Heavenly Desserts to kickstart international expansion this year with openings in Canada, Germany, Pakistan and India: Artisan dessert restaurant Heavenly Desserts is to kickstart its international expansion this year with openings in Canada, Germany, Pakistan and India, Propel has learned. The brand currently has two overseas locations, both in Canada, in addition to its circa 60-strong UK estate. The international growth will be led by Wesley Williams, who Heavenly Desserts last month promoted from national operations manager to global operations manager. “Our second Canadian location recently opened in Pickering to a tremendous reception, and our pipeline for Canada doesn’t just stop there – we are working with a brilliant set of master franchise partners for Canada,” Williams told Propel. “Together, we have laid out ambitious growth for the region and are confident the market will welcome 60-plus locations by 2030, supported by Canada’s $9.4bn dessert cafe and casual dining industry. Our next two locations will land in Edmonton and Victoria in the next quarter. In Germany, we are working towards a pair of locations in prime-time locations in the Hamburg area. We are working with a wonderfully astute partner that has great ambitions for the region. This will be the first European market we enter, and we believe the continent is ready for a dessert renaissance – Germany’s bakery and patisserie market alone is worth more than €18bn annually. We aim to take a big chunk of that strudel, and these flagship locations are targeted for launch in the third quarter of 2025. Our first location in Lahore is currently in build, and of all the new markets that we are about to enter, Pakistan will be first up. Pakistan’s food and beverage sector is growing exponentially and is valued at more than $100bn, with a 5% year-on-year growth rate. This market is particularly close to home for the brand, and again, we have an excellent partner that is ready to kick off some brilliant growth into the south Asian market in the second quarter. Our Indian partner is also looking forward to lighting up the Indian skyline with all things Heavenly Desserts. The Indian foodservice market is projected to hit $79bn by 2028 and Generation Z is leading the charge in deciding what the future of Indian dining looks like. We can’t wait to bring our signature rasmalai cheesecake to the Indian masses, and this project is estimated to come to fruition in the third or fourth quarter.” In the UK, the brand is set to add ten more stores in 2025, having already launched in London’s Elephant & Castle and Middlesborough this year, with the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands to follow soon. Propel understands that among Heavenley Desserts’ 2025 openings here will be “a couple of historic flagship locations”. Williams added: “It’s easy to get excited about international growth – and boy are we – but home is where the heart is, and the UK is certainly the home of Heavenly Desserts. Our partners are the engine that is fuelling the brilliant expansion we are seeing, and their tenacious work this year has seen the brand deliver healthy like-for-like sales growth. We have a steady pipeline of locations to open and 2025 will see us add ten more in total to our network.”

Sponsored message – W Communications launches creative growth agency: Media agency W Communications has launched Chomp, a creative growth agency built to help hospitality brands increase bookings, optimise revenue, and attract investment. Backed by W’s deep sector expertise, Chomp offers strategic support across PR, marketing, and business consultancy – addressing the evolving challenges restaurants face. Led by Restaurant Marketer & Innovator award winners Kara Buffrey and Thuli Weerasena, Chomp focuses on key areas: TikTok-led restaurant discovery, booking platform performance, automation to reduce operational costs and investor-readiness to scale. Together, Buffrey and Weerasena bring extensive experience in brand-building, major launches, and forging commercial partnerships that deliver long-term success. Chomp “combines creative flair with commercial insights to help operators not only tell their story but drive meaningful growth” – from crafting standout campaigns and securing media cut-through, to improving conversion across digital channels. Chomp acts as a brand partner and growth consultant. It’s an offering designed for a fast-changing hospitality landscape, where success depends on visibility, agility and strategy. Chomp launches with Harry’s King’s Cross and is seeking to partner with ambitious restaurants and chefs. “Restaurants need more than just PR—they need strategies that fill tables,” said Buffrey. Weerasena added: “We turn TikTok discovery into bookings with substance and standout storytelling.” For more information, email Kara.Buffrey@chomp.global. If you have a sponsored story you would like to see featured in this newsletter position, email paul.charity@propelinfo.com.

Fuller’s CEO Simon Emeny to speak at Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference, open for bookings with 20% discount on tickets for Premium Club subscribers: Simon Emeny, chief executive of Fuller’s, will be among the speakers at the Excellence in Pub & Bar Retailing Conference. The all-day conference takes place on Wednesday, 14 May at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. Emeny talks to Propel group editor Mark Wingett about how Fuller’s is facing the challenge of appealing to an evolving consumer base, without comprising on its premium ethos. For the full speaker schedule, click here. Tickets are £295 plus VAT for operators and £345 plus VAT for suppliers. There is a 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club subscribers. Email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.

Premium Club subscribers to receive next Who's Who of UK Hospitality on Thursday: The next Who’s Who of UK Hospitality will be released to Premium Club subscribers on Thursday (17 April), at midday. Another 24 companies have been added to the database, which now features 907 companies. This month’s edition will also include 62 updated entries. The companies, listed in alphabetical order, will have their most recent results 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 Multi-Site Database, the New Openings Database, the Turnover & Profits Blue Book, 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 including Excellence in Pub Retail (May 2025) and discounts on specialist sector reports such as the International Brands report. 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.

Jeremy King – I want to encourage people to rediscover the fun of late-night dining, I think it is coming back: Jeremy King, the co-founder of Corbin & King, has said he is determined to “redress the situation” when it comes to late-night dining in the capital. When he started in hospitality in the 1970s, King told The Sunday Times that he remembers taking last orders for dinner at 1am. “Now, it’s almost impossible to get anything [to eat] after 10pm,” he said. “I don’t fully understand why it happened but I’m determined to redress the situation.” This month, then, in an email to customers of the two restaurants he currently owns (Arlington and The Park), King proposed a discount for those dining after 9.45pm. “I want to encourage people to rediscover the fun of late-night dining,” he wrote. King has a tendency to refer to something he calls “the fun”, which he describes almost as its own abstract entity, a disembodied spirit that, if you create precisely the right conditions, makes its way round the restaurant, tickling guests and filling up glasses. “There are some restaurants where ‘the fun’ exists, what we’d call the right vibe,” he said. This spirit is encapsulated by a secret deal King is running at the moment. – arrive at The Park for lunch on the right day of the week (he won’t disclose when), and guests will find martinis on sale for £1. Drinking a martini is not the goal per se, but rather experiencing the sense that something surprising and spontaneous is happening around you. King said: “It’s that moment where you all look across the table and say: ‘You know what, the office can wait. Let’s have another glass’.” King still worries that some dining out is too expensive though. “The people who really make a restaurant are often the least affluent,” he said.

Fitness First CEO – ‘we are entering a golden era for the wellness and fitness industry’: Justin Musgrove, chief executive of Fitness First, has said we are entering “a golden era for the wellness and fitness industry”. Musgrove said the average member currently visits one of the company’s gyms twice a week, but they are increasing and that figure could soon reach three visits per week. Musgrove told the Sunday Telegraph: “We’re really blessed with the fact that we’ve got a cohort generation of people who are absolutely focused on longevity and their personal well-being. We’re entering a golden era for the wellness and fitness industry. [Younger people] are actually considering what impacts their life, that what they do today affects what happens when they’re 70. We never thought like that. It’s a terrifying thought.” Musgrove said the business is facing a £1m increase in labour costs as he urged wealthy individuals to stop fleeing Britain because of high taxes and stay here to help fix the economy. He added: “Leaving and taking our tax revenues away from this country won’t help. Putting more inexperienced people in charge of big business won’t help. Stay at home and help fix the problem. We do have a nation of great entrepreneurs. We’re a very inventive country and we’re known for it around the world, so let’s keep our expertise local, if we can, and succeed together.” Musgrove left a career in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia running “elite social wellness clubs” to come back to Britain to take the helm at Fitness First in 2023. The company is investing in its network of clubs with flagship sites such as its gym in London’s Marylebone now offering artificial intelligence-assisted training. Musgrove said the 28-strong Fitness First, which restructured in 2023 and closed a swathe of its estate, was now hoping to grow its presence in the UK once more, having posted a £3m profit before tax on £38m in revenue over the year to April 2024. “London is coming back to normal so the goal is to try and get back to modest numbers – 35 or ideally 40 clubs in the next couple of years,” he said.

Job of the day: COREcruitment is working with a fast-growing food and beverage business that is seeking a senior procurement manager to join the team. A COREcruitment spokesperson said: “The role will be responsible for the procurement function for all food and packaging categories, optimising supply chain operations, and ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing. This role requires strong negotiation skills, industry expertise, and the ability to build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.” The salary is up to £85,000 and the position is based in London. For more information, email mikey@corecruitment.com.

Lola’s Cupcakes to open at two London travel hubs, room for ‘ten or so’ more sites in capital: Lola’ Cupcakes is set to open sites at two London travel hubs as it strengthens its presence in the capital, Propel has learned. Lola’s will open the outlets this month at Paddington station and Clapham Junction – just weeks after launching its newest store in Solihull in the West Midlands and unveiling a new website. Lola’s managing director Asher Budwig said both high-footfall station sites represent a key part of its expansion strategy and told Propel he believes there is room to add “ten more or so” to its 22 outlets already in London. The Paddington location – which opens on Friday (18 April) is a four-month pop-up in the former Paddington in Peru site. Hot on its heels, Clapham Junction – one of the UK’s busiest rail interchanges – will welcome a newly designed permanent kiosk on Monday, 28 April. “These two new openings mark the next chapter in Lola’s journey,” said Budwig. “We’ve always believed in being part of people’s everyday routines – whether it’s a birthday, a train ride, or a Monday afternoon pick-me-up. With Paddington and Clapham Junction, we’re bringing Lola’s to two of London’s most vital commuter arteries. With Solihull now open, a new website live after four years in development, and Paddington and Clapham Junction both launching before the end of April, we’re on track for a strong year.” Last month, Budwig told Propel that sales were up 7.5% on last year until the end of February and Lola’s is planning to open at least three to five more sites in the remainder of 2025. As well as Solihull, Lola’s has regional sites within Selfridges in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, and at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent along with collection lockers in towns such as Dorking in Surrey and Luton in Bedfordshire.

Stonegate to introduce evolved format across Proper Pubs estate: Stonegate Group, the UK's largest pub company, is to launch an evolved format across its circa 200-strong Proper Pub managed format called The People’s Pub, Propel has learned. Propel understands that the new name and the evolved format will place an emphasis on the importance of the “unique nature of our unbranded pub estate and the importance of the general manager who runs it”. In November, Stonegate Group launched two new pub formats – Heritage Pubs and Pubsmiths – within its managed estate. Stonegate said the strategic move was in recognition that there “can no longer be a 'one-size-fits-all' approach for our Pub & Dining estate” and aimed to deliver “exceptional guest experiences by aligning each pub with the needs and preferences of its surrounding community”. 

Doner Shack outlines US expansion plans: Doner Shack, the Berlin fast casual kebab business, has outlined its plans for US growth as it sees America as the route to its goal to becoming the number one kebab franchise in the world. Last month, Propel reported Doner Shack had signed its first three franchisees in the US – in Florida, Las Vegas and Dallas – and further details have now been revealed. Jason Steele, chief executive of Steele Advisory Group, which is taking the lead on development and real estate for Doner Shack, said the brand has agreements signed for 27 US units. Steele told the Franchise Times the plan is to open corporate locations in states in different parts of the US where the company is targeting growth. He said the goal is sign 35 to 50 single and multi-unit agreements this year and 100 to 150 agreements in 2026. To speed up development, Doner Shack is offering franchise fee and royalty incentives through to the end of April. The brand has signed a multi-site deal with Florida State University alum Krish Patel, who plans to open three Doner Shacks in his home town of Tallahassee, Florida, starting this summer. In addition, the brand has signed multi-unit agreements with experienced multi-brand operators in Dallas and Las Vegas. Founded in Glasgow in 2018 by Sanjeev Sanghera and Laura Bruce, Doner Shack grew to five stores before last year buying back three restaurants and several territories from its franchisees due to cost pressures. Currently operating three UK restaurants, the business spent some time in the US last autumn, attending franchise expos as it geared up to launch in the States. Bruce said: “Our ultimate goal is to become the number one kebab franchise in the world. We believe America is the route to achieve this by focusing on not just each state, but each city and each individual franchisee developing in that area.” Steele said the UK stores are seeing between $24,000 (£18,447) and $30,000 (£23,061) a week in sales. In November, Doner Shack signed a 150-site deal to expand in India with FranGlobal – the international arm of Asia’s largest franchising firm, Franchise India Holdings.

Black Tap – ‘we’re actively looking for UK sites but we want to be thoughtful and get each site right’: The co-founders of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer have told Propel that “we’re actively looking” for their next locations here but “we want to be thoughtful and get each site right”. The US brand, from husband-and-wife team Chris and Julie Barish, is preparing to open its second UK location on Thursday (17 April). The flagship location, overlooking London’s Piccadilly Circus, was originally supposed to be its debut UK site, but took so long to get over the line that its site in Westfield Stratford got there first – at the end of last year. The co-founders have previously said they could open three more UK restaurants this year and have a long-term ambition of 20 sites here. “That has not changed, but we’re a boutique brand – we want to be thoughtful and get each one right,” they told Propel. “There’s a few we’ve looked at that are close that could possibly open before the end of the year, and we are actively looking. We also want to make sure our flagship site is perfect first. We’re looking at different parts of London – not too close together so we get different audiences – a mix of residential and tourist locations, but areas that track two meal periods seven days a week. We can scale up and scale down and be flexible about the type of location we go into. The bar is a big component, so a factor will always be how big a bar we can put in. We’ll be looking at big cities outside of London too – we’re always looking for the right opportunity.” Drive-thrus have always been a dream of Chris in particular, which hasn’t yet come to fruition, while the company is gearing up to open its first airport site at JFK Terminal Eight. As well as the US and UK, Black Tap currently has a presence in Switzerland, the Middle East and Far East, and the co-founders said Asia is a market they find “very interesting” in terms of further expansion. The menus can be adaptable to different markets but the five best sellers are “consistent across the world” – including the Classic All American, the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, the Texan Burger and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. The company also offers what the co-founders believe will be one of the biggest burgers in the UK market, with its “thick burgers” weighing in at 200g-225g and providing “a point of differentiation in a lot of markets”.

Brindisa Kitchens founder looking to double Bar Kroketa estate in next two years, secures third site: Ratnesh Bagdai, founder of Spanish restaurant group Brindisa Kitchens, has told Propel the company is looking to double the size of its Bar Kroketa business, after securing a third site in London for the fledgling restaurant and bar concept. The first Bar Kroketa opened in the former Bread Ahead site in Beak Street, just off Kingly Court, in Soho in December 2022. A second Bar Kroketa location opened at 23 Barrett Street in St Christopher’s Place, near Bond Street tube station, last June. The business has now secured a third site in the heart of Broadgate Circle behind Liverpool Street station after agreeing a deal with British Land. The site, which will open in mid-May, is described as the concept’s “biggest and most ambitious opening to date”, with around 50 covers inside and about 25 on the terrace. On further expansion, Bagdai told Propel: “We are certainly looking to open more sites, always with a measured view for organic growth as opposed to roll out. Having done three in as many years, we would aim to continue this hopefully double the estate in the next two years across London.” On the upcoming opening at Broadgate Circle, he said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring our exciting offer to the heart of the best city in the world. We are all excited about our third site in as many years. This opportunity clearly shows us how popular our concept is, and we hope to continue to increase our presence by bringing Bar Kroketa to many parts of our capital city.”

David Lloyd Leisure plans opening on the Wirral: David Lloyd Leisure has submitted plans for a new leisure club on the Wirral. The club will be located in Peel Waters’ Bidston Dock site off Wallasey Bridge Road in Birkenhead, covering six acres. Facilities will include three weather-protected tennis courts, six canopy-covered padel courts, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an indoor spa and an outdoor spa garden, a sports hall with two indoor courts, a state-of-the-art gym, a children’s play area and a cafe lounge. The business has made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, and the new club will incorporate the latest in sustainability technology. Stuart Caswell, new clubs acquisition director at David Lloyd Leisure, said: “Our plan is to construct a state-of-the-art health and wellness club that not only enhances the area and creates a range of new jobs and opportunities for the local community but also reflects the needs of people living in the area.” David Lloyd Leisure operates 133 sites across the UK and Europe.

Hollywood Bowl set to open in Reading this summer: Hollywood Bowl is set to open a new site in Reading this summer. Fit-out work has started at the venue at The Oracle after the company agreed a deal with landlord Hammerson. Following a £4.5m investment, the site will feature 24 bowling lanes, amusements and American themed bar and diner, and create 50 jobs. Hollywood Bowl chief executive Stephen Burns said: “The opening of our new centre at The Oracle in Reading marks a key step in our strategic growth and expansion across the UK. This new location reflects our commitment to enhancing our presence and offering high-quality entertainment facilities.” The opening is part of Hammerson’s repositioning of The Oracle, including the repurposing of a former department store, enhancement of the riverside experience and broadening the food and beverage offering. In total, around 40% of the asset or 320,000 square foot is in scope – making this Hammerson’s most significant transformation project to date. Hollywood Bowl operates 75 sites in the UK having launched its most northerly venue yet, in Inverness, last week.

Mindful Chef founder and Knoops CMO join Rockfish board: Robert Grieg-Gran, the founder of Mindful Chef, and Romy Miller, chief marketing officer of Knoops, have joined the board of Rockfish, the 11-strong, Mitch Tonks-led seafood restaurant group, as non-executive directors. Last December, Propel reported John Barnes, the ex-chairman of Harry Ramsden – which he helped to build – Novus Leisure and La Tasca – was to step down as a non-executive director of Rockfish. Barnes, who was a winner of the Sunday Times non-executive director of the year award and formerly on the board of Thwaites, Caffé Nero and KFC, had been on the board of Rockfish since 2013. Will Beckett, co-founder of Hawksmoor and chair of Rockfish, said: “A few months ago, when I posted John Barnes was stepping down as non-executive director of Rockfish, and wondering if anyone fancied applying to replace him on the board, I thought we might get a trickle of applicants. Instead, we had a deluge. After a rigorous (and inspiring) process, I’m delighted to welcome both Romy Miller and Robert Grieg-Gran to the board. Romy brings a wealth of marketing experience, having helped build some of the most loved and purposeful brands in the UK. Her work at Bartle Bogle Hegarty London, Gail's, and now as chief marketing officer of Knoops, has shown her incredible skill in connecting customers with ideas and products that really matter. Robert founded Mindful Chef, growing it into one of the UK’s most successful online food businesses that brought healthy meals boxes to people’s kitchens and changed the way many families now cook at home. His experience will support our ambition for the online seafood market. They join a committed board including Henry Dimbleby, Stephen Leadbeater that I feel proud to chair, and that is committed to Rockfish's mission and building a business rooted in quality and purpose that connects people with the wonderful seafood that surrounds our island nation. And, while we’re welcoming new faces, we’re also saying a heartfelt thank you to John, who is stepping back after a decade of brilliant service, mentoring and friendship to the team.” Rockfish recently reopened Mark Hix’s Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis under its eponymous brand. It will follow this with the launch of a seafront restaurant in Salcombe next month, which will also house a Salcombe Brewery taproom, and then a Sidmouth restaurant later this year.

Glasgow hot chicken concept lining up third store in the city, further English locations in the pipeline: Glasgow hot chicken concept Lucky B’s is lining up a third store in the city and has further English locations in the pipeline. Lucky B’s was created by friends Giancarlo Celino and Toni Dobrenko, opening their first store, at 205 Fenwick Road in the Giffnock area of the city, in September 2022. A second store opened at 2 Hillington Road South, in the Cardonald area of the city, last year, and it is now preparing to open in Gibson Street, in Glasgow’s West End. As previously revealed by Propel, Lucky B’s is also preparing to open its first store in England, at 53 Whitegate Drive in Blackpool. The outlet will be opened by Subway franchisee Ross Fairbairn, who last year signed as a master franchisee for Lucky B’s, for a 15-store deal across Lancashire. Dobrensko said: “We’re excited to announce that new sites are coming soon in: Glasgow – Gibson Street, and Blackpool – Whitegate Drive. And we’re not stopping there – we’ve got two more back-to-back openings lined up in Lancashire and Merseyside. We’re off to a strong start this year and are buzzing to keep growing – we’re on track to open up to 15 new locations across the UK and can’t wait to welcome even more communities into our spaces.” Celino and Dobrenko previously separately operated Catch Fish and Chips and Toni’s Pizzeria in Glasgow, while Celino last year opened the Lucali wine bar in the city.

Trafalgar Entertainment signs 25-year lease to operate new £50m Bradford venue: Live entertainment company Trafalgar Entertainment has signed a 25-year lease with Bradford Council to operate Bradford Live – the new £50m entertainment centre on the site of the former Bradford Odeon. Trafalgar Entertainment was revealed as the preferred operator of Bradford Live in February. Bradford Live is a 3,000-plus seated and 3,500-plus standing capacity music, comedy, events and entertainment venue, together with event spaces. The former Odeon Cinema was originally built in 1930s. Following a long period of dereliction, the property was rescued from demolition and has now been fully restored. The council has confirmed it will receive a guaranteed annual rental income for the venue, as well as an additional profit-share arrangement, giving the local authority around £17m over the life of the lease. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: “Now that Trafalgar Entertainment is confirmed as the operator, we are happy to reveal the details of the contract. This project is about so much more than the money though; Bradford Live is a building the people of Bradford campaigned to save, and we did.” Founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire in 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment is focused on new productions, venue operations, live music and comedy, events and hospitality, performing arts education, ticketing, distribution and filming of live event cinema and TV live-streaming. Bradford Live joins the company’s 21-strong portfolio of venues, which includes theatre spaces and multi-purpose music, events and comedy venues including the Olympia Theatre in London and the Theatre Royal Sydney in Australia..

Burger & Sauce set to open second Nottingham site: Burger franchise concept Burger & Sauce is set to open the location for its second site in Nottingham. Propel reported in October that Burger & Sauce has applied to open in the former Levi’s store in Clumber Street in the city centre, adding to its location in Alfreton Road, Radford. The Nottingham Post reported that Burger & Sauce signage has now gone up in the unit, with an opening expected shortly. The 18-strong business also has opening in Manchester, and in the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands, lined up. Founder Saad Masood, who opened the first Burger & Sauce restaurant during the pandemic, has ambitions to grow the business to 50 stores.

Urban Baristas to extend south London footprint with Wandsworth opening: Urban Baristas is preparing to extend its south London footprint with an opening in Wandsworth. Franchise partners Side Kick Coffee will open next month in a former estate agent in the corner of Morie Street and Old York Street. The site will be only a second location south of the Thames for Urban Baristas, following its Tooting Bec site, although it also has stores in Croydon and Wimbledon in its immediate pipeline. The business currently has 16 sites across the capital, with other locations in the pipeline including Chelsea, Fulham and Highgate. Urban Baristas is aiming to open 12 new stores this year and has a long-term target of more than 40 stores by the end of 2026.

Frurt franchisee set to open third site for business’ tenth overall: Franchisee Sharestone Holdings is set to open its third site with Frurt for the frozen yogurt concept’s tenth overall. Sharestone, led by Mohammed Patel, was founded in 2023, and owns a portfolio across “a variety of sectors and markets”. Located in Leeds, the company also owns the Frurt stores in Blackburn and Batley. “I’m incredibly proud to announce that Frurt Bradford will be opening soon,” Patel said. “This marks the third Frurt franchise store under Sharestone Holdings ownership, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue expanding this beloved business. A huge thank you to our team for its dedication and hard work in bringing this to life – we can’t wait to welcome the Bradford community and share the Frurt experience with you all!” Frurt was founded in 2010 by Shaza and Syed Hussain, offering frozen yoghurts, smoothies, iced drinks, Spanish lattes, ice cream and sorbet. Frurt also has two sites in Manchester and one each in Prestwich, Bolton, Oldham, Sale and Sheffield.

Aparthotel operator Adagio continues steady growth in UK as turnover hits record £27m: Adagio, which develops, operates and franchises aparthotels, has reported the brand has continued its steady growth in the UK as tourism remains strong. The company franchises one and operates six Adagio aparthotels in the UK, with another set to open, at the Sutton Point development in south London this year. “Tourism remained strong in both 2023 and 2024 with the Adagio brand continuing its steady growth,” director Xavier Desaulles said. “The company's performance improved month after month, driven by rising demand, which led to consistent increases in revpar and average room rate. The company is committed to a further expansion of the Adagio hotel brand in the UK. A new aparthotel is set to open in 2025, reinforcing Adagio’s presence in the region and supporting its continued development.” It comes as the business reported turnover increased to a record £27,016,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 compared with £20,559,000 the previous year. Pre-tax profit was up to £1,673,000 from £1,460,000 the year before. In its managed aparthotels, occupancy rates rose to 78% from 72% while revpar was up to £91 from £75. In the franchised aparthotel, occupancy rates rose to 97% from 96% while revpar was up to £75 from £57. The company ended the year in a net asset position of £ £2,403,000 (2022: £408,000). No dividend was paid (2022: nil).

Bosco Pizzeria lines up its debut site in Wales: Bosco Pizzeria is set to make its debut in Wales, with an opening in Cardiff. The four-strong business, which is led by founder Miles Johnson, will open a site at 14 High Street in the Welsh capital this September. The concept offers Neapolitan-style pizza, handmade pasta, cured meat, small plates, and fresh salads. Joe Cook, restaurant manager at Bosco Pizzeria, said: “We have been keen to do something in Cardiff for years. This is not the first location we have looked at, but it was the first one that felt perfect for us. It is such a lively and vibrant city, and we’ve been keen to become a part of that.” The company operates two eponymous sites in Bristol, plus restaurants in Cheltenham and Bath. The business also operates a smaller, more delivery-focused pizza concept called Pizzucci, in Gloucester Road, Bristol.

London restaurateur John Ogier to launch rotisserie concept: London restaurateur John Ogier, who was part of the team behind The Marksman in London’s Hackney and Ladsun on the South Bank, is to open a new rotisserie concept. Ogier has partnered with chef Jack Coghlan to launch neighbourhood restaurant, Norbert's. Taking over the old Il Mirto site in Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich, Norbert's will open next month offering chicken treated with a “top-secret” rub served with rotisserie potatoes and chips, along with salad. To go with the food, there will be cocktails including pina colada, pisco sour and a Norbert's margarita with a chicken skin salt rim. Ogier told Hot Dinners: “I hate to be on trend but I have been planning this for the past two years. Me and Jack are going to be front and centre so we can just do delicious chicken at a price point that works. I want a relaxed, fun place to come as well as work.” Ogier also set up Flor, the restaurant-turned-bakery and wine shop in Borough Market that shut in 2022, and Lyle’s, the modern British restaurant in Shoreditch, with chef James Lowe but stepped back from both businesses, which were backed by JKS Restaurants, in 2021. 

Pebble Hotels – the year ahead looks ‘fine’ but costs will need to be controlled: Ted Kennedy, chairman of Pebble Hotels, has told Propel that the year ahead looks “fine” but costs will need to be controlled. Pebble Hotels runs the Potters Heron in Hampshire and the White Swan in Arundel, West Sussex. Kennedy, who was previously managing director of Whitbread’s managed pub division, told Propel: “The 2024-25 financial year was fine and the year ahead looks fine too. It’s the same song as everyone I guess – sales will be okay and costs will need to be controlled.” It comes as the company reported turnover increased slightly to £3,485,919 for the year ending 31 March 2024 compared with £3,453,766 the year before. Pre-tax losses narrowed to £688,495 from £1,171,455 the previous year. The group stated: “The company anticipated tough trading conditions and accordingly focused on tighter cost control while maintaining sales levels. Both objectives were achieved with sales just ahead of the previous year and costs materially down despite the inflationary challenges facing the sector. With interest rates high, the company was focused on servicing bank debt and reducing the loan and both of these objectives were achieved. The company generated more than £360,000 cash, which was used to service debt and amortisation, while keeping the hotels well maintained. An impairment charge of £466,282 pushed the company to a loss of £688,495 and shareholders’ funds were £561,055 at the financial year end. The hotels delivered increased sales and an operating profit before impairments of £185,876. The directors identified further central cost savings for the [2024-25] financial year, which have resulted in a further improvement in company profit.” No dividend was paid (2023: nil).