Ole & Steen managing director: Businesses reviewed location strategies after WFH culture’s significant intervention
Lee Nixon joins the QSR Media UK Conference & Awards as part of the event’s Leaders Panel.
Ole & Steen managing director Lee Nixon is joining the QSR Media UK Conference & Awards on June 28 in London, participating in the event’s Leaders Panel – the discussion that will discussion for the movers and shakers of the industry, get a fresh pulse of what's happening, the trends they are seeing, and valuable perspectives on timely issues.
A retail and hospitality business leader with over 20 years’ experience, Nixon previously led Costa’s UK drive-thru and London operation of over 350 sites and the UK operation of Le Pain Quotidien. He joined the Ole & Steen team in June 2020, having opened several new sites in 2021 and expecting additional growth this year along with significant investment into new bakery facilities.
More of our Q&A with Nixon below.
QSR Media: What is the state of the QSR/fast casual restaurant industry from your point of view?
Nixon: It is extremely positive to see London bouncing back and I believe there is more to come. As office workers continue to return and tourism yet to return to pre-covid levels, footfall numbers can only go one way.
There are some very strong operators with awesome propositions that have navigated through the last few years – resilience and versatility within the industry has been strong. The speed that businesses have adapted to the forever-changing environment has been incredible.
There clearly are some big challenges ahead of us, as customers and businesses grapple with rising costs.
What are some key lessons/insights/trends that brands have learned/further understood/need to know as we navigate current challenges?
A number of businesses have reviewed their location strategies. The WFH (work from home) culture was such a significant intervention into people's lives it may have permanently changed behaviour. This in turn has changed the density of where people are, and the frequency they travel into city centre locations.
Working out how you get your brand to them is an exciting challenge.
What can we expect from your panel discussion at this year's QSR Media Conference & Awards?
I will share our journey so far from entering into the UK Market, mistakes made and lessons learnt as we look to further expand our store bakery presence here in the UK.
Don’t miss your chance to join the QSR Media UK Conference & Awards — click here to register.
