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The said sectors had an increase despite the consumer spending’s 0.9% decline. The UK Consumer Spending Index by Visa and IHS Markit reports that the Food, Beverages & Tobacco and the Hotels, Restaurants & Bars sectors rose for the month of July with 3.5% and 2.5% respectively. Both sectors had the strongest increases that is said to be driven by the warm weather and the recent World Cup. “Food and drink, followed by hotels, bars and restaurants, saw the highest spending increases of all categories in July, which the warm weather and football clearly contributed to. However, retailers of household goods and those operating within recreation and culture noted significant declines, an indication that household budgets are stretched,” Mark Antipof, chief commercial officer at Visa, said. The household goods fell to -3.2% while the Recreation & Culture went to -3.9%, which are said to be in a faster pace. Other categories included in the study are Transport & Communication (-4.1%), Miscellaneous Goods and Services (-1,8%), Clothing & Footwear (+1.0%) and Health and Education (+0.3%).  

The restaurants’ locations will both replace former Delisserie sites. Hudsons American Brasserie and Indulge Dessert Lounge will be launched in Borehamwood and Stanmore respectively, as announced by Cedar Dean Group (CDG). Hudsons will have a 2,830 sq ft unit in Shenley Road, Borehamwood and is assured to have the same signature dishes with their branches in Mill Hill and Whetstone. Meanwhile, Indulge Dessert Lounge will have a 1,700 sq. ft. unit in Buckingham Parade, Stanmore. “This is a great outcome for Delisserie and a testament to the strength of the two brands. Hudsons’ extensive repertoire of iconic American dishes is guaranteed to generate a buzz with Borehamwood diners,” Emma Cousins of CDG Leisure said. “We are also seeing a growing demand in dessert spots, catalysed by social media platforms, such as Instagram. Indulge’s huge variety and after-dinner opening hours will make it a perfect destination for friends and family alike,” she added.  

Meanwhile, pubs and bars took a rise in like-for-like sales.

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.

Find out what QSRs have been up to on social media this week.

The store was the first one they opened outside of London. The Hummingbird Bakery has announced the closure of its outlet located in Guildford, saying that they have failed to reach the level of revenue needed for the site. “The Guildford bakery was our first branch to open outside of London and it is with sadness that we have taken the decision to close it,” its founder and managing director Tarek Malouf said. “I’m proud of all the wonderful work our bakers have delivered during their time baking for this welcoming community and I offer my sincerest thanks to all of our Guildford customers for joining us on our American baking journey.” The said outlet opened last September 2017, but the American bakery chain assures that it will continue to be committed to the rest of its six stores across UK and three more in Dubai. Job positions from their other outlets have been offered to the employees affected by the closure. “It is our hope that Guildford customers will still be able to enjoy fresh American baking at our Richmond bakery located on The Quadrant in Surrey,” Malouf added.

The new concept takes inspiration from the New York neighborhood, Harlem. Holy Moly Macaroni opens its first restaurant at the Bullring Estate in Grand Central, Birmingham. The restaurant will be featuring “soul food” such as the proper mac, chicken and waffles and hot yardbird. “It’s been a real journey to help launch Holy Moly Macaroni in Birmingham. In under a year, Holy Moly Macaroni has gone from dishing up proper mac at Digbeth Dining Club, to opening our very first soul food kitchen in Grand Central,” John Burke, Head of Commercial at Holy Moly Macaroni, said. “Mac and cheese is real soul food; it helps to bring friends and family together in a unique enjoyable experience, and that’s what Holy Moly Macaroni is all about,” he added. The interiors are designed by Newman Gauge, having industrial-themed art decorations including neon lights and graffiti wall art. This is now the third opening in the Bullring Estate in 2018, following Thai Express and Tasty Place. “We’re thrilled that Holy Moly Macaroni chose Grand Central to launch its debut restaurant concept. Holy Moly Macaroni’s new opening adds to the diverse food and beverage offering at the destination, bringing an exciting and unique menu for visitors to try,” Sarah Fox commented, Head of Restaurants & Leisure at Hammerson.   

This will be the restaurant’s second funding package from Metrobank following the acquisition of the Yangtze brand. The Chopstix Group has acquired a £2 million debt facility by Metrobank for its expansion projects across the UK.

Research reveals that 59% of shoppers doesn’t carry refillable bottles.

The coffee chain found out that 6 out 10 adults in UK have less conversations compared to ten years ago.

They turned to a crowdfunding platform to raise £200,000 in exchange for 11.61% equity. UK Chinese fast food chain Green Kitchen is looking for investors to for their planned expansion.

The restaurant chain wants to make their food compliant with consumer trends and insights.

The UK’s advertising watchdog says the brand violated the CAP Code.

The announcement came days after revealing the details of his new restaurant in Manchester.

The Japanese restaurant chain had launched new stores across the globe over the financial year.

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.