News
Nanban unveils new summer menu
Nanban unveils new summer menu
The Japanese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Tim Anderson also released ready-packed picnics.
Labour shortage in farms to possibly hit hospitality food prices, report warns
Purchasing company Lynx says the labour issue is not only due to concerns about Brexit.
McDonald's plans to add self-order kiosks to 1,000 stores each quarter
The global brand's modernisation programme will take place for the next eight to nine quarters.
Feya debuts with first site in Marylebone
The contemporary café features reinventions of usual staples.
Purezza opens first London restaurant
This is the vegan pizzeria's second site. Brighton-based Purezza has officially opened its first London restaurant in Camden, where they will feature an entirely vegan menu. The new plant-based pizzeria seats 100 diners and will operate on two floors.
Deliveroo announces new POS integration system
The delivery company expects the move to save restaurants millions of pounds. Aiming to assist restaurants in streamlining their order processes, Deliveroo has announced that it is rolling out its Point of Sale (POS) integration system. The company enabled the integration by creating a new API (application programming interface), available through a newly-launched Deliveroo developer portal, which allows POS companies and restaurants to integrate with Deliveroo’s order system. The Developer self-serve portal allows POS companies and restaurants to access, test and manage their integration with Deliveroo’s API themselves, so POS companies and tech-savvy restaurants can integrate with Deliveroo directly in 2 weeks. Deliveroo expects the measure will save restaurants millions of pounds. Currently, 500 restaurant sites are already using integration and the food delivery company anticipates this to increase to thousands by the end of the year. “Our partners have told us that integrating with their sales systems is a key way for Deliveroo to help make delivery easier for them and that’s why we’ve invested in making this happen. By doing this through an API we’ve made integration as straightforward as possible regardless of what kind of system a restaurant is using for point of sale. Cutting out needless time inputting orders into sales systems allows front of staff to focus on delivering an amazing dine in experience while boosting revenues and orders through delivery,” Deliveroo chief technology officer Mike Hudack said.
Pret A Manger conducts nationwide rollout of reusable bottles
Their plastic use reduction initiative is done in partnership with Chilly’s. After trialing in select sites, Pret A Manger’s reusable bottle initiative with bottle company Chilly’s is now rolling out to their 370 shops nationwide.
Rosa's Thai Café acquired by private equity firm TriSpan
The restaurant group currently has 13 sites with three new openings scheduled this year. Private equity firm TriSpan, through its Rising Stars restaurant platform, has announced that it has acquired a majority investment in Rosa’s Thai Café. Rosa’s managing director Gavin Adair will lead the UK-based restaurant group in its next phase of growth. Former YO! CEO and TriSpan European operating partner Robin Rowland will support as Non-Executive Chairman. Rosa’s founders Alex and Saiphin Moore will remain involved in the business, focusing on the group’s culture and innovation and driving food quality. Meanwhile, a “significant number” of employees within the group will have their stock options partially realised and will reinvest with TriSpan.
Foodservice sector facing inflation in fish, oils and fats, study reveals
Data explains that supply is affected in key territories. Fish prices were 12.1% higher in April 2018 than the previous 12 months, according to a joint study by CGA and Prestige. The groups’ Foodservice Price Index reveals that inflation has been driven by “poorer than expected” catches of cod and haddock in the last few months, which drove demand from southern Europe. Salmon prices, meanwhile, rose due the strengthening of the Norwegian krone. Inflation in the oils and fats category is reportedly steeper, with prices 27.9% higher than in April 2017. The study says that supply has been damaged by severe dry weather in key production territories including the US Midwest and South America, with yields of both soybean and oilseed rape down. The relatively high price of crude oil at the moment is also a cited issue. “Overall we have seen inflation ease from the highs of 2017, with reassuring signs of stability in currency exchange rates and Brexit negotiations—but the steep year on year rises in these categories is a reminder of the need to stay vigilant. Understanding the nuances of foodservice price inflation is going to be essential for any business seeking to grow in this competitive market,” CGA Client Director – Food Fiona Speakman said. “We are continuing to see headline grabbing numbers from oils & fats, and numerous other categories are showing definite upwards trends. Many crops are feeling the effects of the poor winter and higher oil prices are starting to hit farmers. Businesses would be well advised to secure pricing now before further increases are seen, especially in dairy which looks likely to rise in the near future,” Prestige Purchasing chief executive Shaun Allen added.
Weekly Global News Wrap: Wendy's new tomato supply initiative, A&W's U.S. expansion, first IHOP-Applebee's combo set to open
Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world.
Social Media Wrap Up: Tossed's Mexican Good Eggs, Wagamama's 'from bowl to soul' video, Muffin Break's revamped Lewisham store
Find out what QSRs have been up to on social media this week. BRAND AND STORE UPDATES Wagamama released their 'from bowl to soul' short.
7Bone Burger Co. unveils limited edition Pollock fish sandwich
50p from every sandwich sold will be given to a male cancer charity.
Honest Burgers to open second Soho site
The burger multi-site will soon offer its signature offerings on Brewer Street. Honest Burgers is slated to open a second Soho site, a prime unit that covers 2,000 square feet across basement and ground floor levels. Located nearby Piccadilly underground station, the new restaurant will accommodate 80 covers and will benefit from a late license. Property agency Shelley Sandzer acted for Honest Burgers in order to secure the new location deal. “We are delighted to secure the perfect site for Honest Burgers in this high footfall location, situated nearby other well-known occupiers. This signing is proof that brands can evolve and adapt to different areas, and that top restaurants brands are still sought after in prime Central London locations,” Shelley Sandzer partner Casey Phillips said.
Howard Schultz steps down as Starbucks' executive chairman
He announced his retirement after helming the global coffee brand in key positions for decades. Starbucks co-founder Howard Schultz announced that he will be stepping down from his executive chairman position this month, leaving the company after a significant tenure of more than 40 years. “This whole opportunity for me is not to give a speech, it’s really a giant, giant hug for me to warmly and sincerely thank you for the levels of contribution that you have made, and the level of sacrifice your families have made to allow us to do these things together,” he said in a town hall-style meeting with friends, colleagues and partners about his retirement. According to Starbucks’ report on Schultz's announcement, his leadership saw the global coffee brand growing from 11 stores to 28,000 in 77 countries while stock prices increased 19,000 percent since their initial public offering in 1992. "I set out to build a company that my father, a blue-collar worker and World War II veteran, never had a chance to work for," Schultz said in a previous letter he sent to partners about his departure. He will now become chairman emeritus by June 26 amid speculation of U.S. presidential ambitions by 2020. (Photo credit: Starbucks)
Wingstop starts aggressive UK expansion
The global chicken brand plans to open 100 sites in the country over the next 10-12 years. Wingstop is set to take off in the UK market, starting with its flagship restaurant that will open in the West End in early August. As reported by the London Evening Standard, the U.S.-based brand’s first UK site will be located opposite the Palace Theatre, with the hope to capture theatergoers and reach a core audience of millennials. This is part of their master plan to open 100 sites in the UK over the next 10 to 12 years. Originated in Texas in 1994, Wingstop has since established more than 1,200 outlets across the States, Central America, the Middle East and Asia.
Wagamama plans to expand US presence as it seeks new ownership
The Asian-inspired dining chain plans to open two more sites in New York this year. Wagamama has confirmed that the company has appointed bankers from Goldman Sachs to "review strategic growth options for the business", per a report from City A.M.
Cocina launches ‘Vegan Wednesdays'
Customers can enjoy 50% on any food items on their vegan menu.