Baton Berisha resigns as CEO of The Wolseley Hospitality Group: Baton Berisha has resigned as chief executive of the Minor Hotels-owned The Wolseley Hospitality Group, to “pursue new opportunities”. Berisha joined The Wolseley Hospitality Group as its new chief executive in autumn 2022, after earlier that summer stepping down as managing director of rival D&D London. Berisha, the former chief executive of the Ivy Collection, Bill’s and Caprice Holdings, had only joined D&D London that April. Minor Hotels said: “Minor would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr Berisha for his contributions to The Wolseley Hospitality Group during his tenure. Under his leadership, the company achieved notable milestones, including the successful launch of Manzi's seafood restaurant in London's Soho and The Wolseley City. Mr Berisha also fostered a culture that emphasised innovation, entrepreneurship, and passion. Mr Berisha will continue to support The Wolseley Hospitality Group during the transition period until a successor is appointed. On behalf of the entire Minor team, we wish Mr Berisha all the best in his future endeavours.” This summer, Sky News reported that Minor Hotels had called for fresh help from restructuring advisers more than two years after its parent company emerged from administration. It reported that Minor had drafted in AlixPartners to advise on cash flow issues at The Wolseley Hospitality Group. The project was said to be at an early stage and could lead to a range of outcomes, according to industry sources. The group counts upmarket restaurants including Colbert in Sloane Square and The Delaunay in Aldwych. In April 2022, Minor acquired 100% of what was Corbin & King after the business was placed into administration, having held a 74% share since 2017. The acquisition saw co-founder Jeremy King leave the business, which subsequently changed its name to The Wolseley Hospitality Group. Last August, The Wolseley Hospitality Group reported revenue increased 60.7% to a record £53,674,320 for the year ending 31 December 2022 compared with £33,398,704 the previous year. Adjusted Ebitda also hit a new record level of £5,735,000 (2021: £2,341,000). The group made a pre-tax profit of £4,111,677 compared with a loss of £2,072,246 the year before. The Wolseley Hospitality Group features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium Club members and features 958 companies. The Wolseley Hospitality Group turnover of £53,674,320 is the 200th 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.

Shake Shack extends delivery reach: US better burger brand Shake Shack has extended the reach of its delivery channel for its UK business. Its menu is now available for delivery via Just Eat and Uber Eats as well as Deliveroo, as Shake Shack looks to make its food “more accessible to through an increasing number of channels”. “At Shake Shack, we’re doubling down on our commitment to be accessible to our guests, both old and new,” said Colin O’Kane, Shake Shack UK’s managing director. “Since we first opened in London, we’ve built our brand around creating community gathering places and becoming the next generation’s burger joint. Our partnership with Deliveroo, and now Just Eat and Uber Eats, reflects our commitment to expanding that connected community.” Last month, Shake Shack confirmed it is to increase its regional presence in the UK with an opening in Birmingham’s Grand Central shopping scheme later this year, adding to its other regional locations in Cardiff and Oxford. It also has 14 London sites – with a 15th set to launch in the former RBS premises at 78 Notting Hill Gate – plus restaurants at Gatwick airport and Lakeside in Essex. It comes as Diverse Dining, which operates Shake Shack in the UK, reported earlier today (Tuesday, 3 September) that turnover increased to a record £49,014,248 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £44,182,914 the previous year. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £764,005 from £4,589,546 the year before.