Soho Coffee CEO – new formats will allow us to go into places we couldn’t before, strategic goal to get to 50 corporate stores and beyond, with further opportunity through new franchising push: Soho Coffee chief executive Sam Shutt has told Propel that the brand’s new formats will allow it to go into places it couldn’t before, and that it has a group strategic goal to get to 50 corporate stores, with further opportunity through a new UK franchising push. The business operates across 44 locations – 30 in the UK and 14 overseas. Last month, the company debuted its new Coffee & Kitchen format at Westfield White City in London, tailored towards the higher dwell time that shopping centre environments offer, and pushing past the limitations of the previous island units it previously operated there. Coffee & Kitchen, which will typically be 1,500-plus square feet with more seating and located in shopping centres, airports and the Middle East, is one of three new formats Shutt has “carved up” the brand into. The others are Soho Coffee Go, which will be anything from 75-square-feet kiosks to larger kiosks or in-line units up to 550 square-feet with seating that can go anywhere, and Soho Coffee Café, which will be 750-1,200 square feet and could sit in high streets, shopping centres, travel hubs and overseas locations. “Soho was trying to be all things to all people all of the time,” Shutt said. “What the market requires post covid is quite different to where Soho would have been historically, but what this gives us is three clear options at various capex ranges and formats for a franchisee, or for ourselves. We want to grow through equity stores but also want to push more into franchising – it’s always been a part of what we do but we want to dial it up and make it a more an overt part of our business. We’ve been involved in franchising since quite early on but focused it on overseas rather than the UK market. These new formats also give us the bandwidth to move quickly on new opportunities. We’ve won against some of the big boys in some environments where before we chose not to put our hat in the ring as we didn’t have the flexibility in format to do it. We can now be everywhere and want to grow the brand. My strategic goal is, in three years, to get to 50 UK owned and operated sites from a corporate perspective. If an opportunity is there from a corporate perspective, that could be accelerated. From a franchise perspective, we’re at the back end of a market sizing piece of work, and this will give a clearer idea then what the size of opportunity is for the whole of the UK. We believe there’s a market capacity for several hundred units under our different formats without question, but it will always depend on availability of locations and opportunities. Esquires, for example, is going into market towns and small villages, and we’ll be playing in that same space. It’s grown exponentially over the last few years, and there’s no reason why we can’t do the same. We don’t want to be a Costa Coffee – we’re not a corporate player or an independent, but what we are is a professional operator, and our customers and partners trust in the brand.” Soho Coffee features in the Propel UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the next edition of which will be sent to Premium Club members on Wednesday, 11 December, with 50 new additions. 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.

 

Sponsored message – new tamper-proof bags for food delivery from CCS McLays: CCS McLays has brought America’s most effective tamper-evident takeaway delivery packaging across the Atlantic to become the UK’s exclusive supplier of Seal2Go Tab Lok bags. Chief executive Ian Hall said: “Our recent YouGov survey of approximately 2,000 British adults revealed that 86% believe it is a food outlet’s responsibility to protect their deliveries from being tampered with, while 84% would expect food outlets to use a product that guaranteed this, if such a product was available. Now it is. Exclusively available from CCS McLays, Seal2Go tamper-evident food delivery bags are designed to keep contents safe and improve customer experience. If you do nothing, your reputation is really at risk – nobody likes bad reviews, and the consequences of poor food delivery are significant – almost half (44%) of Brits wouldn’t re-order, 66% say they would complain to the brand directly, 38% would warn friends, and 17% would leave a negative review on social media. Act now to give your food deliveries a guarantee and stop your customers relying on luck.” For more information, click here. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

 

Wolseley Hospitality Group global group marketing director Louise Philip joins speaker line-up at Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Louise Philip, global group marketing director at The Wolseley Hospitality Group, has joined the speaker line-up for Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Philip will be part of a panel led by Katy Moses, managing director of KAM, that also features Shona Campbell, chief marketing and growth officer at Ottolenghi, Andreia Harwood, marketing director – EMEA at Wingstop, and Emma King, chief marketing officer at Hawksmoor, discussing their sources of inspiration and sharing their strategies for building brands that create loyal, passionate fans. Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit is returning for its seventh edition, and tickets are now on sale. 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. Bookings are now open for the two-day conference as the centrepiece of the January event series, taking place on 21 and 22 January at One Moorgate Place in London. The conference will focus on technology, marcomms strategies, proposition, brand building, the latest market insights, digital developments and diversification of revenue streams. It is designed for customer-focused chief executives, senior marketers, technology and innovation teams, as well as investors wanting to better understand the latest marketing, innovation and development opportunities to build market share and grow. For the full speaker schedule, click here. The pre-Christmas early-bird prices are as follows: 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. Propel Premium Club members receive a 20% discount. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.

 

Premium Club members to receive new searchable and segmented New Openings Database this week: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club members on Friday (6 December). The database will show the details of 193 site openings, including which company has opened a site or its plans to open one in the future. It will have details on what type of site it is and its location, and there will also be a website link to the businesses. The database is published on a monthly basis and Premium Club members will also receive a 10,943-word report on the 193 new additions to the database. The database is now segmented into seven categories – cafe bakery, casual dining, experiential leisure, fine dining, hotels, pubs and bars, and quick service restaurants – making it even easier for users to search. The database includes new openings in the pub and bar sector such as Sebb’s, the new underground bar from Scoop, Dubai operator Admo Lifestyle Holding’s rooftop bar and restaurant brand CeLa Vi, opening in London, and Ego Death, the “hidden bar” opening in Manchester. Premium Club members also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database and the Who’s Who of UK Hospitality. All Premium Clubs members will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events including Restaurant Marketer and Innovator (two days in January 2025) and Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025). Operators that are Premium Club members are also 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 Premium Club 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 Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.

 

Doner Shack set to relocate to US for ‘more supportive business environment’ following Budget: Doner Shack, the Berlin fast casual kebab concept, is set to relocate to the US, to operate in what it said is a “more supportive business environment” following October’s UK Budget. Founded in Glasgow in 2018 by Sanjeev Sanghera and Laura Bruce, Doner Shack grew to five stores before last year buying back three restaurants and several territories from its franchisees due to cost pressures. Currently operating three UK restaurants, the business spent some time in the US this autumn, attending franchise expos as it geared up to launch in the States. Doner Shack has now decided to relocate its headquarters from Glasgow to Miami, where it believes there is “an environment where the business can thrive”. Sanghera said: “In Europe, most hospitality businesses benefit from a VAT sales tax of 10% or less, while in the UK, we face a rate of 20%. Combined with rising costs during the inflationary period of 2023, this has made operations increasingly challenging. Additional pressures, such as higher employer national insurance contributions and the end of pandemic-level business rates relief, doesn't build great confidence and has further compounded the strain. By contrast, the US offers a much more supportive environment for businesses, and we’re already feeling more optimistic about the opportunities here.” Bruce added: “There’s a lot of confidence in the US – it’s the most established franchise market in the world, particularly for the quick service restaurant sector. We’re excited to operate in an environment that offers strong opportunities for growth and success, allowing our business to thrive, as opposed to dealing with constant setbacks we’ve seen in the UK since March 2020. One of the main reasons we chose the US, and ultimately Miami, is the strength of its business environment. Miami provides a solid foundation for growth, with access to a broad customer base, an established franchising network and excellent opportunities to scale our operations.” Last month, Doner Shack signed a 150-site deal to expand in India with FranGlobal – the international arm of Asia’s largest franchising firm, Franchise India Holdings.

 

Majority of Generation Z set to embrace ‘Dry Christmas’ trend this year: The majority of Generation Z is set to embrace the “Dry Christmas” trend this year, according to new research. The survey of 2,000 UK adults, from Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, found 78% of those born after 1996 plan to start Dry January early. This was despite 34% saying they feel more pressure to drink alcohol during this period compared with previous years. The trend is largely driven by a desire for balanced lifestyles, financial mindfulness and the empowerment of making personal choices, the study said. In comparison, only 17% of baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) said they have ever considered not having a drink over Christmas in the past, with just 6% planning to do so this year. Four in ten respondents believe the “Dry Christmas” trend will gain popularity in the coming years, although this is driven by 60% of Generation Z compared with only 43% of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980). A quarter of respondents expressed a preference for moderating their drinking with no and low-alcohol options at work Christmas parties, a figure that rose to 35% among the youngest workers. Furthermore, 65% of all drinkers cutting back this Christmas believe they can enjoy the festivities just as much without alcohol, while 64% of adults are keen to moderate their alcohol intake longer term too. Budweiser UK&I president Brian Perkins said: “Moderation is no longer limited to awareness months and days; it is now part of our everyday lives.”

 

UKHospitality outlines concerns with Employers Rights Bill: UKHospitality has outlined several concerns with the government’s Employers Rights Bill. Published in October, the Bill introduced 28 reforms, the majority of which are anticipated to take effect from 2026, with most consultations expected to begin in 2025. UKHospitality, in its responses to initial consultations, said proposed changes to statutory sick pay will have the unintended consequence of incentivising absenteeism. The trade body said it does not agree that agency workers who have worked regularly for a business should be given guaranteed hours contracts, saying it is impractical and unworkable. While welcoming the government’s proposed changes around ‘fire and rehire’, UKHospitality said the plans are too broadly drawn and that should apply to fixed term contracts only. It also said there is no support from the hospitality sector for the lowering of thresholds for union recognition. Chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “As it stands, the Bill will present significant operational challenges and come at a considerable cost to the sector. For hospitality businesses to be in a position deliver on the ambitions within the Bill, it’s vital that the government urgently addresses the upcoming changes to employer national insurance contributions.” The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) also expressed concerns, saying the Bill will lead to a decline in staff recruitment, reduce investment and slow down wage growth. Andrew Tighe, the BBPA’s director strategy and policy, said: “We are concerned that the proposals could backfire as they are likely to have inadvertent and unfortunate consequences that could hurt workers. If we are to continue investing and supporting jobs, then businesses must be viable.”

 

Growing number of UK hospitality businesses adopting US-style tipping culture: A growing number of British hospitality and service providers are adopting a US-style tipping culture, with gratuities prompts routinely added to card payment machines. But while there may be a strong nudge from businesses, the UK public is in no rush to change, and in many cases, are refusing to play along. The percentage of business owners applying a suggested tip on their card machines has skyrocketed by more than a third, according to the contactless payment firm SumUp. But despite these prompts, and 20% being the standard in the US, Brits on average cling to a 10% gratuity, The Times reports. The amount of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants utilising tip prompts leapt by more than two-thirds between 2022 and 2024, with the average tip hovering between 10.2% and 10.6% during the same period, the data revealed. And while many UK restaurants have a longstanding tradition of asking for a gratuity for staff, Brits are wary of being asked for one in businesses that have in the past not expected them, such as a pub. The number of venues using tip prompts has shot up by more than a tenth (12%), with the biggest surge seen in the hotel and B&B industry, which has overseen an 112% rise in requests for tips over the last two years. 

 

Christmas jobs at risk of extinction: Christmas jobs are at risk of extinction after vacancies for seasonal work declined for the fourth year in a row, according to new research. The number of part-time roles advertised in October and December has fallen to a level not seen since the middle of the pandemic, said job search platform Adzuna. The research found the number of vacancies advertised as Christmas jobs had fallen to 21,576 in November, from 24,699 in the same month last year, reports The Telegraph. Seasonal hiring has been on the decline since 2020, the website said. In November 2021, there were 31,843 jobs advertised for seasonal roles. 

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a bar/pub group in London that is seeking an operations manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “Each venue has its own unique vibe – from sleek, modern gastropubs to warm, community-focused locals. The company has ambitious expansion and redevelopment plans over the next few years.” The salary is £75,000. For more information, email stuart@corecruitment.com.

 

Sixes team launches new baseball-inspired concept: The team behind Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising brand, has launched a baseball-inspired concept called Moonshot. Launched at the company’s previous Sixes site in Westfield London, Moonshot combines batting cages with a live sports bar and restaurant. Both Sixes and Moonshot will be owned, operated and developed by the group’s parent company, Motherclub Hospitality. Guests can select their level from beginner through to drafted professional before testing their skills as they try to hit targets – single, double, triple or a home run. Alongside the baseball batting experience and American-style food and drinks, emphasis is put on “great music and an extensive live sports screening line-up”. Giant screens throughout the venue show a packed programme of American (and some European) sports. The food and drink offering at Moonshot is a “playful interpretation of everyone’s favourite matchside munchies”, including hot dogs, New York-style pizza and a cocktail offering. Co-founder of Moonshot, Calum Mackinnon said: “We are ready to bring the thrill of baseball and the allure of American sport to London through the creation of Moonshot. The venue will embody all the things we love about American sport with an intoxicating social vibe. The success of Sixes has been beyond our wildest dreams. We have been blown away by how much the growing community seems to share our love of combining sport and traditional socialising! We’ve spent a lot of time in the US of late – diversifying into baseball alongside the rise of Major League Baseball in Europe feels like a very natural next step for the Motherclub team.” Sixes, which last month made its debut in the south west with the opening of a franchise site in Bristol, opened its first site under its Sixes Growth venture last month in Headingley, Leeds. In September, the business partnered with City Pub Company founder Clive Watson, former cricketer David Nash and his brother Glen, and Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar for the new venture. Sixes Growth plans to open ten sites by 2026 in cities like Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, Southampton and Brighton.

 

Doughnut Time UK brand rights transfer to new ownership, seeks new partners for expansion: Doughnut Time Germany, the franchise operator of the dessert brand, has reclaimed the UK brand rights and is seeking new partners to help drive growth in Britain. The acquisition, led by a syndicate spearheaded by Damian Griffiths, chief executive of Doughnut Time Germany, takes effect at midnight on 31 December 2024. The move ensures all intellectual property, including the UK brand’s identity and digital assets, remains under Doughnut Time’s ownership, securing its future growth and legacy in the UK. Doughnut Time, originally founded in Australia, entered the UK market in 2019 with a flagship store in Shaftesbury Avenue, London. In 2023, Doughnut Time Germany launched two stores and a production bakery in Berlin, establishing a solid foundation for its European presence. As part of the transition, the current UK franchise operator, Tom Anderson, will rebrand the existing network of 15 stores under a new identity. Anderson has helped drive more than £45m in direct-to-consumer sales and built a following of more than 365,000 Instagram fans in the UK. “Tom and his team have done an extraordinary job in establishing a retail and e-commerce doughnut powerhouse in the UK,” said Griffiths. “Their efforts have paved the way for the next chapter of Doughnut Time, and we wish them every success with their new direction.” Looking ahead, Doughnut Time is actively seeking new partners in the UK to help drive its relaunch in 2025. The brand’s next chapter will focus on an “innovative dessert menu that combine gourmet coffee, in-store production, and a premium gifting experience”. Griffiths added: “Over the past 18 months, we’ve refined a next-generation dessert concept in Berlin, blending indulgent treats, exceptional coffee, and an experiential retail environment. We’re excited to bring this to the UK and work with new partners to create something truly special for dessert lovers.”

 

Afrikana lining up its first restaurant outside the UK, secures new flagship London location: African restaurant concept Afrikana is lining up its first restaurant outside of the UK and has also secured a new flagship London location. Afrikana has signed with Dublin-based property consultant Robert Colleran to find a suitable premises in the Irish capital in which to make its international debut. “Dublin will soon welcome Afrikana Kitchen,” said Wasim Riley, head of property and site acquisitions for Afrikana’s parent company, City Restaurant Group. “Our first step international goes to Ireland – what will come next?” The business will also soon open a new restaurant in Wembley, which will be its fifth in London and 17th overall. Riley added: “Afrikana goes big as we finalise plans for our new flagship store in Wembley, at the London Designer Outlet. With this being our flagship store, we have pulled all the stops. We have some prime locations and properties in the UK, all we need is quality franchisees to join us on this journey.” City Restaurant Group is also behind bubble tea brand Mowchi, which last month opened its fourth location, at 450 Mile End Road in East Ham in London, and which is also eyeing a launch in Manchester. The group also last month opened the second UK site, and first regional location, for French taco concept Tacosmash.

 

Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s makes UK debut: Dutch smash burger brand Fat Phill’s has opened its first UK site. Propel revealed in January that Fat Phill’s, which has 19 locations in the Netherlands, had signed a master franchisee deal for the UK with Freshly Baked, which also holds the UK master franchise for US pretzel brand Auntie Anne’s. Armin Vahabian, who founded Fat Phill’s in 2019, told Propel at the time of the signing that he plans 100 UK sites for the brand over the next decade, with the first to open in Clapham, south London. The restaurant has now opened on the former Moss Bros site at 16 St John’s Hill. Vahabian said: “I’m thrilled to announce the opening of our first international location in London at Clapham Junction. This isn't just any opening, it’s our 20th store, marking a significant milestone in our journey. As we open our doors in London, we’re ready to take off and bring our unique blend of delicious food, music and art to even more people.” Matteo Frigeri, of Seeds Consulting, the brand’s franchise consultant, added: “Delighted to say we are receiving huge interest, and we are about to franchise additional locations in the UK and around Europe. Watch this space!” Freshly Baked also operates 40 Auntie Anne’s locations in the UK, the latest opening last month at The Friary destination in Guildford, Surrey.

 

Big Table Group to open new Bella Italia in Croydon this week: Big Table Group – the Las Iguanas and Banana Tree operator – will open a new Bella Italia in Croydon, south London, this week. Opening on Saturday (7 December) at 3 Hesterman Way, at the Valley Leisure Park, the restaurant will accommodate up to 160 guests and offer Bella Italia’s Christmas menu. This includes the Christmas Camembert Pizza, which features a tomato base, mozzarella cheese, pulled oak-smoked turkey, smoked bacon lardons and cranberry sauce. A Bella Italia spokeswoman said: “We’re delighted to bring the authentic taste and spirit of Italy to Croydon at such a festive time of year.” Big Table Group chief executive Alan Morgan told Propel in August that the circa 70-strong Bella Italia brand was returning to the expansion trail, and in October it launched a fourth Bristol restaurant, at Aspects Leisure Park.

 

Wingstop opens in Bradford: Wingstop, which is being rolled out here by Lemon Pepper Holdings and is currently seeking new investment, has opened a site in Bradford. The 2,800 square-foot restaurant in The Broadway offers 50 covers and has created 50 jobs. 

Chris Sherriff, chief executive at Wingstop UK, said: “We’re excited to expand our reach in the north with this opening in Bradford. As our UK expansion continues at pace, we’re looking forward to opening more sites across the UK in 2025, to meet the unparalleled demand for our wings.” Having launched in 2018, Wingstop UK will have 57 sites by the end of this year, with ambitions to reach 200 within the next five years. Earlier this week, Propel revealed US private equity firm KKR is believed to be one of the investment firms running the rule over the UK business of Wingstop. Propel understands that KKR, which backs PureGym – Britain’s biggest health and fitness club operator – is one of a handful of investment firms that are still in the running to invest in Wingstop UK. A site in London’s Walthamstow will open before the end of the year, while further venues in Aberdeen, Cheltenham, Swansea, Peterborough and Norwich are being lined up for next year.

 

Tokyo Industries launches third site for gentleman’s club concept, in Newcastle: Bar and nightclub operator Tokyo Industries has launched a third site for its gentleman’s club, Whisky Down, in Newcastle. The venue has opened in the city’s Bigg Market, on the first floor above Stein Bier Keller, following a two-year, £1m project. Offering high back leather sofas and chairs and glass cabinets showcasing the variety of specially curated whiskeys, it follows the concept’s locations in Leeds and Manchester. The club also has a number of discreet and private rooms where lap dances are available, alongside a main performing area and a Champagne Lounge, which is available for private hire. Tokyo Industries area manager Rob Halliday said all genders are welcome and there are dancer-free areas for guests who just want to enjoy a drink. Entry is £10, with a private dance costing from £25, while a membership scheme will be introduced in the near future. Last month, Propel revealed exclusively that Tokyo Industries, which owns around 40 clubs and bars around the country, had placed a 12-strong package of sites on the market, with the majority based in the north east. The sites are believed to include the former Red’s True Barbecue site in Headingley, Leeds; the BrewDog in Huddersfield; Neptune House in Newcastle; Impossible in York; Klute in Durham; The Constitutional Club in Lincoln; and the Tower Ballroom in Hull.

 

WatchHouse hires Sasha Seymour-Williams as new brand and marketing director: Specialty coffee business WatchHouse has hired Sasha Seymour-Williams as its new brand and marketing director, Propel has learned. Seymour-Williams joins the 21-strong WatchHouse after three years at Sunset Hospitality Group, including just under two years as its head of marketing. The UAE-based hospitality group, which operates more than 100 venues in 22 countries, recently opened three new venues in London – cocktail bar Luum, restaurant Amelie and Japan-inspired restaurant Sachi, between Belgravia and Knightsbridge. Seymour-Williams was also head of brand marketing at Dishpatch for 13 months and spent four and half years at Gail’s, including two years as its marketing manager. WatchHouse currently operates 19 sites in London, plus one in Bath and one in New York. The brand most recently opened at 60 Seymour Street in London. WatchHouse is expected to open its second US site, in New York’s Chrysler building, with further London outlets to be opened in Battersea Power Station and Millennium Bridge.

 

Burger & Lobster co-founders to launch Greek venture in London’s West Kensington: George Bukhov-Weinstein and Ilya Demichev, the co-founders of surf and turf restaurant group Burger & Lobster and Mediterranean restaurant Wild Tavern, are launching a new venture in London’s West Kensington. The duo are opening Greek restaurant Krokodilos today (Tuesday, 3 December) with friend and business partner Elmira Amdiy. The kitchen at the venue in Kensington Church Street is headed by Angelos Togias, previously Jean Georges at The Connaught, with the menu having an emphasis on family-style feasting dishes, reports Hot Dinners. The opening comes just days after the trio opened Sardinian-focused restaurant Pinna in Curzon Street in Mayfair. In October, Propel revealed Bukhov-Weinstein and Demichev are set to open a new site in the City. Propel understands that the pair have secured a new lease on space at Frederick’s Place in Old Jewry, between Gresham Street and Cheapside. Bukhov-Weinstein and Demichev, who are also behind steak brand Goodmans, opened the first Wild Tavern in Chelsea’s Elystan Street in December 2019. They followed that up with the opening of Wild in Notting Hill, at 202 Westbourne Grove, last year. The pair also teamed up with London chef Chris Denney to open neighbourhood restaurant Fantômas at 300 King’s Road in Chelsea, in October.

 

Snowflake Gelato opens third international site and first with SSP: London premium gelato brand Snowflake has opened its third international site, at Jeddah airport in Saudi Arabia. The outlet joins Snowflake’s nine UK locations plus sites at the Mall of Arabia in Jeddah and at Hamad International airport in Doha, Qatar. The opening is also Snowflake’s first in partnership with SSP, the operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide. Snowflake founder Asad Khan said: “Opening a location at an airport comes with unique challenges, but everyone involved rose to the occasion with incredible focus and determination. This achievement underscores the strength of the Snowflake Gelato brand and the exceptional quality of our gelato. But the journey doesn’t stop here! We have ambitious plans for more UK and international openings in 2025, so stay tuned, the best is yet to come.” Tim Field, head of brand and partnerships at Snowflake, added the business had one further opening lined up for this year. It comes after Snowflake last month added to its regional UK presence with a launch in Oxford’s Westgate scheme, adding to its sites in Manchester and Sheffield, plus six London locations. In September, Propel revealed that Snowflake had signed a partnership agreement with Skyview Brands Group, a franchisee for Sides, the food business from YouTube collective Sidemen, to roll out up to 20 new locations over the next three years.

 

Time Out Market opens in Bahrain: Time Out Group has opened its latest Time Out Market, in Bahrain. It is the company’s tenth food and cultural market and fourth management agreement, with a further six management agreements signed and due to open between 2025 and 2027, and more markets are in advanced negotiations. Osaka, Budapest, Vancouver and Dubai are due to open next year, followed by Prague and Riyadh in 2027. Time Out Market Bahrain offers, across 3,000 square metres, 11 kitchens, dessert counters, a coffee hub, a stage for entertainment and an alfresco rooftop. The market has opened in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties Bahrain and is located in the heart of Manama in Bahrain city centre. In October, Time Out Group said it has raised £8.4m to fund two new potential markets in London and New York. Part of the funds will go towards proposals to open a new market in excess of 20,000 square feet in London, at 10 Piccadilly. An initial cash outlay of £2.6m for the rent deposit (and associated fees) secures a 15-year lease of the site and anticipated handover is in 2026, with opening expected in 2027. It came as Time Out reported revenue from its market operations fell 6% to £67,207,000 for the year ending 30 June 2024 compared with £71,511,000 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda was up 87% to £12,033,000 from £6,437,000 the year before.

 

New UK subsidiary of pan-European holiday park operator reports revenue of £7.3m and loss of £6.7m in first year of trading: The new UK subsidiary of pan-European holiday park operator Capfun has reported revenue of £7.3m and a pre-tax loss of £6.7m in its first year of trading. Capfun UK was created in 2022 by France-headquartered Capfun, which operates circa 200 family-focused campsites and holiday parks, to acquire Lakeshore Leisure Group, the Kings Park Capital (KPC)-owned operator of three holiday parks in Devon. The acquisition, which completed in November 2022, signalled both Capfun’s entry into the UK market and private equity group KPC’s exit from the business. For the period 5 September 2022 to 30 November 2023, Capfun UK reported turnover of £7,369,779, a pre-tax loss of £6,713,412 and an Ebitda loss of £1,334,000. It also reported capital expenditure of £15,051,316, administration expenses of £10,119,942 and costs of £1,954,318. The company had £310,000 cash in the bank and 163 employees at the period-end. Director Nicolas Houe said: “The group’s operating results have performed in line with the expectations of the directors, with turnover expecting to increase with investments made within the period.” Since the period-end, the three parks in question – Clawford Lakes near Holsworthy, Lakeview Manor near Dunkeswell and Otter Falls near Honiton – have all received upgrades including improved swimming pools and new recreation areas following a £10.5m funding deal with HSBC. Lakeshore was created in July 2019 when KPC partnered with its chief executive, Stephen Twiss, to acquire under-invested and undermanaged domestic holiday parks and drive performance improvement. Under KPC’s ownership, revenues grew at a compound annual growth rate of 51% and Ebitda increased at a compound annual growth rate of 77%. In its accounts for the year to 30 September 2022, Lakeshore Leisure Group reported turnover of £7,112,720, Ebitda of £732,000 and a pre-tax loss of £338,772.

 

Grosvenor Casinos owner appoints new non-executive director: The Rank Group, which owns Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos, has appointed Christian Nothhaft as a non-executive director with immediate effect. Nothhaft has been chief executive of investment and property company Guoco Group since April and Rank said he has extensive experience including in business management and advisory, strategic planning, retail, e-commerce and digital transformation. Previously, Nothhaft was chief executive of healthcare company Watsons in China and the managing director of Watson’s Wine in Hong Kong. Before that, he was the regional managing director of Movenpick (Asia Restaurants Group). Rank chairman Alex Thursby said: “Christian brings a wealth of international and strategic experience to the board and his knowledge of digital transformation is welcomed.” Meanwhile, Chew Seong Aun will be retiring as a non-executive director from the board with immediate effect. 

 

East Sussex pub-hotel The Gallivant to open new coastal-inspired dining venue: East Sussex pub-hotel The Gallivant is opening a new coastal-inspired dining venue. The property, in Rye, is launching Harry’s in February, which will celebrate British cooking under executive chef Matthew Harris, formerly of Bibendum, who has recently joined the team. Harry’s is inspired by the time The Gallivant’s owners, Harry and Sigrid Cragoe, spent in California during the 1980s and 1990s. There will also be a small terrace, while the restaurant will offer one of Britain’s largest selections of English wine. Signature dishes will feature freshly made terrines – crafted from local game, rare breed pork or foie gras – alongside local fish served with wild-foraged mushrooms or locally sourced sea vegetables. There will also be a selection of sharing plates. Harry Cragoe said: “Harry’s is about creating a space where our local community can come together and feel a sense of escapism by the sea. We want to celebrate the beauty of where we are located and the simplicity of good, simple cooking and great wine.