MCA Insight - Leaders in Eating & Drinking Out Market Insight

We are excited to announce that the Pub Conference 2025 will be held on 26th June 2025 at the prestigious Ham Yard Hotel in London. The Pub Conference is designed to meet the needs of multi-site leaders and brings together industry specialists, analysts, investors, industry watchers, and suppliers for a full day of insight and networking. We are currently building an exceptional speaker line-up and agenda, designed as ever to engage, inspire and inform. Book early and save 10% at thepubconference.co.uk #pubconference2024 #pubsector #hospitality

🌯 TRGC and Barburrito appoints Michele Bacon as central operations director Michele Bacon joins TRG Concessions and Barburrito with a wealth of hospitality experience, having previously held senior roles at Côte Restaurants, Carluccio's, #Giraffe, and PizzaExpress. 👥 CEO Jon Knight welcomed her appointment, highlighting her track record in both restaurant operations and central support. 🚀 Bacon will play a key role in TRGC and Barburrito’s expansion strategy, as the brands look to scale into more locations while driving growth across the existing estate. 📍 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gDBM-PTJ #hospitality #restaurants #businessgrowth #leadership #TRGC #Barburrito

🥯 It's Bagels eyes Marylebone for fourth site Founder Dan Martensen tells MCA the New York-style bagel brand is expanding, with plans to open three new locations per year. 📍 Marylebone is next, following successful launches in Primrose Hill, Notting Hill, and Soho 🏡 The brand is shifting focus to neighbourhoods, targeting Hampstead, Chelsea, Chiswick, Richmond, and Islington - along with East London spots like Victoria Park and Columbia Road 🔥 Fresh, on-site baking is now a key focus, with bigger store formats to enhance speed and efficiency 📍 Find out more on how It's Bagels is carving out its niche in London’s competitive food-to-go market on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gDYm5yUg #hospitality #foodtogo #businessgrowth #ItsBagels #LondonEats

📢 UKHospitality warns Employment Bill must not harm jobs and growth #UKHospitality has urged the government to prioritise protecting businesses and jobs as it moves forward with the Employment Rights Bill. CEO Kate Nicholls OBE highlighted concerns over rising employer NICs and a lack of clarity on key details, warning that new regulations must be practical and sustainable for hospitality businesses. The bill, which includes a ban on zero-hours contracts, enhanced sick pay, and stronger union rights, has sparked concerns from business leaders, with the CBI warning it could stifle growth at a critical time. 📍 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGWyJQPX #hospitality #employmentrights #businessgrowth #legislation #UK

🍰 Little Dessert Shop targets 100 locations in two years Founder Mu'azzam Ali MBA QFP tells #MCAInsight the dessert chain is gearing up for major expansion, aiming to double its estate to 100 stores. 🍨 Five new locations are set to open in Nottingham, Doncaster, Oldham, Bury, and Chester, with more in the pipeline 🍨 Bakery and distribution centre expansion is underway to support growth 🍨 New online retail arm, Little Dessert Shop Postals, is seeing strong demand 🍨 A savoury menu trial launches next month in select stores 📍 Read more about Little Dessert Shop's differentiated bakery model on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsJtxkKy #hospitality #dessert #businessgrowth #LittleDessertShop #franchise

📈 Hospitality M&A market gains momentum Hospitality M&A activity is rebounding, with high-value deals and pent-up asset supply, according to Houlihan Lokey. 💰 UK deals up 25% year-on-year, outpacing European recovery 🍔 QSR remains a hot spot, with strong demand for franchise clusters and emerging brands 🏨 Freehold pub valuations are at a discount, but investor interest in premium estates with rooms is growing Deals like Wingstop Restaurants Inc./Sixth Street, Loungers ltd/Fortress Investment Group, and Young's Pubs' acquisition of The City Pub Group Plc signal renewed investor confidence, though private equity remains cautious. 💡 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gMWfHv7R #hospitality #mergersandacquisitions #investment #businessgrowth #privateequity #MCA

☕ Caravan Restaurants | B Corp™ completes management buyout, eyes expansion Caravan’s co-founders have regained full control of the business following a management buyout (MBO) supported by HSBC, marking the end of their partnership with Active Partners. The nine-site all-day dining and coffee brand, which expanded to Manchester in 2024, is now planning further UK openings while continuing to grow its coffee roasting business. CEO Laura Harper-Hinton says the move will fuel "sustainable growth while staying true to our values." 📍 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gCtUhA4P #Caravan #hospitality #restaurants #food #businessgrowth #coffee

👩💼 Côte Restaurants appoints new CEO #Côte has named Emma D. as its new chief executive, bringing extensive retail and customer experience from senior roles at Sofology, M&Co, Topshop/Topman, IKEA, and M&S. The 75-site French restaurant group, backed by Partners Group, continues to build momentum, with improving NPS scores and market share. 📍 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gzZqkPDs #hospitality #leadership #people #appointments #businessgrowth

⚡ Matt Snell named Boxpark CEO Former Gusto Italian CEO Matt Snell has been appointed chief executive of BOXPARK, bringing over 25 years of hospitality experience to the expanding leisure group. Snell, who previously held senior roles at #Fullers, #Giraffe, and Spirit Pub Company, will oversee #Boxpark’s growth strategy, including the launch of Boxhall in Liverpool Street and the recent Playbox opening in Croydon. “Boxpark has redefined the leisure experience, and I’m excited to build on its success,” Snell said. 📍 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gXt4bRt9 #hospitality #foodanddrink #businessgrowth #people #appointment #leisure

🥐 Greggs doubles down on long-term growth prospects Greggs saw 1.7% like-for-like sales growth in early 2025, hit by bad weather and weak consumer confidence. Despite this, it’s pushing ahead with 3,000+ UK sites, supply chain investment, and extended trading hours. No further price hikes are planned, with momentum in evening trade, digital sales, and healthier menu options driving future growth. 📈 Read more on #MCA 👉 https://lnkd.in/gEPU55uJ #Greggs #foodtogo #retail #hospitality #businessgrowth #bakery