PizzaExpress to return to US next year with Florida site: PizzaExpress is to make its return to the US next year with an opening in Florida, which will play a key role in its ambitious plan to reach 1,000 restaurants globally (including the UK) by 2030. The company, which operates circa 360 sites in the UK and 100 international and franchise sites, will launch Stateside in partnership with Purple Square Management Company, a leading US franchisee founded in Tampa, Florida, which has also worked with Dunkin’ Donuts and Popeyes. Purple Square, led by Vik Patel, operates 245 franchise locations across 15 states. PizzaExpress stated: “With more than 20 years of US market expertise, Patel and his team bring proven success in scaling brands, making them the ideal partner for PizzaExpress’ launch as it aims to fill a gap in the premium pizza market.” Paula Mackenzie, chief executive of PizzaExpress, said: “Not everyone knows the love story that lies behind one of our most popular pizzas on the menu, the American. Our founder, Peter Boizot had a Texan girlfriend that inspired his creation of the original meat topped pizza. With this link to our heritage, our launch in America tastes a whole lot better! It is exciting for us to end the year with this news, continuing our roll of successful openings in the UK at London Gatwick, Oxford Summertown, The ICC Birmingham and in the last month, a new concept and another industry first, our PizzaExpress Pod. Worldwide we already thrive on the global stage and our commitment to delivering delicious pizza while simultaneously offering a unique dining experience is what makes the brand so loved in the UK, and globally.” Patel said: “This is a full circle moment to bring a brand I’ve loved and grown up with in London to a new market eager for an elevated pizza experience. We know this concept has the potential to resonate with US consumers in a unique way. Walking into a PizzaExpress location is a one-of-a-kind experience, designed to welcome everyone. We’re thrilled to introduce its rich legacy, inclusive atmosphere, and affordable price points to our home state of Florida. This is just the beginning of a journey we’re confident will inspire a new wave of dining experiences across the country.” In April, Propel revealed PizzaExpress was looking to launch in the US and had begun the search for franchisees to aid its expansion there. It set up a new company, PizzaExpress US, to oversee the move and has partnered with consultants whichfranchise to explore rolling out in the country. PizzaExpress previously attempted to launch in the US in the 1990s. Firstly, it opened three sites in the mid-1990s in California with Harshad Desai, at the time PizzaExpress’ biggest franchisee in the UK. A couple of years later, the business opened a restaurant in Philadelphia, under a 50/50 joint venture established with US restaurant brand owner Avado Brands (known until 1998 as Apple South). The restaurant opened in the city’s Walnut Street under the name San Marzano. Avado, which had also taken a 20% stake in the UK-based Belgo group around the same time, planned to open one or two further locations, as it tested the concept, including a site in Washington DC. All the sites subsequently closed. PizzaExpress features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members and features 1,039 companies. PizzaExpress’ turnover of £454,566,000 in the year to 31 December 2023 is the 30th highest in the database. 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.

Drake & Morgan reports record Christmas bookings and trading up in current financial year, weekend revenue jumps more than 30% since pre-covid: Drake & Morgan, the London bar and restaurant group backed by Bowmark Capital, has reported Christmas bookings are set to beat last year’s record with the business trading ahead of last year in the current financial year. The 18-strong group said it continues to establish itself “as the home of daytime dancing” with numerous weekend events across the group, which has seen weekend trade jump by more than 30% since pre-covid. It comes as the company reported turnover increased to £45.5m for the 53 weeks to 31 March 2024 compared with £43.3m the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda was up to £4.4m from £4.1m. The record Christmas trading saw like-for-like sales up 31.7% for the four weeks ending 31 December 2023 against the previous year. Chief financial officer David King said: “The business is trading ahead of last year and, for the second year running, is experiencing its best Christmas to date. Our drive to maximise the company’s performance is underpinned by our daytime dancing and brunch events boosting weekend sales while the ongoing return to the office continues to bolster weekday trade. We were extremely proud to be named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024, which is a reflection of the team’s commitment to ensuring we operate within a supportive, inclusive and positive work environment. The directors are excited about the year ahead and remain confident Drake & Morgan will continue to go from strength to strength in spite of the well documented additional costs being imposed on businesses as a result of the recent Budget.”