Alan Yau working on Azerbaijan-inspired grill house concept, eyeing Marylebone launch: Alan Yau, the founder of Wagamama, Hakkasan, Busaba Eathai and Yauatcha, is working on a new Azerbaijan-inspired grill house concept called Eskibaba, Propel has learned. The new concept is described as a “high quality, independent boutique grill house that gives the best dining experience at scale”. The concept revolves around the term Manqal Başı – a place where customers sit around an open charcoal grill and watch the chef grill dishes in front of them, similar to Japanese Yakitori or Robata styles. The concept states that this is “both a culinary and social experience, deeply rooted in traditional Azeri hospitality”. Propel understands that a site in London’s Marylebone is under consideration for the first site. Yau launched Yamabahçe, the concept centred around Turkish flatbread, in Marylebone’s James Street, in 2018. Earlier this year, Zula, the Istanbul-based burger concept, partnered with Yau to launch in the UK. The concept, which is the brainchild of Üryan Doğmuş and Cihan Kıpçak, launched in a 1,750 square-foot site at 5 Old Quebec Street, just off Oxford Street, offering “crafted burgers and comfort food”. Earlier this summer, Duck & Rice, the classic Chinese food in a pub concept set up by Yau in London’s Soho, opened its second site, at the Battersea Power Station development. Last week, Busaba, which currently operates from seven sites, was acquired out of administration via a pre-pack sale to a new company called Seaco Investments. Earlier this week, the future of Park Chinois, the Chinese restaurant in London’s Mayfair designed and originated by Yau, was placed in doubt after the company behind fell into administration.

Propel’s Culture, Talent & Training Conference open for bookings, panel to be held about world class engagement: Propel’s Culture, Talent & Training Conference is open for bookings. The conference takes place on Thursday, 9 October at One Moorgate Place in London. The conference will include a panel where Abi Dunn, founder at Sixty Eight People, talks to Hayley Whitfield, people director at Pizza Pilgrims, Rachel Woodcock, people director at Hickory’s, and Josie Adams, people director at Incipio Group, to discuss how they have helped to create cultures that have led to some of the highest eNPS results in the sector. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £345 plus VAT for suppliers. Premium Club subscribers get a 20% discount. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places. 

 

Premium Club subscribers to receive new searchable and segmented New Openings Database and videos from the Operational Excellence Conference today: The next Propel New Openings Database will be sent to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday 1 August). The database will show the details of 157 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 9,157-word report on the 157 new additions to the database. The database includes new openings in the quick service restaurant sector such as Manchester Detroit pizza business Dough Club, Midlands smash burger business Brgr Lab and Junk Group, opening a second UK site under its eponymous smash burger brand. Premium Club subscribers will also receive all the videos from the Operational Excellence Conference today at 9am. They include Philip Eeles, founder of Honest Burgers, Breadstall Pizza & Pineapple, reflecting on starting a new restaurant in the current market; the need for a balance between taste, operational efficiency and GP; and how people metrics underpin overall performance.  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 Club subscribers will be offered a 20% discount on tickets to Propel paid-for events and discounts on specialist sector reports. Operators that are Premium Club subscribers are also able to send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free. Premium Club subscribers 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 subscribers 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 subscribers 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. In this week’s Premium Opinion, Propel group editor looks back at the week’s news, including the return of David Page and possible new investors for Dishoom. 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.

UKHospitality chair – this week represents a watershed moment for our sector: Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, has called the government’s plans to modernise outdated licensing rules a “watershed moment for our sector”. Downing Street’s response to recommendations from a licensing policy sprint taskforce include seeking views on creating a National Licensing Policy Framework, modernising outdated licensing rules and a one-time licensing condition ‘amnesty’ . Other recommendations include increasing the maximum entitlement for temporary event notices and improving the potential for licensed premises to better use their outside spaces by removing regulatory barriers. Writing in today’s Propel Friday Opinion, Nicholls says: “This is not a minor tweak or a cosmetic adjustment. This is a fundamental overhaul, a strategic victory that will unlock potential, drive investment and breathe new light and life into our high streets and town centres.” Nicholls says that the measures represent the most “significant liberalisation of licensing law in a generation”. She said: “They will cut red tape, reduce costs and empower businesses to innovate, invest and create jobs.” Nicholls also warns the government that this must not be the end of its support of the sector. She added: “We understand that these reforms are an enabler, not a silver bullet for all the challenges our sector faces. The crushing burden of business rates, punitive employment costs and volatile energy prices remain at the very top of our agenda. This must be the start, not the end, of the government’s support.” Propel’s Friday Opinion will be sent out today at 11am.

 

Matthew Kirby – I really struggle to see how I can make a decent return on capital in the UK: Matthew Kirby, who founded the Chozen Noodle brand before selling it to Chopstix, has said he really struggles to see how he can make a decent return on capital in the UK. The restaurateur and entrepreneur is currently an investor in the Detroit restaurant franchise Fords Garage Café, which this year opened its third location. Speaking at Propel’s Operational Excellence Conference, Kirby said: “If I want to get a good return for my business, I really struggle to see how I can make a decent return on capital in the UK. I think there’s a real struggle here, the government has pushed us into a real death of 1,000 cuts. If you look at the majority of the casual dining landscape, it’s a real challenge, and those that manage to survive the coming years will be doing an amazing job. There is still opportunity to make a decent margin in the US and get a decent return on capital. The reason you can still make good money in the US is utilities are much lower, property taxes are much lower than business rates here, there are lower social security costs, and you can depreciate 40% of your leasehold improvements and get that money back into your business much quicker.” However, one thing the UK hospitality scene has in its favour, Kirby said, is levels of service are catching up with the US. “If you go back 20-25 years, I used to go to places like Chicago and New York and the level of service would be amazing, and you could see why they were getting 25% tips,” he said. “Today, if you go to those same restaurants, it’s not as good, and here, we’ve got a hell of a lot better at what we do. And that’s one thing I think we should be really proud of – we’ve really closed that gap, and I think the engagement and practices we’ve employed in the UK have helped us get there.” Premium Club subscribers will receive all the videos from the Operational Excellence Conference today (Friday, 1 August) at 9am. 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.

Dine and dash mental health toll on restaurant staff: Restaurant bosses have spoken out about the financial and mental health impact caused by dine and dash thieves, in a sector still affected by the pandemic and rising food prices. Some have told the BBC they have experienced customers running off without paying or putting glass in food to avoid paying the full bill. UKHospitality said a third of its surveyed members had experienced customers refusing to pay for their food. Amanda Brighton, director of Joe’s Bar and Grill in Oxford, said her venue was recently targeted by a group who failed to pay. “We had a group of people come in, they ordered a lot of food at once and a lot of expensive drinks, and their bill was £230,” she said. She said running up a large bill was only the first part of the scam as the group then said they had found a piece of glass in their food. “They usually place the foreign object in the food at the end,” she said. “They try to leave completely without paying anything.” When the diners were challenged, the situation became heated. “The young lady that was talking to me was in my face, screaming at me and calling me names,” she said. Kate Nicholls, the chair of UKHospitality, said that in a survey of its members, many reported an increase in cases over recent years. “It’s a growing problem and it needs to be tackled,” she said. “It’s theft, plain and simple. It’s the same as taking and stealing from the venue itself. We have seen repeat offenders coming through, so these are criminals. It’s under-reported; businesses don’t tend to take small scale thefts to the police because of resourcing issues.”

Job of the day: COREcruitment has partnered with a leading artisanal bakery group in London, renowned for crafting exceptional baked goods across three thriving locations. It is looking for an executive baker, who will bring passion, creativity and leadership to the role, ensuring exceptional product quality while inspiring and developing a talented team. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic company at the forefront of London’s artisanal baking scene. This role is based in London and offers a salary up to £50,000. For more information, please contact olly@corecruitment.com.

 

Raising Cane’s planning 2026 UK launch, eyeing a handful of openings: Raising Cane’s, which recently became the third-largest chicken brand in the US by sales behind Chick-fil-A and Popeyes, is planning to launch in the UK next spring and is in talks on a handful of sites in the capital, Propel has learned. Propel revealed at the start of July that the business, which specialises in chicken fingers and operates more than 900 sites, the majority in the US, was in talks to secure a flagship site in London’s Piccadilly, with Coventry Street touted as a possible destination. Propel understand that the brand is also in talks on the former Halifax site on The Strand, a site in Brixton and a further site in Paddington. The Louisiana-based company, which was founded in 1996 in Baton Rouge by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey, is understood to be working with property advisory firm Etch on its plans for the UK and is thought to have already also looked at potential sites in Manchester and Birmingham. Propel understands that Graves, who named the business after his labrador retriever, Raising Cane, is personally overseeing the launch of the brand here, which will initially involve company-owned sites. The brand is set to make a significant investment in its launch here, especially on initially securing flagship Central London sites, in a strategy reminiscent of Five Guys’ launch in the UK. The business set up Raising Cane’s Restaurants UK Holdings at the start of this year. Its restaurant footprint has grown to more than 900 locations, up from just over 500 in 2020. Last year, it opened 118 restaurants. About 100 are expected to open this year, with another 200 or so in the development pipeline. Outside the US, the brand has locations in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The company recently told CNBC that its system sales rose to $5.1bn last year, more than double its total in 2021. In 2024, Cane’s restaurants had an average unit volume of $6.6m, more than double the fast-food industry average, according to the company. For comparison, McDonald’s average unit volume for restaurants opened at least a year hit $4m last year, while Taco Bell’s were $2.2m. Rival Chick-fil-A, which is also in the process of relaunching in the UK, reported an average unit volume of $9.3m in 2024.

Exclusive: Signature Group – never have we worked so relentlessly for so little return, but we’re about to embark on our most ambitious project to date: Signature Group director Louise MacLean has told Propel “never have we worked so relentlessly for so little return” but that the business is about to embark on “our most ambitious project to date”. The 24-strong company recently made its first acquisition in five years – the former Ballie Ballerson site at 14 Forrest Road in Edinburgh, which closed at the end of last year. It comes as the business reported its pre-tax loss widened in the year to 31 October 2024, from £600,618 in 2023 to £917,356, as turnover grew from £32,170,637 to £34,448,466. “We’ve said it before and we’ll keep saying it – running a hospitality business in today’s climate is incredibly demanding,” MacLean told Propel. “These latest figures are a clear reflection of just how challenging it is to deliver healthy Ebitda amidst relentless cost pressures. It’s important to recognise that the fundamentals of our business remain strong. Sales are robust, and our initiatives continue to resonate with customers. Our loyalty programme continues to gain traction, with increased repeat visits, higher spend per head and longer dwell times as a result. But here’s the reality: never have we worked so productively, so relentlessly, for so little return. Current government policies in both Westminster and Holyrood are stifling genuine growth in the sector. Since 2019, we’ve made just one acquisition – the slowest pace of expansion in over two decades of trading – and that alone speaks volumes. And yet, we’re far from standing still. We’re about to embark on our most ambitious project to date — a £2.5m investment in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. In a climate where caution might seem the safer route, we are choosing to act boldly. Why? Because we believe in hospitality. We believe in job creation. And we believe in contributing meaningfully to the economy. Despite the ongoing challenges and the silence from those in power, we remain undeterred. Our resilience is tested time and time again but continues to be our greatest asset. Staying true to our values and mission has seen us through many storms. It will see us through this one, too. 2025 won’t be without its difficulties. A tough start in January and February set the tone, but since March, we’ve seen positive momentum. Like-for-like sales from March to August are up 11%, and in the current climate, that’s not just encouraging — it’s a hard-won victory.” Further analysis of the accounts shows that last year’s national living wage increase added £1.2m of costs into the business, and the group said its ability to pass these on to customers was “hindered by the cost-of-living crisis”. Fellow director Rory Forrest said that the group is confident it has the right team in place to overcome the current “significant headwinds” and believes it can return to “a strong level of profitability”. Signature Group founder Nic Wood told Propel last year that the group is considering expanding into England and has the structure in place for another four or five openings.

Co-op plans estate of ‘on-the-go’ stores offering pizzas, Costa coffee and wraps: The Co-op is to challenge grab-and-go operators such as Greggs, Pret a Manger and Subway with plans for hundreds of “bitesize” stores selling hot pizza, chicken tenders, Costa coffee and sandwiches. The first Co-op On The Go store opened yesterday (Thursday, 31 July) in Solihull, in the West Midlands, with 14 more planned this year, including five in London. The company said its longer-term ambition is for the format to reach several hundred sites within the next two to three years. This will comprise new locations as well as existing site re-fits and implants. The store design and offering caters to ‘on-the-go’ meal solutions throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in new formats, from traditional meal deals to the inclusion of hot food served over the counter – a first for Co-op. The range includes Costa coffees, hot baguettes, chicken tenders, cooked pizzas, wraps, bagels and protein pots. Meanwhile, cold drinks include wines and a range of ready-to-drink single-serve cocktails. The company said the concept’s offer will be an innovative blend of the best of European and Far East trends of “serviced-over” food-to-go propositions, which bring together time of day and freshly prepared products “designed to stand out in the high street”. Described as a UK first for a national grocery chain, the new format is approximately one-quarter the size (600-1,000 square feet) of the group’s typical convenience shops, with new operating hours (7am-7pm) and a range that “caters to the growing ‘grab-and-go’ consumer culture”. Matt Hood, Co-op Food managing director, said: “We are always looking at new ways to deliver convenience to our members and customers, and these new stores are a perfect example of us using our expertise to refine our ‘on the go’ offer so it is focused on giving shoppers exactly what they need, when they need it. It’s a brand-new concept, which we believe there is a big demand for and which we can meet with delicious products, quick service, good value and spot-on locations. I’m excited to see this evolution of Co-op stores join our traditional convenience stores across the UK.”

Gaucho evolves leadership structure, Ross Butler steps down as COO: Gaucho, the premium Argentinian steak restaurant group, has announced a number of strategic leadership appointments, which it said will “further strengthen the business and streamline performance across the UK, as new chief executive Baton Berisha implements his next stage strategy for growth”. It comes as Propel understands that Ross Butler has stepped down as chief operating officer of the business after nearly seven years in the role, and a near 14-year association with the brand. As part of the current leadership changes, and as previously revealed by Propel, Pedro Nunes has joined the business, which currently operates 20 eponymous sites across the UK, as operations director for London – bringing over a decade of experience from The Ivy Collection, where he oversaw multiple high-profile openings and franchise developments internationally. The company said that Nunes’s leadership will be “pivotal in elevating standards across service, culture and profitability within London sites”. Meanwhile, Sean Weeraratna, who has been with Gaucho for six and half years, will take on the role of regional operations director for its eight restaurants outside London, taking responsibility for driving performance across the brand’s regional estate. Anthony Ekizian, formerly of Granger & Co and Aubaine, will now lead Gaucho’s new back of house structure, in his new role as culinary director. At the same time, Zack Charilaou has also been promoted to business development director, which now encompasses the Gaucho sales and reservations department. Charilaou has been with the Gaucho brand for 17 years. Berisha said: “We are evolving Gaucho’s leadership structure to reflect the ambition of the brand. These new appointments and promotions will sharpen our focus, empower performance,and support innovation across all areas of the business. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’re building, and we look forward to stepping into an exciting new chapter for Gaucho.”

TriSpan closes continuation vehicle for US-based, fast-casual concept Naya: TriSpan, the transatlantic private equity firm which backs Pho, Mowgli and Rosa’s Thai in the UK, has announced the closing of a single-asset continuation vehicle (CV) for Naya, the rapidly growing, US-based, fast-casual restaurant brand. The transaction represents the first ever single-asset CV for a company-owned model restaurant concept. It was led by Pacific General Equity Partners and co-led by Kline Hill Partners, alongside a diverse group of existing and new investors. The transaction also includes a “meaningful reinvestment” from TriSpan and its affiliates, which it said underscored its “continued commitment to the company and conviction in its growth potential”. The CV enables existing investors to realise liquidity while positioning Naya for accelerated expansion, building on the company’s success since TriSpan’s original investment in October 2020, with plans to scale nationally. Under TriSpan’s backing, Naya has expanded from a local New York concept with six sites, to a regional platform with 35 sites across six states, establishing itself as a category staple in its current markets. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with TriSpan as we enter this next chapter of growth,” said Hady Kfoury, founder and chief executive of Naya. “TriSpan has been instrumental in helping us grow from a local concept into a regional player, and with the additional backing of our new partners, we’re poised to scale Naya into a standout national brand.” Anthony Freijy, partner and head of TriSpan Rising Stars US, added: “We’re thrilled to complete the first continuation vehicle of its kind and continue our partnership with Hady and his great management team. With additional capital and new partners, we now have the runway to scale Naya to a couple of hundred units across the US over the next few years.”

Notes makes regional debut with Reading opening: Notes, the London coffee shop and wine bar concept owned by WSH Group, the parent company of BaxterStorey and Benugo, has made its regional debut with an opening in Reading. The 13-strong business opened on the ground floor at One Station Hill, which is situated opposite Reading station, after signing a ten-year lease on the site. Notes, which is at the front of the building facing the station, offers brunch and small dishes in the evening. It also offers wine and cocktails and specialises in seasonal food. Robert Robinson and Fabio Ferreira, co-founders of Notes, said: “We are so excited to introduce our single-origin speciality coffee to Reading. Station Hill has it all – a travel hub, high spec offices and a new neighbourhood of homes for Reading. We are thrilled to be at the heart of this thriving new community.” Notes returned to the expansion trail at the end of 2023 with an opening in London’s Tottenham Court Road. The business, which WSH Group acquired in November 2022, opened in the former Rush hair shop at 105 Tottenham Court Road. Notes’ coffee shops across the capital include sites in Canary Wharf, King’s Cross, Moorgate and Trafalgar Square. It also owns a roastery in Canning Town, east London, and an online retail business.

Chestnut Group adds two more Sussex pubs to its growing estate: East Anglian pub company Chestnut Group has added two more pubs with rooms in Sussex to its growing estate. The company, which now owns and manages 24 pubs with rooms and hotels across the east of England, has secured The Angel Inn in Stoke by Nayland and The Anchor Inn in Nayland from Richard and Laura Clark. Last month, The White Horse in Blakeney joined Chestnut Group, followed by the acquisition of The Red Lion in East Bergholt. The new additions come as the group opens three new lodge style bedrooms in the grounds of The Crown Stoke by Nayland. The Angel Inn and The Anchor Inn remain open to the public and will continue to trade as normal, while The Red Lion will re-open on 25 August. Chestnut founder and chief executive Philip Turner said: “Despite the challenging environment, we remain committed to a successful future for hospitality and are thrilled to welcome these charming places into our collection, securing their future for local communities. Each one has its own character, which, as always, we’ll preserve, adding Chestnut’s commitment to place, provenance and personality.” Earlier this month, the company promoted Henry Fairbanks to director of acquisitions and wholesale and hired Ollie Trezise to lead its operations. Christie & Co acted on the three latest Chestnut deals.

Tonkotsu to open first site outside of England: Tonkotsu, which is backed by YFM Equity Partners and chaired by Sarah Willingham, is set to open its first site outside of England. Tonkotsu, which has 18 restaurants across England serving homemade noodles and broths, is preparing to open at 7 High Street in Cardiff. The brand was founded in 2012 when co-founders Ken Yamada and Emma Reynolds opened their first location in London’s Soho. By 2019, it operated nine London restaurants, alongside one within Selfridges in Birmingham, and has since opened further regional locations in Brighton and Bristol. Cardiff Council has now granted planning permission for a change of use of a unit currently occupied by Bernstein’s Curtain Specialist, which is looking to vacate the premises as it transitions to an online platform. In January, the company hired Polly Barnes as its new operations director, and said it hopes to open three new sites this year. Barnes previously spent seven years as operations director at Darwin & Wallace and five as head of training with The Restaurant Group-owned Wagamama. 

Superbowl UK saw its profit halved in year before selling a third of its estate: Superbowl UK saw its profit halved in year before selling a third of its estate. In November 2024, the then 13-strong business sold its sites in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Warrington to Disco Bowl, the family entertainment operator led by Pete Terry and Nigel Blair. It has since opened new venues in Aldershot and Wolverhampton, with a further location set to open later this year, in Basingstoke. In the year to 31 October 2024, which ended just before the site sales, the company saw its pre-tax profit drop from £1,268,216 to £604,643, with administrative expenses rising by more than £2m. Turnover rose from £16,014,997 to £17,989,684, which the company said was mainly down to its reporting period being changed to include an additional two months. Of this, £6,595,392 came from bowling (2023: £5,937,358), £4,113,446 from food and drink (2023: £3,332,487) and £7,229,193 from amusements and soft play (2023: £6,689,370). The company also received an insurance payout of £118,805 during the year. Dividends of £355,803 were paid (2023: £278,220). An outstanding amount of £344,000 was owed at the year-end in relation to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, as well as £17,593 from the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. In May, the company secured two fixed rate loans for a total of £659,750, due to be repaid by May 2030. Director Kate Quaintance-Blackford said: “The group is continuing to invest in re-fitting its sites and keep up with new technological changes such as new scoring systems and string lanes. It is our ongoing plan to open new centres as attractive opportunities are presented and to continuously upgrade our existing sites. Interest rates remain relatively high, and consumers disposable income is being squeezed. This may lead to a reduction in demand. The increases in the minimum wage and employers’ national insurance will impact wage costs but the directors plan to use the benefit of improved efficiencies from investment in technology to counteract these costs.” The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the market, will be published today (Friday, 1 August) at 9am. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It also provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year’s study, with 3,700 sites. The report is available for £595 plus VAT to pre-order now. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it on Friday, 1 August for £395 plus VAT. The report will be made available for free to existing Premium subscribers on Wednesday, 10 September at 9am. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to order a copy.

Pepe’s Piri Piri fast approaching 250 sites as it opens three more stores: Flame-grilled piri piri chicken brand Pepe’s Piri Piri is fast approaching 250 sites after opening three more stores. It was only in September that the brand, which originally launched in London in 2004, opened its 200th site – in Edinburgh, Scotland. In the past fortnight, it has opened a further Edinburgh site, at 38-39 Elm Row, as well as stores at 18 St John’s Road in Clapham, London, and 5 Stephenson Place in Chesterfield. The brand, which also operates sites in Morocco, Pakistan and the UAE, now has 233 UK stores.

Gourmet burger concept that has Fireaway founder as a backer set to open five new sites in the next three months: Gourmet burger concept Five Akhis, which has fast-pizza brand Fireaway founder Mario Aleppo as a backer, is set to open five new sites in the next three months. Five Akhis, which was founded in 2021 in Milton Keynes, last month opened site number ten, at 223-225 Selbourne Road in Luton. It also has openings lined up in Bedford, Leicester and London's Whitechapel, although the exact locations have not yet been confirmed. Franchise operations director Ravi Parmar said: “As a co-owner, I had a vision for the brand to branch out and achieve exposure in the UK. After many conversations and back and forth, the road map was agreed! As franchise operations director, I have successfully project managed and opened eight stores in nine months, in the first year of franchising. I have met some amazing people so far! I'm now excited to open up another five stores in the next three months while securing future prospects and converting them into brand partners. Bring on the challenge, the vision continues.” Five Akhis also has two sites in Milton Keynes (full restaurant and express) and one each in Northampton, Oxford, Preston, Birmingham, Sheffield, Banbury and Nottingham. Aleppo invested in the fledgling business in 2023, taking a 5% stake as well as lending his expertise. Parmar previously told Propel that the founders want to grow the business “as big as Fireaway”, which has more than 150 locations.

Midlands dessert concept lines up Birmingham and Coventry and launches: Midlands dessert concept Dolce Desserts has lined up launches in Birmingham and Coventry. The Birmingham site, on Dudley Road, will be its ninth in the city – joining its locations in Corporation Street, Selly Oak (Express), Nechells (dark kitchen), Hagley Road, Stechford, Ladypool Road, Shirley and Alum Rock. The Coventry site will form part of the Shunde Place development at 28-34 Corporation Street. Planning permission has already been granted for the change of use for the unit from retail to a café, as well as a new shop front. Planning officers are currently deciding on final conditions attached to the planning permission, such as materials set to be used, reports Coventry Live. The Coventry site will be a third outside of Birmingham for the brand, with the others being in Worcester and Sutton Coldfield, while the two new openings will bring the total Dolce Desserts estate to 12 stores. The company was founded by Kamila Khan and Farzana Begum in 2014.

Sheffield bakery and cafe business set to launch new concept for sixth site: Sheffield bakery and café business Forge Bakehouse is set to launch a new concept for its sixth site. Deli by Forge Bakehouse will open at 910 Ecclesall Road in Banners Cross in early August, selling the full range of Forge Bakehouse products as well as a selection of locally sourced goods. The main focus will be on food items to take away, but there will also be a small customer seating area. Forge Bakehouse already has shops and cafes in Sheffield’s Abbeydale Road, Beauchief, Lodge Moor and Dronfield, as well as an outlet at Sheffield Station. It also supplies pastries and breads to True North Brew Co's Forum Kitchen and Bar at Devonshire Green, reports Insider Media. Michael Bevan, Forge Bakehouse head of people, products and customer experience, said: “Sheffield is at the heart of everything we do, and we are delighted to be able to announce the launch of a new Forge Bakehouse concept in such a popular area of the city. The core of our success is the continued use of the finest quality ingredients and a team of fantastic chefs, bakers and baristas, all bringing the best quality to our customers. We are confident that Deli by Forge Bakehouse has found the perfect location, and we look forward to welcoming customers.” Forge Bakehouse was rescued out of administration in 2023, with CPLG, headed by original Forge Bakehouse owner Craig Guest, at the helm.

Bristol Beer Factory secures funding for new facility: Bristol Beer Factory, which owns four pubs across the city, has secured the funding to expand into a new facility. Bristol Beer Factory has expanded into a new 12,000 square-foot facility, doubling its original footprint, having outgrown its previous premises. The company is investing £1.2m in the new “environmentally sustainable facility” and has secured a seven-figure capital import finance and hire purchase funding package from Lloyds. The business has operated in South Bristol for more than 20 years and owns BBF Tap Room & Studio, The Barley Mow, Arnolfini Harbourside Café-Bar and Junction. Sam Burrows, managing director at Bristol Beer Factory, said: “This expansion is about more than just brewing more beer, we’ve also been able to make improvements across the board, benefitting our people, community and planet. We’re continuing towards our goal of being a leading brand in the city, that’s known for doing right by the community we operate in. This new brewery means we can better respond to a positive trend in customer demand while also increasing our ability to deliver social value-driven projects like ‘Brewed to Give’. We’re excited to see what the future holds.”

Chicken Cottage opens in Ruislip: Halal fast food company Chicken Cottage has opened in Ruislip, west London. It has opened at 72 High Street in the town, joining its locations in the area at Northwood, Rayners Lane, Northolt, Greenford, Southall, Hayes, Hillingdon and West Drayton. Chicken Cottage has circa 70 locations, the majority of which are in the UK, with a handful overseas. Sadaf Khan, franchise and business development lead for Chicken Cottage, said: “We’re so proud to bring Chicken Cottage to Ruislip, offering our signature flame-grilled chicken, crispy classics, and unbeatable flavour – all served with heart. A huge thank you to our amazing franchise partners and team members who made this launch happen. We can’t wait to welcome the local community.” In February, the company made its debut in Ireland with a launch in Moneymore, Drogheda, and in April, it signed a deal to expand into Iraq. Last year, Chicken Cottage targeted reaching 100 stores globally by 2027 as it expands in North Africa, as it opened two new stores in Kenya.

Former The Palmerston baker set to open second site for her solo venture: Darcy Maher, former baker at The Palmerston restaurant and bakery in Edinburgh, is set to open a second site for her solo venture. Maher launched Lannan in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge in 2023, offering a weekly-changing menu of Maher’s signature bakes. This autumn, it will be joined by Lannan Pantry, a standalone retail and events space at 29-35 Hamilton Place, in the Scottish capital. Accessible by its own entrance next to the bakery, Lannan Pantry will be a one-stop-shop for quality, seasonal produce – all of which is used in the menu items at the bakery. The offering will change regularly to reflect the ingredients used by Lannan’s bakers, from forced Yorkshire rhubarb early in the year to Scottish asparagus come spring. Guests will be able to purchase grocery staples including fresh fruit and vegetables, local free-range eggs and butter, as well as bread from the bakery, dips, fresh pasta and sauces made in house. There will also be fresh meat from Bowhouse and George Bowers butchers and charcuterie and cheese from The Ham and Cheese Company, sliced to order. The Lannan kitchen has also been expanded to include an in-house butchery, where the team will produce sausages and bacon, as well as seasonal pastry specials such as sausage rolls, pork pies and terrines. Lannan Pantry will also feature a wine cellar, offering a curated selection of natural and biodynamic wines, as well as ciders and beers. And while Lannan Pantry won’t stock pastries and cakes from the bakery, it will operate as the collection point for bakery pre-orders. Maher said: “We wanted to expand our offering beyond pastry, bringing the wonderful produce that we use in our products and pastries to our customers’ kitchens. The pantry will be for customers, but it’ll also support our kitchen and bakery – it will quite literally be our pantry, allowing us to take a zero-waste approach to both spaces.”

Lancashire hotel group acquires second property in four months as part of £30m investment to establish national footprint: Lancashire hotel group Rambler Group Holdings has acquired a second property within four months as part of a £30m investment to establish a national footprint. The group, which acquired The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley in April, has bought The Oaks Hotel & Leisure Club in Burnley. The hotel, which dates back to 1885, now includes a leisure club and restaurant. The 51-bedroom venue, which also has a leisure club and multiple event and meeting suites, was sold off a guide price of £1.8m. Qasim Ahmed, chief executive of Rambler Group Holdings, added: “We are excited to welcome The Oaks Hotel & Leisure Club into our Aura Hotels portfolio. The hotel’s heritage and loyal customer base, combined with its operational strength, make it a fantastic acquisition. As a local company, we are enthusiastic about the potential to invest in the property and continue building on its success. Our vision is to enhance the guest experience while staying true to the character that makes The Oaks so special. This acquisition follows our recent purchase of The Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, and forms part of Rambler’s ambitious £30m, 24-month growth strategy to establish a national footprint in the UK hospitality sector by acquiring and reviving iconic heritage hotels.” Jonathon Butterworth, managing director at former owner Lavender Hotels, said: “The decision to sell The Oaks Hotel was a strategic one, enabling us to release equity from the sale to reinvest into the other hotels in our portfolio.” Rambler Group Holdings was established in 2018.