Prezzo – Q1 lfl sales up 9%, set to unveil plans and strategic vision for the future: Prezzo, the Cain International-backed Italian dining group, has reported that its like-for-like sales increased 9% in the first quarter of 2025, with “robust growth across sales, profit and customer engagement”. The 96-strong business said it saw 132,000 more covers over the first quarter, with 34,000 customers served during its Blue Monday promotion, and a record-breaking Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, with the latter setting a new single-day revenue record for the business. The company said the results come despite challenges seen across the hospitality industry, suggesting “demand for the brand remains strong”. James Brown, chief executive of Prezzo, who joined the business last November, said: “The credit for the strong performance is the result of the Prezzo team embracing new ways of working, extensive menu structure testing, a new marketing execution plan and refocusing on our guest’s experience. We’ve made bold decisions around menu proposition, product, our leadership team and how we communicate to our customers, and these numbers are a reflection of the positive impact it is having. The first quarter was about building momentum, and we’re only just getting started. On Thursday this week, we will unveil the plans and strategic vision for the future of Prezzo.” Propel understands that the business recently trademarked the name Prezzo Italian, suggesting an evolution of the brand’s name. Prezzo has been building its management team under Brown, who joined the business from BrewDog, where he was most recently chief executive of its bars division. In January, Propel revealed that Prezzo had hired Adam Lindop, formerly of ASK Italian and Caffe Nero, as its new operations director, while last November, the company hired Mark McCulloch, formerly of Pret A Manger and YO!, as its new chief marketing officer on a fractional basis, to “lead brand growth”. Prezzo features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which features 978 companies. Prezzo’s turnover of £110,375,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 is the 101st highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. 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 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.