Fledgling salad concept Pick.Your.Own secures funding to aid rollout across London, targeting 20 sites by 2030: Pick.Your.Own, the fast-casual concept that launched last December in the City, has secured investment from Frontive Group and Cervus Investments to accelerate its rollout across London. The company, which is the brainchild of Christian West, a former private equity professional, said the funding will enable it to open multiple new sites within the next six-to-nine months, with “ambitious plans already in motion for further growth”. The business told Propel that it is targeting opening 20 sites within the next four to five years, with an initial focus on the City before moving to other areas. West told Propel: “Consolidating London is the core objective of the initial plan and that is where our immediate focus lies. Beyond that anything is possible and regional cities are definitely an option. From the investment round, we have gained a strong group of people with extensive hospitality experience and some of them will join the board or advise less formally.” The concept, which is promising “to revolutionise” the daily salad and “help customers choose better”, debuted at 73 Mark Lane, offering a customisable grab-and-go menu using organic and regeneratively farmed produce where possible. The company said: “In just eight months, the business has built a loyal following by offering fresh, bold-flavoured salads and by having a quality-first approach, with ingredients including wild sockeye salmon, regeneratively farmed meat and seasonal British vegetables – all of which is prepared fresh, daily on site. Sourcing from a network of suppliers more commonly associated with fine dining, Pick.Your.Own makes premium quality accessible in a fast, convenient format, while placing sustainability at the heart of its mission.” The business also said it is on track to achieve B Corp certification within its first year. West said: “Securing this investment less than a year after opening is a huge milestone for Pick.Your.Own. It's a testament to the incredible traction we've built and the appetite in the market for higher-quality, provenance-led food. We've proven that people want to choose better when it comes to their food, and with this funding, we're in a strong position to bring our vision to more people across London.” Rahul Shah, chief investment officer at Frontive Group, said: “Pick.Your.Own. is well positioned to capitalise on London's increased demand for premium, healthy eating options. We are delighted to partner with Christian as we continue to strengthen our footprint in the food and beverage sector.”

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality tomorrow featuring 1,035 companies: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be sent to Premium Club subscribers tomorrow (Friday, 22 August), at midday. The database features 87 new companies and 108 updated entries, and this month’s edition includes more than 272,000 words of content. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent developments reported as well as broader information around Ebitda, plans and trading style available. The database merges Companies House information, interviews and other public information to provide an easy to reference and exhaustive guide to the sector. Premium Club subscribers also receive access to five other databases: the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the UK Food and Beverage Franchisor Database, and the UK Food and Beverage Franchisee Database. 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. 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 – increasing taxes will only make rising inflation worse: UKHospitality has warned the government that increasing taxes will only make rising inflation worse. New data shows prices in the UK rose by 3.8% in the year to July, which means inflation is at its highest level since January 2024 and almost double the Bank of England's target of 2%. The cost of eating out, as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages more generally, helped to push up prices, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “It’s clear the UK economy is stuck in a low growth and high inflation trap, and the only certainty is that increasing taxes and costs would make the situation worse. Our latest member survey data shows that the £3.4bn in additional annual cost that hit the sector in April has forced eight in ten hospitality businesses to put up prices – which is no doubt a factor unfortunately fuelling inflation. Pulling the tax lever on hospitality once again would be the worst possible thing to do and instead the government should lower business rates, fix national insurance contributions and cut VAT at the Budget to back hospitality and stop the sector from being taxed out.”

 

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a national catering and soft facilities management provider within healthcare that is looking for a general manager. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “This is a critical role that requires an outstanding leader to oversee the soft facilities management offering. The role is to lead and develop a circa £4m healthcare contract, overseeing soft facilities management elements including catering, cleaning, retail and security. There is a stable and strong team across all service streams. This is a very client focused role that requires a strong contract manager with a hands-on approach who will lead from the front. Experience in a soft facilities management environment, ideally within healthcare/NHS, would be very favourable.” The salary is up to £55,000 and the role is based in Bristol. For more information, email dan@corecruitment.com.

 

Stephen Evans steps down as a MD at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group: Stephen Evans has stepped down as a managing director at chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant group, Propel has learned. Evans joined Ramsay’s restaurant group in 2021 at its property director before being promoted to managing director of global franchise and licensing in September 2022, as part of a restructure of the company. Evans, a former Gourmet Burger Kitchen development director, stepped down as managing director of ramen restaurant group Tonkotsu at the start of 2020. At the same time, Propel understands that Lee Bennett, formerly of MG Resorts International and D&D London, has stepped down as global director of culinary at Ramsay’s restaurant group after just over two years in the role. It is thought the departures of Evans and Bennett are unrelated. It comes as Ramsay has made his debut in India, with the opening of a Street Burger site at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International airport. The 60-cover site, which has been opened in partnership with Travel Food Services, offers a menu of gourmet burgers, loaded fries and desserts. The launch is reportedly part of a broader rollout planned across several Indian airports, with five more Ramsay-branded outlets expected to open by 2027. “India’s passion for its rich culinary heritage makes it a natural home for Street Burger,” said Andy Wenlock, chief executive of Gordon Ramsay Restaurants global, adding that international travel hubs are central to the group’s growth strategy, with existing airport outlets in London, Doha and Hong Kong. “Expanding into Delhi – and soon Mumbai –is an exciting next step.” In February, Ramsay struck a deal to merge the UK and US operations of his restaurant group in a move that will bring in fresh investment from US private equity firm Lion Capital. The chef has reorganised his restaurant empire to bring together global operations into an entity he will co-own with Lion Capital, which will provide new funding as part of the deal after making an initial investment into Ramsay’s US business of $100m in 2019. The transaction has created a group with a board headquartered in London, with Ramsay and Lion Capital each owning 50% of the business. Gordon Ramsay Restaurants was founded in 1998, and the group now has circa 35 restaurants across the UK. The company’s global operations include 32 restaurants in the US and 22 in other countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, France, Dubai, Singapore and Thailand.

Company behind Boost Juice Bars in the UK takes on Ben’s Cookies franchise: The company behind Australian fruit juice and smoothie brand Boost Juice Bars in the UK has taken on a franchise with cookie concept, Ben’s Cookies. TD4 Brands operates 25 Boost Juice Bars across the UK, as well as five The Shake Lab locations – and now two Ben’s Cookies sites. Founded in 1984 in Oxford by Helge Rubinstein, Ben’s Cookies has 16 sites in total across the UK and more than 50 overseas locations. In its accounts for the year to year to 25 September 2024, TD4 Brands director Dawn O’Sullivan said: “Results have been strong across the estate, with two new store openings in Boost Juice Bars (UK), alongside the group opening a site in the Trafford Centre, as a franchise of Ben’s Cookies, as the group continues to broaden its trading portfolio. The group also closed a site in Cambridge as the group focuses on both profitability of the estate, alongside expansion. Following the period end, the group has exited Birmingham at the end of its lease and taken on another store under the Ben's Cookies franchise in Reading, as the group continues its plan of expansion, alongside managing its existing portfolio. Just as important as new store openings is the profitability of our existing estate. We have continued discussions with landlords to obtain better deals at our marginal sites, alongside our rent concession negotiations.” The company reported turnover of £14,967,123 for the year, up from £13,876,462 in 2023. Pre-tax profit dropped from £975,928 in 2023 to £714,560, as the company reported exceptional items of £718,000, in terms of dilapidation provisions of £625,000 and £93,000. No dividends were paid (2023: £403,734). O’Sullivan added: “Sales have increased from the previous period (7.9% on 2023). This is due to a combination of sales price increases and also additional store counts. The gross profit margin increased to 77.6% from 76.5% in 2023. This is down to sales price increases and close management of the supply chain.”

Joule’s moves into winemaking with French vineyard acquisition: Brewer and retailer Joule’s has made the move into winemaking after acquiring Château Bessan, a historic vineyard in Bordeaux in France. The company said like its beer, Château Bessan wine will only be poured in a Joule’s pub. The first shipment sees three core wines introduced: Château Bessan: red, Bordeaux Blanc: white, and Fleur de Vigne: premium white. Vicky Colclough, managing director of Joule’s, said: “We are, and always will be, brewers first, but our Taphouses are about much more than beer. We want every Joule’s pub to offer the best of everything – the best pint, the best wine, the best atmosphere – and Château Bessan gives us the chance to do for wine what we’ve done for our beer already. It’s made with the same dedication, from a single source, for a single purpose: to be enjoyed in great pubs, at great value.” The launch of Château Bessan will begin in Joule’s managed houses this autumn, with a wider roll-out across the estate as more wine becomes available. Over time, the vineyard will adapt its planting to suit Joule’s pubs. Meanwhile, Joule’s – which operates 38 taphouses across Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Wales – will reopen its Red Lion Brewery Tap in Market Drayton today (Thursday, 21 August), which includes a new wine bar at the front, “a space dedicated to telling the Château Bessan story and showcasing its wine alongside pints poured fresh from the brewery next door”. Development director Anna Brakel said: “The Red Lion has always been the heart of Joule’s, and this development keeps that heart beating while opening new doors. The wine bar is something different for us, but it feels like a natural fit.” Over the past year, Joule’s has expanded into Birmingham with three new Taphouses: The Red Lion in the Jewellery Quarter, The New Inn in Harborne, and The Waterside Tap in Gas Street Basin. 

Gaucho ends Boxhall City test of Gaucho Go concept, plans more residencies: Gaucho, the premium Argentinian steak restaurant group, has closed the test pop-up of Gaucho Go, the smaller, quick service restaurant (QSR)-style concept it launched earlier this year at Boxhall City, but told Propel it planned further residencies for the format. The first Gaucho Go site, featuring the brand’s signature steak and chips, burgers and new dishes such as a “spin on the classic hot dog”, opened at Boxpark’s new Boxhall site in April. Gaucho told Propel that the launch was always intended to be a test-of-concept pop-up and that it was “really pleased with how it was received”. The Gaucho Go concept has since been active this summer at Boodles Tennis, BST Hyde Park, Labyrinth on Thames Festival and Goodwood, and this weekend will be at the Big Feastival. The company said it would have news on where it will be taking residency next in a couple of weeks. Mark Sansom, group marketing director at Gaucho, told Propel in March: “The vision is for us to create a QSR brand with street food inspired by the barrios of Buenos Aires that stays true to the Gaucho identity. Gaucho Go will also be popping up at events and festivals through spring and intro summer. Our Airstream food truck will also be branded in the Gaucho Go livery to serve events around the UK.”

Stonegate invests more than £6.5m in Slug & Lettuce brand: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has invested more than £6.5m in its Slug & Lettuce brand over the past 18 months, which it said has reinforced “its position as one of the UK's most popular bar brands”. The investment, which includes 12 completed refurbishments and four more planned before the end of the financial year, is part of a strategic programme to evolve the brand’s look and feel, with the aim of creating the “ultimate social destinations for guests”. Transformations include more than £837,000 into Slug & Lettuce Glasgow, £650,000 each into Birmingham and Manchester Albert Square, £630,000 into Solihull and £470,000 into Oxford Circus. The most recent completion, Slug & Lettuce Liverpool, reopened this month following a £370,000 refurbishment. This summer alone, Stonegate has invested £1.3m into the brand, including in Slug & Lettuce Lincoln, Newcastle Central, Wolverhampton and Liverpool. Upcoming projects include Leeds Boar Lane, Milton Keynes, Nottingham Market Square and Durham. The refurbishment programme coincides with Slug & Lettuce’s 40th anniversary this year. David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, said: “This significant investment is a real statement of our confidence in the Slug & Lettuce brand and its future. Over the past 18 months, we’ve transformed venues right across the UK to create fresh, vibrant spaces where our guests can celebrate, catch up and make memories. As we mark Slug & Lettuce's 40th anniversary, it’s a great time to reflect on how far the brand has come, from one bar in 1985 to a household name on the British high street, and to look ahead with excitement about its next chapter.” Stonegate said its investment in Slug & Lettuce is part of a wider growth strategy focused on “shaping the business for the future, ensuring each site is operating in the format best suited to its location and market”.

 

Team behind Afrikana hires new head of marketing, opens three new sites across two brands: The team behind African restaurant concept Afrikana has hired a new head of marketing. City Restaurant Group (CRG) – which is also behind bubble tea brand Mowchi and London-based Detroit pizza concept Crave, and is growing UAE fried chicken brand BonBird and French taco concept Tacosmash in the UK – has brought in Amran Abdi to lead its marketing efforts. Abdi was previously head of marketing and partnerships for five years at Morley’s, the fried chicken brand with more than 100 UK locations. She said: “We’ve hit the ground running – just three weeks in and already delivering three store openings. This next chapter is about scaling the growth of the brands, culture and connecting deeply with communities, and setting new standards in the UK dining scene. Here’s to growth, impact, and making history with CRG.” A CRG spokesman added: “Amran has extensive experience as a creative strategist, cultural marketing leader, and brand builder. She has a strong history of developing well-known brands. At Morley’s, she established the company’s first marketing team, led nationwide campaigns and forged strong partnerships with global brands such as Heinz, Red Bull, Spotify, Netflix and eBay. We’re eager to see the ideas, creativity and vision Amran will bring as we continue to grow and evolve.” It comes as CRG today (Thursday, 21 August) launches the latest Afrikana, at Star City in Birmingham – a week after opening in Hounslow, west London – taking its total of Afrikana restaurants to 20. The company also this week opened its fifth Mowchi location and revealed its next pipeline of openings for the concept. It has opened at 22 High Street in Canterbury, with locations in Camden, Wembley Park, Aldgate, Nottingham and Leicester to follow. Propel revealed exclusively in March that CRG had signed a 50-site franchise deal with Yolk Brands, owners of BonBird, to bring the brand to the UK. Propel also revealed in February that CRG had acquired London-based Detroit pizza concept Crave and plans to expand the two-strong concept through franchising.

 

Azumi Restaurants hires Emmalene Maxwell as new group FD: Azumi, which is led by Sven Koch and operates the Zuma and Roka high-end restaurant brands, has hired Emmalene Maxwell as its new group finance director. Maxwell joins Azumi after more than eight years at award-winning womenswear brand The Fold London, including the last 14 months as its chief operating officer and chief financial officer. She also spent three and a half years at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, including 17 months as its director of finance. Earlier this month, Propel reported that Azumi had hired Travis McKechnie, formerly of Gaucho, as the new managing director of The Oblix at The Shard. McKechnie spent a total of almost nine years at Gaucho across two stints, the latter of which saw him spend six and a half years as the brand’s director of operations. He previously spent two and a half years as general manager of the Oblix, which is a restaurant, split across two different spaces at The Shard. 

Chopstix opens in Hull: Fast-growing, quick service restaurant brand Chopstix has opened its latest store, in Hull. This follows a flurry of openings for Chopstix in recent months, which include Brighton, Wolverhampton and Huddersfield and the launch of its new “small box” concept, at Butlin’s Skegness. This nationwide expansion for the brand follows investment from leading quick service restaurant group QSRP last year, which continues to support Chopstix with its UK growth trajectory, while exploring future opportunities for the brand in mainland Europe. The Hull store is on the corner of King Edward Street and Jameson Street in the city centre and features the brand’s refreshed visual identity. Menashe Sadik, co-founder and director of Chopstix, said: “We’re delighted to launch in Hull, opening our doors in yet another bustling UK city centre and continuing our rapid expansion across the UK. We know how well our bold, Chinese flavours work in these high footfall areas so I’m sure this site will be another really high performer in the portfolio. We’re in an exciting period of growth and with another great site added to the portfolio, there is a real sense of momentum behind the brand.” Chopstix was founded in London’s Camden Market in 2002 by Sadik and Sam Elia, who continue to be involved in the business day-to-day. Chopstix now operates more than 150 sites.

 

Starbucks changes pay rise policy for salaried North America staff with blanket 2% increase: Starbucks is changing its pay rise policy for salaried North America workers from increases that were decided at a manager’s discretion to a blanket 2% raise. The uniform raise for the fiscal year that ends in September is designed to curtail costs as the company continues to invest in ongoing operational changes, from new technology tools to store renovations. “[Customers] can see and feel the differences these investments are making,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Bloomberg. “As we make these significant investments, we need to carefully manage all our other costs.” Last month, Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol announced the company’s back-to-office mandate would increase from three days a week to four days a week this October for corporate workers as part of the Back to Starbucks transformation plan. He offered an exit payout option for those who did not want to or were unable to make this commitment. Additionally, remote workers at vice-president level and above and support centre leaders will need to make plans to move to the Seattle or Toronto area. Also, future hires and lateral moves within the organisation will need to be Seattle or Toronto-based. At store level, Starbucks modified uniforms for baristas in May with a “green apron-first” policy that requires baristas to wear black tops and either khaki, black, or denim bottoms. 

 

Chef Stevie Parle plans opening in London’s Fitzrovia: Chef Stevie Parle, who returned to the capital’s restaurant scene with the opening of Town in London’s West End earlier this year, is planning an opening in Fitzrovia. Propel understands that Parle plans to open a site in Pearson Square, with the new venue joining Town as part of a growing group. The new site will “celebrate seasonal British ingredients through modern and classic Italian dishes, open-fire cooking, whole-animal butchery and thoughtfully sourced drinks”. Like Town, the new site will also feature a drinks programme, developed under the guidance of Kevin Armstrong, founder of Satan's Whiskers. Parle first announced plans for Town – opposite the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Drury Lane – at the end of 2023. It was Parle’s first launch since well before the pandemic, which saw the closure of his restaurants Sardine, Palatino and Craft London. He is understood to be working with Street Feast founder Jonathan Downey on the new group. 

Haute Dolci opens third site in Pakistan and fourth overseas location: Premium dessert and gourmet burger brand Haute Dolci has opened its third site in Pakistan and fourth overseas location overall. The outlet has opened in the Dolmen Mall in Lahore – joining its other locations in the city in the Gulberg Galleria and Defence Raya Golf Resort. The company, founded in 2017 by managing director Nizam Mohamed, also has a site at 2,415 Al Muthanna Street in Hawally, Kuwait. Mohamed, who was a co-founder of Heavenly Desserts before selling his rights in the brand in 2021, said: “A third landmark Location in Lahore for Haute Dolci. We’ve just opened our third store in Lahore, this time in the premium Dolmen Mall, located in DHA Phase VI – one of the city’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations. With existing locations at Defence Raya Golf Resort and Gulberg Galleria, Lahore continues to be a key part of our international growth strategy. Each opening reflects more than expansion – it represents our commitment to creating curated experiences, where exceptional design, quality, and service meet. The journey continues.” In the UK, Haute Dolci has 19 stores.

Chipotle targets Generation Z with a first college-specific rewards programme: Chipotle has launched its first college-specific rewards programme called Chipotle U Rewards. The programme, which has been launched in the US, is aimed specifically at Generation Z students and is being marketed as a way for the brand to elevate the college experience “by providing greater value at every stage of a student's academic journey”. The company said it is the first major national restaurant brand to create a dedicated college loyalty programme. Students who join the programme will receive an immediate 1,000 bonus points and accrue points at a 20% faster rate than Chipotle’s standard loyalty programme, earning 12 points for every dollar spent. The rewards initiative not only accelerates the path to free Chipotle food, but also includes tailored promotions linked to significant student milestones and events, such as finals, game days, and graduation. Curt Garner, Chipotle’s president, chief strategy and technology officer, said: “With the introduction of Chipotle U Rewards, we've created a new personalised digital experience for Generation Z students who are craving real food and real value. Chipotle has long been a go-to destination for students’ celebratory meals, and now members will be given special offers that tie to specific milestones throughout their college journey.”

US smash burger brand Chuck’s to open permanent UK site: US smash burger brand Chuck’s is to open a permanent site in the UK. After a series of pop-ups and residencies, Chuck’s will open in London’s Fitzrovia in early September, at incubator space Carousel’s adjoining cocktail bar No 23, reports the Standard. The concept is simple: “a single, crisp-beyond-crisp patty, cheddar, pickles, white onion and signature house sauce, all hugged by a pillow-soft potato roll”. Founder Chuck George was born and raised in Virginia by a Filipino-American mother and an American father. He started his career in New York City with the Silkstone group, working alongside the likes of Phil Winser, of Public House (The Pelican, The Bull Charlbury and The Hero) at venues like The Fat Radish and The Leadbelly. George launched his first restaurant in Milan in 2022 and later came branches in Paris, Rome, and Madrid. In London, the same burgers will be served alongside Carousel’s existing list of cocktails, as well as wine and lager. Chuck’s fish sauce wings and chicken burger will arrive on the menu later on. Ed Templeton, co-founder of Carousel, said: “Chuck instantly became part of the Carousel family when he first popped up with us last summer. We're happy that he's joining us full time, and No 23 really is the perfect fit.”

Chef Gary Usher opens second bakery site: Chef and restaurateur Gary Usher has opened a second site under his Usher’s Bakehouse concept, in Liverpool. Usher’s grandfather Gordon founded the original Usher’s Bakehouse. Usher’s dad then took the reins and left school to take over the bakery, expanding to three sites, before the family sold the business when Gordon’s health declined. Last year, Usher revived the family name and opened Usher’s Bakehouse in Hoole, Chester. Earlier this year, Usher raised more than £50,000 through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to support the growth of the bakery operation. He has now opened a second Usher’s Bakehouse on the former Baltic Bakehouse site in Bridgewater Street, Liverpool. He said: “We're excited to be expanding the bakery. We’ve built something really special in Chester and we can’t wait to bring it to more people.” Earlier this summer, Usher closed his Manchester restaurant Kala after just over six years of trading. The closure meant that Usher now operates four other venues – his original restaurant Sticky Walnut in Chester as well as Hispi in Didsbury and Wreck in Liverpool, and also his pub The White Horse in Churton. At the start of the year, he closed his Heswall restaurant Burnt Truffle after a decade.

MJMK to open new Portuguese restaurant to replace Lisboeta in London’s Fitzrovia as Nuno Mendes departs: A new contemporary Portuguese restaurant will replace Lisboeta in London’s Fitzrovia in September as chef Nuno Mendes departs to focus on his other projects. Called Luso, the menu will focus on the Iberian Atlantic coastline, and dishes will be inspired by modern Portuguese cuisine. MJMK co-founder Marco Mendes said Nuno Mendes leaves on good terms but it was time to overhaul the space and introduce a slightly more casual offering. “We’ve been working with Nuno for well over four years and remain big fans,” said Mendes. “But in that time, he’s taken on other projects, so after three years of Lisboeta, we all sat down and made a plan. We thought it would be best to end on a high. It was a mutual decision. He’ll focus on his restaurants in Portugal, and we’re relaunching with a new love letter to Portugal in Luso.” MJMK has brought in Portuguese chef Leandro Correia – best known for The Sea, The Sea – as consultant executive chef. The new menu will include “modern takes on traditional dishes”, including salt baked wild sea bass, steamed clams and roast suckling pig. Mendes said: “There will be lots of similarities between Luso and Lisboeta, but it’s a slight change in direction. Pricing will be similar but possibly a little bit below – we want to be busy all the time, especially at lunch when we want to see people come in for a beer and a sandwich.” MJMK is to refurbish the space, while the ground floor bar will be taken out to make room for extra covers. MJMK co-founder Jake Kasumov said: “This is a proud moment for MJMK – to honour the legacy of Lisboeta and support its evolution into Luso is incredibly special. We’re looking forward to this next chapter for both the team and the restaurant. It’s a sentimental moment being able to bring to London the dishes from the lesser-known parts of Portugal and offer a menu that taps into the cross-over with Andalusian, Basque and Galician cooking.” 

 

Camile Thai secures office catering deal with Compass Group: Dublin-based healthy food delivery company Camile Thai Kitchen has secured an office catering deal with Compass Group. Camile Thai, founded in 2011 by serial entrepreneur Brody Sweeney, operates circa 40 restaurants in Ireland, the majority of which are franchised, plus three in Northern Ireland and four in England. The group is also behind Indian comfort food business, Thindi, which has 17 locations in Ireland and one in Northern Ireland. “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with Compass Group Ireland,” the company said. “We'll be running a series of Camile Thai pop-ups in offices around Ireland, because a spreadsheet looks better after a handmade spring roll. Bringing signature scratch-made sauces, fresh flavours, and hopefully a little joy to a workplace near you.” In April 2023, the business placed its UK operations into liquidation, which Sweeney said, “was really about getting rid of our leases” and “a failure of the business model rather than people didn’t like our Thai food”. Since then, Camile Thai has started to build back its UK estate, and in June 2024, promoted Daniel Greene to chief executive after Sweeney stepped down. Greene was tasked with expanding Camile Thai’s franchise network and growing Thindi’s footprint.

  

Wendy’s franchisee set to open in Norwich for tenth site with the brand: Wendy’s franchisee Blank Table, which launched the brand’s debut UK drive-thru restaurant, is set to open in Norwich for its tenth site with the brand. Blank Table, which was one of the first franchisees for Wendy’s after the US brand returned to the UK in 2021, will open a drive-thru early next year in the city’s Broadway Enterprise Park. Zee Kachra, Blank Table’s head of real estate, said: “Our restaurant group is proud to be bringing the Wendy’s brand to Norwich, with a new drive-thru restaurant at Broadway Enterprise Park next year. We are actively seeking more prime drive-thru opportunities.” Blank Table also has two Wendy’s locations in Peterborough and one each in Huntingdon, Wisbech, Derby, Cambridge, Oakham and Spalding – and is gearing up to launch in the Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull.

 

Five Points Brewing Company co-founder to open new Leeds pub next week: Five Points Brewing Company co-founder Ed Mason will open a new pub in Leeds next week. Brewery Wharf Tavern, situated on the River Aire, close to the new Aire Park, has been closed since 2024 and was previously the Home Restaurant and The Oracle bar and nightclub. Mason and his team at the Whitelock Group – which also operate Whitelock’s Ale House, The Meanwood Tavern and White Cloth Hall in Leeds – will open the new venue on Friday, 29 August. Brewery Wharf Tavern will operate as an independent free house, showcasing a wide range of independent beer and real ale alongside cocktails and wine, and championing Yorkshire-based food and drink suppliers. Alongside the drinks offer, a pizza kitchen will launch in September, serving up a premium and sourdough pizza menu alongside small plates. Mason, founder and managing director of the Whitelock’s Group, said: “We are passionate about hospitality, and about Leeds, and excited to be opening a new venue on the banks of the River Aire, right in the heart of the city. There is a shortage of riverside venues in the city, and still not enough venues championing independent food and drinks suppliers – we are excited about delivering both.” In London, Mason has a taproom at the Five Points brewery, plus The Pembury Tavern in Hackney, and last October, he told Propel he is looking to open more pubs in the capital.

Scottish experiential ‘adult fairground’ concept set to make its English debut, Burger Drop secures catering contract: Scottish experiential “adult fairground” concept Fayre Play is set to make its English debut, in Newcastle. Fayre Play, founded by husband-and-wife team Craig and Kasia Neilson, already has sites in Glasgow and Edinburgh, offering an immersive mix of activities and games inspired by nostalgic fairground games, as well as a selection of food, beer and cocktails. It will later this month open its biggest venue yet, in Newcastle’s The Gate development, welcoming families during the day before turning into a strictly adults-only playground after dark. A company spokesman said. “We’re excited to announce Fayre Play is launching at The Gate Newcastle – our third and biggest venue yet with capacity for up to 200 guests.” The catering contract at the venue has been secured by Burger Drop, which already operates five restaurants in the north east, with a sixth on the way. Founded in Newcastle in 2020 by Hamid and Amer Qayyum, Burger Drop operates restaurants in Newcastle, Whitley Bay, Sunderland, Manchester and in Edinburgh, and is also gearing up to launch in Middlesbrough this autumn. Hamid said: “Burger Drop is is coming to The Gate, in Newcastle city centre, as the exclusive food vendor for new entertainment venue Fayre Play. Competitive fairground games with a twist meets burger excellence, a partnership that makes sense! Excited for the grand opening on Friday, 29 August, and our first of many in-venue experiences!” The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the market, is now available. 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. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it 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.

Glasgow pizza concept Sear’s opens second site: Sear’s Pizza has opened a second site in Scotland, after launching in Glasgow last year. The business has acquired the former Susie’s Vegetarian Kitchen premises in Marchmont Road, in Edinburgh. The concept launched last autumn in Glasgow’s Chancellor Street. Sear’s Pizza offers “classic hand-tossed, thin-crust slices with the feel of a 1980s New York style pizza joint”. Sear’s Pizza is owned by Paul Beveridge, who is also behind Ramen Dayo and Yakitori Shack in Glasgow. Sear’s Pizza said: “Sear’s Edinburgh will feature the same pizza menu as Glasgow but with added extras such as buffalo ranch tenders and truffle parmesan fries among others.”