Hospitality no-shows back to record high: The number of consumers not showing up for their reservations in pubs, bars and restaurants is back to a record high, with 14% not honouring reservations or informing venues in advance. New figures from Zonal’s latest GO Technology report, in partnership with CGA by NIQ, reveals that of more than 5,000 British adults surveyed, 68% who make bookings honour them, while 18% cancel in advance and 14% admit to failing to show without telling their venue. The launch of the industry-wide #ShowUpForHospitality campaign in 2021 saw no-shows decline, but the latest insight shows they have returned to the same level as three years ago. When looking at the reasoning, 57% of respondents said that they are severely or moderately affected by the cost-of-living crisis, and 29% decided it would be too expensive. When asked what would make guests less likely to miss a booking, 30% said a simple cancellation process, 28% rewards and incentives, 25% reservation reminders, 21% deposits and 17% loyalty schemes. Tim Chapman, chief commercial officer at Zonal, said: “No-shows are a £17.59bn problem for the hospitality sector and the issue does not seem to be going away – in fact, this research suggests it has been exacerbated recently by the cost-of-living crisis. The report also reveals that those most likely to no-show are high-spenders and frequent visitors, which makes them very valuable customers to the sector.” Karl Chessell, director hospitality operators and Food EMEA at CGA by NIQ, added: “Bookings are a double-edged sword for hospitality, helping venues to plan better and fill tables but bringing the risk of substantial missed sales, at a time when margins and growth are under pressure. As we approach the crucial Christmas period, reducing no-shows is going to be a top priority for everyone in the sector.” 

KFC plans to hire 700 permanent staff before Christmas: KFC UK & Ireland is planning to recruit more than 700 new permanent staff ahead of Christmas. Open to anyone eligible to work in the UK and Ireland, KFC is offering both part-time and full-time permanent roles at restaurants across the country, regardless of experience. Kathryn York, chief people officer at KFC UK and Ireland, said: “We’re excited to be growing our restaurant teams to help serve up KFC’s delicious fried chicken to customers at our busiest time of year. These roles are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to learn and build a career in a fun, energetic and supportive environment, where people are recognised for their potential above all else.” The recruitment drive comes as KFC continues accelerating its growth strategy in the UK and Ireland market. The company is aiming to open 500 new restaurants across the country over the next decade, a move set to create more than 20,000 jobs. Last month, York told the Propel Talent & Training Conference that getting recruitment and retention right is crucial as the quick service restaurant (QSR) is now a highly competitive market with a smaller pool of talent. “I’ve been with the company for ten years, and one of the biggest differences contextually is the volume of competition we have across the business now,” she said. “Ten years ago, a lot of the key players in the industry weren’t there. Now, it’s a really highly competitive market, which is great because everybody has to be on the front foot and think really carefully about the employer brand, how we show up and how we recruit. Gone are the days when you can do a long, drawn-out process for team members – it has to be quick.” With two thirds of its 30,000 team members across the UK & Ireland under the age of 25, York said KFC is also in the process of “remapping our entire people experience to make sure we are making ourselves fit for the next generation – looking at the entire employee life cycle and all the touchpoints where we’re doing great and where we have opportunities to do better”. KFC 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 280 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 kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

Popeyes launches first festive menu in UK: Popeyes UK, the US fried chicken quick service restaurant brand backed here by TDR Capital, has launched its first festive menu. The Festive Feastin’ Menu features six items that combine the flavours of New Orleans with British festive classics: The Festive Superstack Sandwich, The Festive Feastin’ Roll, The Chicken Festive Feastin’ Roll, sage and onion hash brown, Frostin’ mint shake made with Oreo, caramel latte and The Festive Superstack Box Meal. Dave Hoskins, head of food at Popeyes, said: “This festive season we want to give our guests a taste of the traditional holiday flavours everyone knows and loves, but with a true Popeyes twist. We’re proud to reveal our first festive menu in the UK, and what better way to do it than with a nod to our New Orleans heritage.”