Speaker line-up for first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025 revealed, open for bookings: The speaker line-up for the first Propel Multi-Club Conference of 2025 has been revealed. The conference takes place on Thursday, 20 March, at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London’s Kensington, and is open for bookings. Operators can book up to three free places per company while Premium subscribers who are operators can book up to four free places. To book, email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com. The speaker line-up includes Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of the award-winning Dishoom, talking to Propel group editor Mark Wingett about 15 years of the brand, how the business and his leadership has evolved, how it has kept the connection with employees and consumers relevant and strong, and how it plans to keep the “secret sauce” in the company as it looks to take it first steps internationally. Thomas Heier, chief executive of Wagamama, discusses the evolution of the brand, its relationship with consumers, including its loyalty scheme, what levers it can still pull in respect of marketing, location and offer. Wingstop UK chief executive Chris Sherriff discusses the rise of the US chicken concept in the UK, how it has tapped into the needs of the Generation Z consumer, its marketing strategy and is plans for further growth. Kate Wilton, managing director of Banana Tree, discusses the evolution of the fast-casual pan-Asian brand, why it is the “shining light” in the Big Table Group portfolio and playing a key role in the growth of Asian cuisine across the UK’s eating-out market. Chris Stagg, the former Brunning & Price director and current brand director at Peach Pubs, discusses improving, maintaining and optimising a premium, food-led pub offer across multiple sites. Francesco Arcadio, managing director of dessert brand Kaspa’s, talks about how the business has grown to more than 100 UK sites since launching in 2013 and has a long-term target of 500 locations here. Phil Honer and Eleanor Warder, co-founders of Atis, discuss the creation and development of the London salad concept, and how a recent £8m funding round will mean that 2025 is set to a transformational year for the business. Elizabeth Perrin, founder of Treetop Golf, discusses the rise of the immersive mini golf concept that is proving a hit with families, and how it plans to continue to stand out in the increasingly crowded competitive socialising sector. Anthony Murphy, co-founder of Beefy Boys, talks about going from representing the UK at the World Food Championships in Las Vegas to publishing a cook book, while expanding a regional, award-winning burger business in between. Graeme Smith, managing director of AlixPartners, examines the sector’s investment landscape, which concepts are generating the most interest from buyers, and where the buyers are coming from. Mark Stretton, chief executive of Fleet Street Communications, talks about the importance of public relations and reputational management in the current challenging environment. Maria Vanifatova, founder of Meaningful Vision, looks at where the growth is in the UK market – and where the opportunities are looking ahead. Dan Brookman, founder of Airship Toggle, looks at the fundamental criteria that proves the power of marketing with case studies and real-life examples of success. There will also be a panel where Tim Wilks, founder of Lane7, Tom Snellock, founder of Clays, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, and Lisa Boden Shah, partner at Edition Capital, discuss where the fast-growing competitive socialising sector goes from here, what bumps in the road it will face and how consumers use their concepts is evolving.

Black Sheep Coffee – we get investment approaches every week, not interested in consolidation: Gabriel Shohet, co-founder of speciality coffee shop operator Black Sheep Coffee, has told Propel that the business receives investment approaches “every week” and that it is not interested in buying other brands. The company operates circa 90 sites in the UK, more than 100 in total, including sites in the US, France and the Middle East. An initial public offering in the US was mooted as a possible route for the business in terms of securing new investment. Shohet told Propel: “They're just rumours but it's an interesting idea that is definitely worth exploring.” In terms of receiving investment approaches, he said: “Yes, every week – but getting investors on board is a serious matter and we continue to make sure we find the right partners that share our long-term vision for the brand so naturally we end up turning a lot of folks down.” Caffe Nero recently acquired 200 Degrees and FCB Coffee, but Shohet told Propel that the business is “not really” looking to play a role in consolidating the UK coffee shop market. He said: “We're here to open Black Sheep shops and there are no other brands we are interested in buying. Those who diversify and grow under different brand names often do so because their core brand is tired or running out of steam – that's just not us.” Earlier this week, Shohet told Propel that the company's aim is to have 250 shops in the US by the end of 2027, and has signed seven new franchise partnerships Stateside. Last July, the business, which operates circa 90 sites in the UK, made its debut in the US, with a site in Preston Road, Plano, Dallas. Founded in 2013 by Shohet and Eirik Holth, the company followed this up with a further opening in Dallas, in Mockingbird Lane – a double-lane drive-thru/drive-to venue. A site in Miami, in Grove Central, is also part of its US opening pipeline. He said the business was "flying in the UK". He said: "We achieved a 20% increase in systemwide sales for the second half 2024 and opened three more UK shops in the UK than our original business plan. We are now the UK's favourite coffee brand so our aim is to open everywhere customers ask us to be and to become the number one coffee brand in our domestic market in shop number terms as well."

Buzzworks reports turnover rises to record £34.8m as it continues expansion: Scottish independent restaurant and bar operator Buzzworks Holdings has reported turnover increased 18% to a record £34.8m for the year ending 28 April 2024 compared with £29.9m the previous year. Underlying Ebitda, before site opening costs and non-recurring items, grew from £2.94m in 2023 to £3.77m. Chairman Colin Blair said: “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year, especially given the challenging market conditions facing the hospitality sector. However, although these are uncertain times for the industry, this is something that we have managed to successfully navigate as a family business thanks to our resilience and strong foundations playing out in another strong financial year.” A total of £3m was spent across the portfolio, including the company’s first venues in Inverclyde and East Lothian – Scotts Greenock at the new Ocean Terminal marina, and Lido Musselburgh, amid plans for another new Herringbone bar and restaurant to open in Barnton. Additionally, the group invested in the refurbishment of several existing venues, such as Herringbone Goldenacre, The Mill House, and the addition of a new function suite at its South Queensferry venue, Thirty Knots. Blair said: “The opening of Scotts Greenock in 2023 and Lido Musselburgh in 2024 have been particular highlights, marking an exciting milestone for Buzzworks as we expand into new locations. At the same time, refurbishments across our portfolio demonstrate our ongoing dedication to maintaining the high standards our customers expect when visiting any Buzzworks venue.” Looking ahead, the directors remain cautiously optimistic about the group’s prospects. Plans are in place to reinvest future cash flow into the existing estate and pursue new venue openings as and when potential opportunities arise. Buzzworks operates 21 venues across east, west and central Scotland, employing more than 800 staff under concepts including Scotts, Lido, Vic’s & The Vine and Herringbone. Last year, the group revealed plans to double the size of its portfolio.

Almost Famous closes all of its sites: Restaurant concept Almost Famous has announced the closures of all of four sites due to the current economic climate and “lingering debt from covid”. Owner Beau Myers confirmed the closure of its sites across Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, with the business being placed into liquidation. The business was launched in Manchester’s Northern Quarter in 2012 and expanded to sites in Liverpool and Leeds, plus a further site in Manchester at Great Northern. The concept closed its outlet in the suburb of Withington last September because it wasn’t “busy enough” and was “dragging us down”. Myers said: “It is with broken hearts that today, (Monday, 27 January), we announce the closure of all Almost Famous venues across Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. The current economic climate has proven too challenging for us to overcome, with lingering debt from covid and rising costs across every aspect of the business. Despite our best efforts, we are no longer able to continue. For more than 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and passionate people in hospitality. We will do everything we can to support you during this transition. If anyone in the hospitality industry has job opportunities, we kindly ask you to reach out to us. Helping our team find new roles is our top priority right now.” It comes just a few months after the Myers opened smashed burger venture, Super Awesome Deluxe, in the former Lono Cove site in the Northern Quarter and its underground bar, Ego Death. Both venues will remain open.