Loungers – customer behaviour across brands is consistent, Ritorno Lounge generating gross average weekly sales of just under £95,000: Café bar operator Loungers, which is currently the subject of a £338m takeover bid by US private equity form Fortress, has said that customer behaviour across its brands is consistent and that it hasn’t seen any notable change in sales mix or trading patterns over the course of its half year to 6 October 2024. Last month, the Lounge and Cosy Club operator reported a 4.7% increase in like-for-like sales growth for the 26 weeks to 6 October 2024, in a period where it opened 17 new sites. It said that volumes were relatively flat in the first half, but that it “aspires to volume growth in the second half of its financial year”. On the menu front, its spring/summer menu launch saw more emphasis on smash burgers which are “really capturing the consumers’ attention”. The business, which opened its 241st Lounge and 281st site overall last week, Cantoro Lounge in Washington, in Tyne and Wear, also gave more detail on the performance of what it described as its “largest and most ambitious Lounge to date”. Ritorno Lounge opened on the former Pitcher & Piano site in Bristol’s Harbourside in July and had the strongest start for a new site in the group’s 22-year history. The site is generating gross average weekly sales of £94,853. Last month, Loungers also opened the fourth site, and the first purpose-built site, under its roadside diner concept, Brightside, on the A1 in Rutland. It said the first three sites in the south west are experiencing “great sales momentum with double-digit like-for-like sales growth over the last seven weeks”. The company said it is shifting a bigger proportion of marketing towards roadside signage and cross-marketing in Lounge and Cosy Club versus digital spend for the concept and has just launched a new menu, with a degree more emphasis on speed and convenience. It said initial sales at the new Rutland site have been “very encouraging”. The company said: “We have no current plans to open more Brightsides. We need these four sites to bed-in and see how the sales grow. We remain excited by the opportunity.” 

 

Tactics to transform marketing strategies so they gain national impact to feature at Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit, open for bookings: Tactics to transform marketing strategies so they gain national impact will feature at the Restaurant Marketer & Innovator European Summit. Andrew Gallagher, brand and marketing director at Greene King, will discuss the shift from its changing strategy from local to national marketing strategies, uncovering essential tactics to enhance a brand’s visibility and effectiveness on a larger scale. 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, 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 two updated databases this week: Premium Club members will receive two updated databases this week. The latest Propel UK Food & Beverage Franchisor Database will be sent to subscribers on Wednesday, 11 December, at 12pm. It will feature 50 new additions, plus updates to existing entries. It now has 330 entries and more than 178,000 words of copy. Among the new entries are Ivan Ramen, iLunch, Captain D’s, SoBe Burger, Chicken & Blues, 92 Degrees, Little Bao Boy, Smoky Boys, Jones the Grocer, Bageterie Boulevard, Sojubar, Smashville, Oakberry, Champagne + Fromage, The Halal Guys, Gooey, Galito’s and Papa Ji. The latest Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book will then be sent to subscribers on Friday, 13 December, at 12pm. It will feature 31 new companies, for a total number of 1,040, with 65 accounts updated. Of these, a total of 651 are in profit and 389 are making a loss. Premium Club members also receive access to four other databases: the New Openings Database, the Multi-Site 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. 

 

Craft distilleries join forces to spotlight UK’s distilling talent through consumer competition: Craft distilleries across the UK have joined forces to spotlight its distilling talent through a consumer competition. The Actually Made In campaign was launched by four leading independent UK distilleries earlier this year and has grown significantly, with more than 140 distilleries signing up. Its members are now launching a social media campaign, offering participants the chance to win one of ten bespoke distillery and hotel experience packages. These include crafting your own 700ml bottle of Manchester Gin at The Spirit of Manchester Distillery plus an overnight stay for two; a gin-making experience at Hensol Castle Distillery in South Wales and luxury overnight stay at Vale Resort; a whisky and chocolate tasting experience and distillery tour at the Isle of Raasay Distillery and overnight stay at Borodale House; and a guided tasting at Shed One Distillery in the Lake District) with a stay at the Lonsdale House Luxury Apartments. Actually Made In co-founder Seb Heeley said: “The campaign is about celebrating the incredible diversity and talent within the UK distilling sector. This Christmas, we want to raise spirits in every way and celebrate communities. We want consumers to experience the authenticity and passion behind every bottle.” The competition is launching exclusively on the @actually_made_in Instagram account. To enter, participants simply need to follow the account and complete the entry form at the link in bio. Entries close on 18 December and winners will be announced on 19 December.

 

Nightclubs opens with strict no cameras rule: A new 1,000-capacity nightclub has opened with a strict rule that smartphone cameras must be covered with a sticker. Amber’s, in Manchester, is one of a handful of venues in the UK to enforce the policy, whereas in cities like Berlin, it’s the norm. Amber’s director Jeremy Abbott told the BBC the club made the decision because “we really want the music and the experience to be front and centre”, but the issue is being debated on social media. Some posted on Instragram concerns that clubs could suffer as social media videos of their night act as free adverts, while others welcomed the move as “partying with privacy” One woman said: “It is the fear of being put on the internet, isn’t it? Being really drunk, and that embarrassing picture of you ending up on Insta, waking up and seeing the events of last night.” At Amber's, phones are not banned outright, but clubbers will be required to put a sticker over the camera lens to prevent photos being taken. A content team will be on hand to take and post photos online instead. People violating the rule will be “politely asked to stop”, said Abbott. “If you are seen doing it again, you will be asked to leave the venue,” he added.

 

Digital ID for pubs and clubs moves closer: Pubgoers will be able to use their smartphones to prove their age as part of plans to introduce government-backed digital IDs. The Sunday Times reports that ministers are preparing to change the law for customers buying alcohol in shops and bars as they embrace a technological revolution that will move more state functions online. People will eventually be able to prove their identity for everything from paying tax to opening a bank account using a government-backed app. It will use a “single sign-on”, rather than the two-step identity verification currently needed online, for all government services, including applying for benefits. The scheme appears to be edging closer to a unique digital identity for citizens. The first step will be to give landlords and retailers the ability to scan digital identities to verify a customer’s age without unnecessarily disclosing personal information such as their name or address, as is the case with driving licences. The change, which will be introduced next year, will involve a quick check, like scanning a QR code or using technology similar to contactless bank cards. A recent consultation revealed support for updating the Licensing Act 2003 to allow digital identities to be used for alcohol sales. Respondents also endorsed the idea that providers of digital identity services should meet stringent government-approved standards under the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework. 

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is seeking a retail vending lead for a client with an extensive retail portfolio, which includes a significant range of vending across the UK and Ireland. This is a unique opportunity which calls for a subject matter expert, who will become the authority around the vending operation across a portfolio consisting of 5000-plus vending machines nationally. You will have the opportunity to shape direction around tech and innovation, smart vending and overall strategy. The right candidate must come from a vending background, with high volume experience, as you will need to hit the ground running. Day-to-day management of the vending operation will form part of this role, but you will be involved in bids, retention and strategic planning. This is a national role with a salary up to £60,000. For more information, email dan@corecruitment.com

 

Pasta Evangelists looking to grow franchise restaurant estate to 15 sites by end of 2025: Pasta Evangelists has told Propel that it is aiming to grow the number of its franchise restaurant sites to 15 in 2025. The company has opened franchise sites in Richmond, Greenwich and Chiswick in London, and last month made its airport debut, at Manchester airport. Long-term, the group, which also operates circa 50 takeaway sites, has already said there was potential for more than 100 franchise restaurants in the UK. Looking ahead to 2025, a spokesperson told Propel: “We’re excited. Our goal is to expand to 15 restaurants in total, and we can’t wait to share more along the way. We recently launched our first activation spanning all sales channels, featuring limited-edition dishes that our customers are loving. Hearing their feedback first-hand has been amazing.” In October, Pasta Evangelists reported turnover increased to a record £32,247,162 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £24,976,267 the previous year. Pre-tax losses rose to £14,685,159 from £9,359,281 as the company “invested in its strategy to drive customer awareness, build the brand and acquire new customers” as well as build capability to operate its new factory in west London.

 

Signature Group considering expanding into England, structure in place for another four or five openings: Signature Group founder Nic Wood has told Propel it is considering expanding into England and has the structure in place for another four or five openings before it would need to restructure. Founded in 2003, the Edinburgh-based group has since grown to 24 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the country. Growing at a rate of a venue a year on average, Wood said the group remains acquisitive but that it has not opened a new site since before covid. “The last five years have been harder than the first 15 we were in business,” he said. “Our last new opening was end of 2019, due to lots if issues like a lack of staff – we’re turning down things that would have been no-brainers before. We’re actively looking as acquiring new sites is what we enjoy, and if you don’t buy anywhere else, then you don’t move forward as a business. We have the structure in place for another four or five openings before we need to change the structure again. We’ve been offered more in the last two months than in the previous two years, and don’t want to get stagnant. We’ve got lots of ideas but not a lot of opportunity.” One possible direction the group is thinking of moving in is across the border, with Newcastle identified as an obvious starting point. “We’ve talked a lot about opening in Newcastle,” Wood said. “England is an attractive option – it’s also only an hour and a half from here (Edinburgh) to Newcastle, while it’s two and a half hours to Aberdeen. I wouldn’t say no, we’ve just not seen anything worth jumping on yet. Finding freeholds also isn’t easy, and we only do freeholds. To be honest, we didn’t want to move out of Edinburgh to begin with. You have to know your market or go into business with somebody that knows the market, and if we looked at going somewhere further afield like Leeds or Manchester, we’d do it with somebody else. Edinburgh still has a lot of opportunity, same with Glasgow, while Aberdeen is struggling a bit.” Part of the company’s growth has been achieved through acquiring other groups, like the £8.4m purchase of the seven-strong Speratus Group portfolio in 2019, and the five-strong Thistle Pub Company portfolio in 2016. “I wasn’t really looking when those ones came along, but I wouldn’t do it again as it creates a lot more chaos,” Wood said. “I like to be hands-on, and you don’t get the same lines of communication you do with smaller acquisitions. I’d look to take on single sites or perhaps groups of two.” Another forthcoming project is moving the Cold Town Brewery the group launched in 2018 to a new larger premises – three times the size of the current one, which is currently “brewing at capacity point”. As for his hopes for 2025, Wood added: “I just want to get back to enjoying it and enjoying what we do as a business.”

 

BrewDog has reported aggregate pre-tax loss of more than £111m since receiving private equity investment: Since US private equity firm TSG invested in BrewDog in 2017, the Scottish brewer and retailer has reported aggregate pre-tax losses of more than £111m, according to analysis by Geof Collyer, of Lavender Bank Partners. Writing in this week’s Propel Premium, Collyer said: “Since US private equity firm TSG invested in 2017, BrewDog has reported aggregate pre-tax losses of more than £111m. Using the last equity issue price of £25.15, the implied balance sheet enterprise value at the end of 2023 was £2.1bn, around six times sales, or £3,317 per barrel. Based on the TSG buy-in price, it’s £1.22bn, 3.4 times sales, or £1,917 per barrel. Both of those multiples appear somewhat out of line with recent craft beer mergers and acquisitions multiples. The pressure remains on BrewDog to generate an actual profit – though when that happens, the market will really be able to work out the multiple.” The full in-depth analysis on the state of BrewDog’s balance sheet by Collyer featured in this week's Premium Opinion, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members. 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.

Burger & Lobster to return to expansion trail, Brighton site confirmed: Burger & Lobster, the nine-strong restaurant group, is to return to the expansion trail next year, with the confirmation of an opening in Brighton. As revealed by Propel last month, the business has secured a site at 15 Market Street. The 3,057 square-foot unit is situated opposite the original Giggling Squid and sits between Dishoom’s Permit Room and The Breakfast Club. The company, which previously operated sites in Cardiff and Manchester, is also understood to be in talks on a site that will see it return to the latter city, and in discussions on a site in Kensington High Street. It is thought that Burger & Lobster may look to open a smaller format than it previously operated regionally. In September, the company reported a marginal decline in turnover for the year to the end of 2023 but saw its restaurants’ sales grow by close to 4% and pre-tax profit almost double. Turnover in the year stood at £36,144,574 (2022: £36,510,956), while Ebitda was £3,545,116 (2022: £2,232,250). Pre-tax profit stood at £1,274,279 (2022: £681,104). Group Ebitda increased from 6% of sales in the 2022 financial year to close to 10% in 2023 and the operating profit increased to close to £1.5m. The Misha Zelman-led business also operates a further 11 restaurants in New York, Singapore, Bangkok, Genting, Kuwait City, Hong Kong and Doha. Louie Gazdar of Davis Coffer Lyons acted on the Brighton deal.

 

Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in Chelsea acquired by Reinvest Holdings: The Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill site in London’s Chelsea has been acquired by Reinvest Holdings, which operates Santo Mare in Marylebone and Osteria Romana in Knightsbridge, Propel has learned. The site, at 11 Park Walk, recently closed, leaving the high-profile chef with one remaining Bar & Grill restaurant in Mayfair. Reinvest Holdings, which is led by Italian businessman Andrea Reitano, also operates Osteria Napoletana in Notting Hill, Forte Dei Marmi restaurant Sopra members’ club in Miami, and Forte restaurant in Milan. It is understood that the company plans to develop and open ten restaurants internationally by the end of 2026. The business also owns an aviation consulting firm, a real estate investment fund, digital start-ups and a social media marketing agency. AG&G is understood to have acted on the Chelsea deal. 

 

US entertainment restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese eyes UK launch: Chuck E. Cheese, the US entertainment restaurant chain, is eyeing a UK launch and has begun looking for sites, Propel has learned. Propel understands that the business, which was founded in California in 1977, has appointed property advisors Wright Property to scope out possible sites for its launch here. The brand is believed to be looking at sites between 10,000 to 15,000 square feet on leisure and retail parks, with target locations including Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Leeds. The company currently operates nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese fun centres, with locations in 45 states and 17 countries and territories. The brand states that for over 47 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been the place “where a kid can be a kid”, and it continues to “set the standard for family entertainment through interactive experiences, arcade games and the beloved Chuck E. Cheese character”. When asked about its entry into the UK, a spokesperson for the brand told Propel: “We do not have any information to share at this moment.” Chuck E. Cheese is part of CEC Entertainment, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and also operates the Peter Piper Pizza brand and virtual kitchen concept, Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings.

 

23.5 Degrees acquisition by Starbucks provides return of 9x for investor, MD steps down: Starbucks’ acquisition of its largest franchise in the UK, 23.5 Degrees, which operates 114 sites, for an undisclosed sum in October provided a return of 9x for investor Connection Capital, Propel understands. Connection Capital, the UK private markets and alternative investment platform, which backed 23.5 Degrees, said the deal “served up strong gross returns of 9x initial investment” and that its clients invested £9m in total to fund 23.5 Degrees’ ambitious growth plans. The firm initially invested £5.6m in September 2015, and a further £3.4m of follow-on funding in July 2018, as the company’s expansion accelerated. At the time of Connection Capital clients’ initial investment in 2015, 23.5 Degrees operated 13 Starbucks stores across six counties and employed approximately 100 staff. Today, it operates 114 Starbucks stores across the UK, having opened new sites at a rate of more than ten a year on average. More than 65% of these openings are drive thru sites. Connection Capital said revenue at 23.5 Degrees increased more than six-fold since its clients’ investment and the business now employs in excess of 2,000 people. Last December, 23.5 Degrees reported its turnover increased to a record £83,539,389 for the year ending 31 August 2023, compared with £74,979,078 the year before. The company, which opened its first licensed UK Starbucks store in Liphook, Hampshire in February 2013, was led by Mark Hepburn, whose extensive career in franchising includes working with global brands such as Burger King, Wimpey and KFC. Propel understands that Hepburn has stepped down as managing director of 23.5 Degrees following the completion of the sale. Starbucks said the deal would further expand its portfolio of company-operated stores and “enhance the coffeehouse experience for customers”. 

 

John Barnes to step down as non-executive director at Rockfish: John Barnes, the ex-chairman of Harry Ramsden – which he helped to build – Novus Leisure and La Tasca, is to step down as a non-executive of Rockfish, the ten-strong, Mitch Tonks-led seafood restaurant group. Barnes, who was a winner of the Sunday Times NED of the Year award and formerly on the board of Thwaites, Caffé Nero and KFC, has been on the board of Rockfish since 2013. He is currently an investor in Lyon Pub Company, the venture from Henry Harris and Dave Strauss. In 2021, he published a book with Laura Cowan called Altering Course – The Covid Chronicles, which chronicles several stories that came out of the crisis. Will Beckett, co-founder of Hawksmoor and chair of Rockfish, said: “We’re looking for a new non-executive director to join the Rockfish – restaurants, online seafood market and tinned seafood board as we continue to grow and refine what we do. We would consider people taking a first-time non-exec director role if they have the right experience. But first, a word on John Barnes (no, not the ex-Liverpool and England football player, but I love him too). John is soon to step back from his non-exec role at Rockfish after a decade of dedicated service and mentorship to me, Mitch Tonks and the senior team. He’s brought all his experience in restaurants, brands and business to the table, helped me become a better chairman and does a mean karaoke. I'd say he would be much missed, but he's promised that he'll regularly be back at the restaurants and on the end of the phone when we need him.”

 

Taco Bell launches a new beverage concept in the US: Taco Bell, the Yum! Brands-owned brand, which has begun opening company-owned sites in the UK, has launched a new beverage concept called Live Más Café in the US. The first site under the new concept was launched in San Diego in partnership with franchisee Diversified Restaurant Group. The company describes it as “a unique experience where fans can enjoy specialty drinks ... This café redefines the Taco Bell experience with an innovative beverage lineup and Bellristas, providing exceptional flavour and hospitality in a cozy, inviting atmosphere, all while maintaining the great value customers love.” Taco Bell president Scott Mezvinsky said: “We’re always looking for new ways to elevate the Taco Bell experience, and the Live Más Café is the perfect example of that. This innovative pilot concept is all about expanding the boundaries of what Taco Bell can be, creating a dynamic space where guests can experience our bold flavours in new and exciting ways. The strength of our partnership with Diversified Restaurant Group has been key in bringing this vision to life. Together, we’re not only pushing the envelope on innovation but also reinforcing the power of strong franchise relationships in driving Taco Bell’s continued growth and success.” McDonald’s launched its own beverage-focused concept, CosMc’s, late last year.

 

Hollywood Bowl opens new £3.5m centre in Swindon: Hollywood Bowl has opened a new £3.5m state-of-the-art bowling and family entertainment centre in Swindon. Situated in the town’s Greenbridge Leisure and Retail Park, the venue features 22 bowling lanes equipped with the latest technology, including high-tech scoring systems and leaderboards. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of arcade games, pool tables, a lounge and bar and diner, offering a classic American cuisine including hot dogs, burgers, ‘shakes and signature cocktails. Hollywood Bowl chief executive Stephen Burn said: “This opening is a testament to our broader ambition to bring world-class entertainment facilities to communities across the UK. Our investment not only helps enhance the local leisure scene but also demonstrates our commitment to economic growth in the region.” In October, Hollywood Bowl, which has 72 centres here, reported record revenue of £230.4m, up 7.2% year on year, as sales across its Canadian venues surged by 42% to £30.7m. Like-for-like sales in the UK remained flat, which Burn said reflected an anticipated normalisation in trading. 

 

Urban Pubs & Bars reopens former Antic pub in London’s Hackney: Urban Pubs & Bars, the London pub operator founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring and backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual, has reopened the Clapton Hart in London’s Hackney – one of 11 former Antic Pubs sites it acquired in August. The pub, which dates back to 1722, has reopened following a £1.2m refurbishment, with new features and a refreshed menu. The pub’s transformation includes a redesigned dining room and a garden revamped for year-round use, including covered huts, while a menu of hearty pub classics will be complemented by beers from local breweries, including Haggerston’s Signature Brewery. The acquisition of the portfolio which included the Clapton Hart followed the 13-strong Antic Pubs entering administration earlier this year. The pub was formerly operated by Reid’s Brewery and Charrington, and after closing in 2008, it was revived by Antic in 2012 before its recent closure and subsequent rescue. Chris Hill, managing director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “Saving the Clapton Hart is exactly what Urban Pubs & Bars is all about – preserving London’s rich pub culture, supporting local communities and giving historic venues the love they deserve. We’re thrilled to reopen this iconic pub just in time for Christmas, and we can’t wait to see everyone back, celebrating together in this amazing space.”

 

McDonald’s franchisee who quit job in IT to join brand takes on two new restaurants including her first in Central London: A McDonald’s franchisee who quit her job in IT to join the brand has taken on two new restaurants, including her first in Central London, to take her portfolio to nine. Reema Mavani, through her business Kylu, has taken on McDonald’s restaurants in Wembley and Swiss Cottage. It is her third restaurant in Wembley itself, with the rest of her estate stretching across north west London, in Brent and Harrow. “What makes this milestone even more special? One of these new restaurants is next to Wembley Stadium, giving Kylu ownership of all the McDonald’s locations in Wembley,” Mavani said. “This is a dream I’ve been working toward ever since I acquired my first restaurant in Wembley High Road seven years ago, a place close to my heart as it’s where my UK journey began. Achieving this is truly full circle for me. The second location? Swiss Cottage, marking Kylu’s first step into Central London and a thrilling entrance into the vibrant Borough of Camden. This expansion isn’t just about growth, it’s about embracing new opportunities, connecting with new communities and continuing to build something meaningful. From managing a single location to leading nine restaurants in seven years, this journey has been about so much more than just serving burgers and fries. It’s about creating opportunities, uplifting communities and building a legacy.” In the year ended 31 December 2023, Kylu reported turnover of £27,564,135, up from £12,173,092 in 2022 primarily due to the acquisition of four restaurants during the second half of 2022. The company’s pre-tax profit rose from £287,560 in 2022 to £893,491, and at the year-end, it employed 580 staff.

 

Chicken Cottage opens third Scottish site: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has opened its third site in Scotland. It has opened at 6 Aird’s Crescent in Oban, joining its locations in the country in Glasgow’s Victoria Road and High Street in Carnoustie. The brand, which is owned by TGI Global Holdings, is building towards a target of 100 stores globally by 2027. It now has 64 in the UK as well as a handful in Africa and south Asia.

 

The Fat Pizza set to make international debut this week: Fast-growing pizza franchise The Fat Pizza is set to make its international debut this week. Propel revealed in May that the business, which has around 30 UK locations, had secured its first overseas location, and it will now open next week, in Dubai. Founder Sunny Chhina said: “It’s taken longer than I like but we now have a model to open in most international markets within weeks. This week, site number one opens in Dubai, and obviously we decided to open another in the UK in the same week. Now looking for international master franchisees.” Chhina told Propel in August that he is aiming for 180 The Fat Pizza UK sites by the end of 2026 plus 50 across the GCC, and is trialling a dark kitchen pub model. Chhina, who was previously a franchisee with Perfect Pizza and Papa John’s – and his parents Perfect Pizza franchisees before that – founded the business in 2017 and began franchising in 2021.

 

Soul Foods Group opens Starbucks drive-thru in Teesside: Large scale franchisee Soul Foods Group has opened a new Starbucks drive-thru in Teesside. The 1,840 square-foot outlet is based at Thornaby Teesside Estate. The opening is part of Starbucks’ plan for 100 new stores across the UK in 2024. Soul Foods Group is a family-owned multi-brand franchise operator that operates more than 400 sites globally, working with brands including Taco Bell and KFC. The new store follows a £5m investment by UK Land Estates into the development of numerous retail and industrial units at the business park over the past 12 months.

 

GSG launches Bold Street Coffee subscription service: North west operator GSG Hospitality has launched a subscription service for its Bold Street Coffee concept. The company operates five Bold Street Coffee locations – three in Manchester and two in Liverpool – as the flagship brand of its diverse portfolio. It also operates two salt Dog Slims bars – one each in Liverpool and Manchester – plus speakeasy cocktail bar 81, tequila bar El Bandito, all-day restaurant Nord, Caribbean cocktail bar Manolo and the Duke Street Food & Drink Market – all in Liverpool. It also opened its first pub in October when it launched The Hightown in Lower Alt Road, Hightown, having acquired the site earlier this year. “We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever Coffee subscription service, bringing the Bold Street Coffee experience directly to your doorstep,” a GSG spokesman said. “Following the success of our fifth site opening in Manchester’s Spinningfields, this new venture marks another big step in expanding our reach and sharing our passion for high-quality, independently sourced coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just starting your coffee journey, our subscription is designed for everyone.” In July, GSG co-founder Matt Farrell told Propel that the business has “numerous cities and destinations on our radar” for Bold Street Coffee  and is also exploring expanding some of its other concepts. 

 

Giggling Squid eyes Chester opening: Thai brand Giggling Squid is eyeing an opening in Chester. Plans have been lodged to convert the former Tessuti clothes retail unit on Bridge Street. The grade II-listed building, originally a townhouse, had been a public house and later a restaurant before planning approval was secured in the 1980s for it to be converted into a retail unit. Tessuti permanently closed its doors at the premises earlier this year, having been based there since 2017. The nearest Giggling Squid site to Cheshire is in Shrewsbury.