Apple has acquired Mobeewave in a move that continues the global adoption of cashless payment from cards to smartphones. The deal follows others where Apple’s strategy is to integrate smart startup apps into its own technology. The price of $100 was reported by Bloomberg sources close to the deal and further adds simple and significant functionality to iPhones. By … [Read more...]
Pizza Hut and Wendy’s largest US franchisee ponders potential break up sale
NPC, Pizza Hut’s single largest franchisee in the US filed for bankruptcy earlier this year with debt of circa $900 million and is now seeking debt protection. NPC is also the largest franchise operator of Wendy’s in the US. The debt protection process is now disclosing a number of issues and difficulties between NPC and Yum Brands, who seem unwilling to help NPC and are … [Read more...]
Burger chain Byron acquired by Calveton
Burger chain Byron has been immediately acquired upon entering administration for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will see Calverton take on only 20 of the 51 Byron restaurants with no details of the prospects of the remaining 31. Byron has for years flirted with financial difficulties and only two years ago used a company voluntary arrangement to close 20 restaurants to … [Read more...]
Epiris – The Big Table – acquires Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge
A new business formed by private equity firm Epiris has successfully concluded a deal to take control of the Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Café Rouge restaurant businesses, in concert with the existing management team led by CEO James Spragg. In a process handled by AlixPartners, the business formerly known as Casual Dining Group was acquired from administration, preserving … [Read more...]
McDonald’s US announces face mask mandate and delay in reopening
McDonald's in the US has announced that effective from today, it will require all customers to wear face coverings when entering its restaurants due to new Covid-19 cases continuing to surge in many states. It will delay the re-opening of its dining rooms for another 30 days. McDonald's is the latest in a move by restaurants in the US issuing face mask mandates for its … [Read more...]
Brick Lane’s Bangladeshi restaurants call for help after Covid-19 impact
The ongoing impact of Covid-19 is threatening the future of Brick Lane's Bangladeshi-run curry restaurants with owners fearing that their businesses can only survive a few more months without help. While restaurants on the east London street re-opened on the 4 July after three months’ enforced closure, they have not encountered their usual influx of office workers and … [Read more...]
Adam Handling: Getting tough with no shows and advising others to also
Restaurant no shows seem to be resistant to Covid-19, having come through the pandemic seemingly stronger than ever. As restaurants try to emerge and reopen amidst the ongoing crisis, people booking tables and then not showing up damage restaurants and the livelihoods of everyone working with them. Many chefs and restaurateurs take to twitter and other social media bemoaning … [Read more...]
Update from Rishi Sunak on take up of Eat Out to Help Out
More than 53,000 outlets across the UK have so far signed up to the UK Government’s Eat Out to Help Out Scheme - and a new official Government online finder is available to help diners locate them. As Eat Out to Help Out stickers and posters start to appear in the windows of restaurants, cafes, bars and other establishments across the country, customers who want to … [Read more...]
Tossed and Vital Ingredient placed in administration
Simon Bonney and Michael Kiely of business advisory firm Quantuma have been appointed as Joint Administrators to Zest Food Ltd (Zest Food) – the company that trades the healthy eating brands Tossed and Vital Ingredient. Founded in 2004, Zest Food operated from 20 sites across central London, trading as Tossed in 14 of these stores. In March 2018, the group acquired Vital … [Read more...]
Judge dismisses claims against Burger King from vegan diners
Earlier this week a Florida judge dismissed a claim brought by a group of vegan and vegetarian customers against Burger King saying the burger chain had misled diners about plant-based patties. Judge Raag Singhal ruled in favour of Burger King by saying it had not mislead customers. The claim was about cooking procedures and accused Burger King of implying through … [Read more...]
Chilango administration sees investors adopting hindsight
The Mexican restaurant chain Chilango is not only facing the impact from Covid-19 crisis, it is also facing something of a shareholder revolt. After placing itself into administration and looking to find a buyer at the same time, investors are being widely reported to be furious claiming long standing mismanagement and little adherence to corporate governance. Much of the … [Read more...]
McDonald’s dine in reopens – demonstrating market leadership to follow
Today sees circa 700 McDonald’s reopening across England to welcome customers back to dine in one of their restaurants. This follows delivery services that have been running since 13 May and drive through since 4 June. Diners were also allowed to walk in and collect their food from 17 June. This phased reopening timeline emphasises McDonald’s always being first to adapt to the … [Read more...]
Help on restaurant rent from The Crown Estate
Following an article last week where we called on landlords to recognise a need to reset rent and rates imbalances, we are delighted to report on a lead being taken by The Crown Estate. The Crown Estate is the largest property owner in London's West End and as such is home to many of the UK’s landmark restaurants. As Covid-19 continues to decimate the UK restaurant … [Read more...]
Center Parcs reopen casual dining restaurants
Casual Dining Group has reopened a number of its concession sites situated at Center Parcs villages across England. Six restaurants have reopened for delivery and collection as Center Parcs start to welcome guests back. CDG operates 12 Café Rouge, Bella Italia and Las Iguanas restaurants at Center Parcs villages at Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest, Woburn Forest Breaks, … [Read more...]
