024. This will set the stage for what promises to be another record-breaking year for our business.”

 

North Brewing Co seeks investment in bid to prevent putting some parts of business into administration: Leeds brewer and retailer North Brewing Co is seeking investment as it aims to prevent putting some parts of the business into administration. London law company Weightmans has filed notice of intent to appoint administrators for North Brewing, North Brewing Management and North Brewing Leisure. The wider company operates 12 sites, but it is the brewery and the four-strong taproom estate that is affected. Its North Bar venues are unaffected and continue to trade as normal. A statement from co-founders John Gyngell and Christian Townsley said: “We can confirm we’ve submitted a notice of intent. We’re currently working with advisors and have recently commenced a process to seek additional investment into our business, which will enable us to push forward with our plans for 2024 and beyond. Like the rest of the hospitality and brewing world, over the last four years we’ve endured the turbulence of covid, Brexit, material cost increases, cost-of-living crisis and interest rate rises. As a result, we’ve been looking for investment and will have news to share in the coming days. Due to the commercial nature of the discussions, we can’t say more but will keep you updated as soon as we can share further details. All North Bar venues are unaffected.” Latest accounts for North Brewing Co for the year ending 31 March 2022 show the company was loss making and had debts of £2,775,361 owed within the year. Turnover was not disclosed, but in the accounts, Gyngell said revenue had increased by more than 45% during the period. In 2020, the company unveiled its new multimillion pound home in Springwell, north Leeds, inside a 21,000 square-foot former tannery. The move meant the brewery could double its capacity, open a new 500-person taproom, and locate its bar and headquarters under one roof. The business, which was founded in 2015, secured funding from the Business Growth Programme Fund from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to support the project. The combined North Bar and North Brewing businesses now consists of venues across Leeds and the surrounding area, as well as in Birmingham, Manchester, and its first overseas site, in Treviso, Italy. 

 

Mooboo set to launch new coffee shop concept: Mooboo – one of the largest bubble tea operators in the UK with more than 100 locations – is set to launch a new coffee shop concept. The franchise brand, which was founded by Eric Khaw and made its debut in Camden in 2012, is preparing to launch Daku, with a first site lined up in London’s High Street Kensington. “We’re over the moon to introduce our latest passion project: Daku!” the business said. “Get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of specialty coffee, where every cup is a journey of joy and flavour. Hold on to your mugs because we’re bringing something extraordinary to High Street Kensington—the heart of our coffee revolution! Our on-site coffee bean roasting will take your taste buds on an adventure of unparalleled freshness – imagine a burst of sunshine in every sip. This isn’t just a coffee shop – it’s a ground-breaking concept hitting the UK for the first time, and it’s making its debut in High Street Kensington. Get ready to savour the extraordinary with Daku!” Mooboo ended last year with openings in Blackpool (on the ground floor of the Houndshill shopping centre) and three in London – at 6 Broadway in Stratford, 157 Wandsworth High Street and 18 London Road in Elephant & Castle.

 

Angel investor buys 5% stake in Boss Pizza for £100,000, valuing company at £2m: Angel investor Shalim Abs has acquired a 5% stake in Boss Pizza for £100,000, valuing the company at £2m. Abs is also managing director at both Shalims Indian Restaurant and Playyard Bar in Weymouth; and a director at both Asian restaurant supply business Imran Brothers and sustainable tea brand London Tea Exchange. He is also a board member at urban Indian concept The Curry Guys and was previously managing director at Weymouth better burger brand Hao Cow. “My team has a keen eye for identifying promising opportunities and Boss Pizza is clearly demonstrating that it has excellent upside potential,” Abs said. “I am excited in what’s to come for this company, with many projects on the slate and more to come. Pizza is a competitive market, but I have full confidence that Boss Pizza’s success and growth will continue for a long time to come.” Boss Pizza was founded during the pandemic by Ajmal Mushtaq, who used to operate Mushtaq’s restaurant in Hamilton, Scotland, and has ambitions to reach 100 sites by 2026. It currently has two locations in Scotland, and having earlier this week secured its first franchisee, Muhammed Ali, is preparing to make its English debut with a site in Acton, west London. “Delighted to have secured this investment, which enables us to tap into Shalim’s vast experience, which will be invaluable as we embark on a journey to grow Boss Pizza into a national brand,” Mushtaq added.

 

London-based pasta concept Al Dente to open fourth site: Al Dente, the London-based pasta restaurant concept, is to open its fourth site in the capital, in Islington. The business, which is led by Filippo Gallenzi, has taken the last remaining unit at 2 Upper Street for an opening later this year. The company opened its biggest to date in 2022, in South Kensington. At 180 square metres, the restaurant, at 65 Old Brompton Road, has capacity for 50 diners indoors and 12 alfresco, along with an on-site signature Pastificio, where pasta is made fresh daily. Al Dente also operates sites in Fitzrovia and Monument.

 

Cornish Bakery planning to ‘double or triple in size’, seeks MD to lead next stage of growth: Fast-growing independent chain The Cornish Bakery has said it is planning to “double or triple in size”. The brand told Propel in November it is closing in on 60 sites and is in talks for ten further locations, with its current estate generating income of circa £30m. It previously stated, in 2022, that it aimed to reach 100 bakeries within “the next two to three years”. To help with its growth plans, The Cornish Bakery is seeking to appoint a managing director. This follows the business hiring its first head of acquisitions in September, when it brought on board Raj Manek, formerly of Various Eateries and Loungers. The business said: “We’re opening new bakeries in exciting new locations across the UK at an impressive rate, making us one of the country’s fastest growing bakery companies, while still retaining our independence. We’re up to 60 bakeries, with plans to double or triple in size. We’re founder led, deeply independent and self-financed, all of which brings new horizons and self-driven opportunities for the right person to create and deliver their own brave and bold future-facing growth strategy. This person will be our new managing director.” The company reported turnover of £20,892,358 for the period to 30 May 2022 (2021: £11,709,299) and a pre-tax profit of £3,117,769 (2021: £1,474,200).

 

Scottish leisure operator Jungle Rumble set to open second and third sites for new crazy golf concept: Scottish leisure operator Jungle Rumble will this month open second and third sites for its new crazy golf concept. Jungle Rumble is owned by husband-and-wife team, Angus and Vivienne White, who operate five mini golf sites – in London, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow. In August 2022, it launched a new crazy golf brand, One Under, in Glasgow, which has had more than a million visitors in its first 18 months. A second One Under will open on Saturday, 19 January, at 75-79 East Street in Brighton, followed by a third, in Liverpool, before the end of the month. Guests in Brighton can take on two nine-hole courses, ‘Ocean Course’ and ‘Gamer’s Paradise’, as well as enjoying an LED-lit marble bar with an extensive cocktail menu. Emma Luke-Ward, head of sales and marketing at One Under, said: “We are thrilled to bring One Under to Brighton, and we can’t wait to show off the stunning venue we’ve built. Whether you're here for the golf, the cocktails or both, One Under is designed to be an inclusive and entertaining destination for everyone.” 

 

Esquires offering final regional developer opportunity: Esquires, the Cooks Coffee Company-owned business, is offering what it has said will be its final regional developer opportunity for franchisees. “Esquires Coffee is seeking a regional developer for Scotland,” the business said. “This is the last opportunity to become an Esquires regional developer in the UK as England and Wales have been awarded. This brand now has more than 55 stores across the UK and is growing rapidly.” Esquires closed out the year on 58 sites following openings in Boscombe, Southsea and Alton, and said it has a “robust line up of stores currently in development”. It has previously said it plans to reach 60 stores by the spring of 2024, and to reach the 100-store landmark in 2026. Earlier this week, parent company Cooks Coffee reported UK store sales were up 18.6% to £17.5m in 2023 (2022: £14.7m). Group store sales were up 15.8% to £26.9m (2022: £23.2m). In Ireland, store sales increased 11.0%, totalling £9.4m (2022: £8.5m). Like-for-like sales in the UK for 2023 were up 6.0%, and in Ireland up 6.8%, while the sales from the new stores opened during 2023 accounted for 12.3% of total sales in the UK and 13.4% in Ireland in 2023. Esquires achieved weekly store sales of £600,000 for the first time across the UK and Ireland in December 2023 – a record month for the group.

 

SSP steps up Asian expansion with new Jones the Grocer opening in Singapore: SSP Group, the UK operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has opened a new site in Singapore for Australian brand Jones the Grocer as it steps up its expansion in Asia. The artisan cafe, pizzeria, bar and restaurant has launched at Changi airport’s Terminal 2. The split-level duplex unit on level three of the terminal follows the debut of the Jones the Grocer on the lower level in October last year. Comprising more than 6,600 square feet on two levels at door one in the departure hall, the upper level sees chefs prepare the brand’s globally influenced food in a theatre kitchen. The island bar serves handcrafted cocktails and small bites. There is also a specially created “retail zone” that features hand-picked gourmet retail options. Jonathan Robinson, chief executive of SSP Asia Pacific, said: “This latest venture is the next step in our ambitious plans for our Asian business in Singapore and beyond. Asia is a region that offers considerable scope for expansion, and with our understanding of the global travelling consumer and our very strong local team, we are well placed to make the best of this opportunity.” Yunib Siddiqui, chief executive of Jones the Grocer, added: “This opening also marks the first of many Jones stores.”

 

Love Churros opens first site outside London: London urban dessert experience Love Churros has opened its first site outside the capital for its seventh location overall. It has opened at the Atria shopping centre in Watford, adding to its sites in Brixton, Shoreditch, Croydon, Lakeside, Westfield Stratford and Boxpark Wembley. It comes after the business operated four pop-up sites at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland over the festive season – including a new chicken and churro concept. The company, founded in 2015 by former professional footballer Jake Nicholson, also has four overseas sites in Saudi Arabia and has a second overseas market in the pipeline, with a planned opening in Dubai.

 

Greater Manchester better burger concept set to open third franchise site: Greater Manchester better burger concept Side Street Burgers is set to open its third franchise site. Previously operating as just a dark kitchen, the restaurant will open at 492 Hoe Street in Walthamstow, east London, on Saturday (20 January), for its sixth site overall. “Following the success of their Green Street restaurant in Upton Park and the launch of Reading last month, Walthamstow becomes the third site for our franchisees,” said franchise consultant Krishma Vaghela. “Congratulations to the entire team. Given the positive results from a trial within the area and due to consumer demand, it became evident that a dine-in and takeaway restaurant would be welcome. Walthamstow now becomes the largest site in the network, making it the flagship. I am also pleased to share that more franchise stores are already scheduled to open in the coming months.” Having launched its franchise programme at the end of last year, Side Street Burgers, which was founded by Josh Ryan in 2020, last month said it is aiming to add nine additional sites this year.

 

Chopstix opens site in Basingstoke: Fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand Chopstix has opened a new site in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Chopstix has opened in the town’s Festival Place shopping centre, in a unit formerly occupied by Mountain Warehouse, having previously agreed a deal with landlord Sovereign Centros. The 2,490 square-foot unit has space for 54 diners. Rob Burns, marketing director for Chopstix, said: “Festival Place is home to more than 200 premier retailers, and we’re delighted we can provide a new dining option.” The Chopstix Group consists of more than 100 Chopstix sites, in addition to ten sites operating as Yangtze, and 25 sites under the Chozen Noodle brand, which the group acquired last year. Chopstix will be joined by street food operator Festival Street Kitchen, which is upsizing into the centre. Formerly based in Festival Square, the operator will be moving its concept to a 4,523 square-foot unit with seating for 82 people. Lunson Mitchenall and GCW represent Festival Place.