Story of the Day - 3 April 2025
Banana Tree MD – the brand could grow to 75 sites and ‘maybe beyond’, Cardiff site is Big Table Group’s single biggest investment project
Kate Wilton, managing director of the Big Table Group-owned Banana Tree, has said the south east Asian-inspired brand has “got some serious legs in it from a scale perspective” and could grow to 75 sites and “maybe beyond”. Propel revealed in February that the 21-strong brand will make its debut in Wales with the opening of a site in Cardiff’s Mill Lane, in June.
ONE MOORGATE PLACE, LONDON EC2R 6EA
WEDNESDAY 14TH MAY 2025
Headline Sponsor
The conference takes place on Thursday, 14 May, at One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA, and is open for bookings.
Tickets are £295+VAT for operators, £345+ VAT for suppliers.
20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club members.
Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to book places.
Propel Exclusive Report
Propel's International Brands Report is available now
Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality by site number, is available to order now. This comprehensive 30,000-word report covers company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential resource for industry professionals.
The top 100 features fast-growing brands from major international markets, including the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia.
The guide will be delivered in two formats: an introductory PDF featuring expert analysis on international brands and a fully searchable Excel sheet for quick access to key data. This data will be categorised into the key sectors of pubs and bars, hotels, quick-service restaurants (QSR), casual dining, cafés and bakeries, experiential leisure, and fine dining.
Industry experts sharing their insights in the report include Keith Bird, former CEO of Marugame Udon, on the challenges of introducing an international brand into the UK; Simon Chaplin, senior director of pubs, restaurants and franchise at Christie & Co, on why London remains a prime entry point for international brands; Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann, director of THINK Hospitality, on why European brands choose the UK for expansion; Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova on the UK market for quick-service restaurant operators; and AlixPartners highlights five key trends that make the UK attractive to international brands.
Get the report
Propel’s International Brands report is available now for £595 plus vat. Existing Premium Club Members can receive it now for £395 plus vat. Premium Club members will receive the report for free on Friday, 9 May at 9am.
Order The International Report today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com
3 April 2025
JD Wetherspoon targeting hotels as it steps up search for franchise partners with Christie & Co hire
JD Wetherspoon is stepping up its search for franchise partners as it targets hotels to open its pubs. The company has hired Christie & Co to support its search as part of plans to grow to more than 1,000 sites nationwide. The search is specifically targeting hoteliers across the UK.
3 April 2025
PizzaExpress secures refinancing deal
PizzaExpress has agreed a refinancing deal with more than 97% of its existing bondholders. The company said the refinancing agreement follows a good opening quarter for the brand with like-for-like sales up 1.3% for the first two months, compared with last year. The company said it has received strong support to extend the maturity of its senior secured notes from July 2026 to September 2029.
3 April 2025
PizzaExpress secures refinancing deal
PizzaExpress has agreed a refinancing deal with more than 97% of its existing bondholders. The company said the refinancing agreement follows a good opening quarter for the brand with like-for-like sales up 1.3% for the first two months, compared with last year. The company said it has received strong support to extend the maturity of its senior secured notes from July 2026 to September 2029.
3 April 2025
Brighton Pier Group shares fall more than 60% after announcing plans to go private
Shares in Brighton Pier Group plunged more than 60% on Wednesday (2 April) after the company revealed plans to delist from London’s AIM market and go private, citing rising costs, a tough trading environment and limited investor interest. The group – which operates Brighton Pier alongside five bars, adventure golf business Paradise Island and the Lightwater Valley adventure park in North Yorkshire – said staying listed no longer made financial sense.
3 April 2025
Inamo reports sub-brand Inamo sukoshi trading up 40% year-on-year as it prepares for Boxhall City opening
London tech-restaurant group Inamo has told Propel that trading for its sushi and fusion street food sub-brand Inamo sukoshi, which was created for use in food hall operations, is up 40% year-on-year. It comes as Inamo sukoshi prepares to open at the new Liverpool Street Boxhall City on Thursday, 10 April.
3 April 2025
Osmond ups Various Eateries stake
Serial sector investor Hugh Osmond (pictured) has upped his stake in Various Eateries, the Coppa Club and Noci concept operator. Xercise2 Limited – a company owned and controlled by Osmond – has purchased 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 1p each in Various Eateries at a price of 10.75p per share.
3 April 2025
Wells & Co CEO – consumer confidence will get harder this year but we’re going to grow rather than cut our way out of this
Peter Wells, chief executive of brewer and retailer Wells & Co, has told Propel he believes consumer confidence “will only get harder this year” but the company will “grow rather than cut our way out” out of the cost pressures facing the sector. The company has estimated that the increases in tax and national minimum wage that kick in this month will cost it an additional £750,000 if left unmitigated.
3 April 2025
Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken to expand global footprint into Europe, sets sights on the UK
Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant brands in the world, is to expand its global footprint into Europe and said it had set its sights on opening in the UK. The company, which has more than 1,400 locations in 22 countries and global markets and system-wide sales of more than $1.5bn, has recently signed multiple development agreements, including one in Germany.
3 April 2025
Z Hotels puts freehold interest of forthcoming London hotel on market for £42m
Z Hotels, owned by former Thistle Hotels chief operating officer Bev King, has put the freehold of its forthcoming hotel in London’s Leicester Square up for sale at a guide price of £42m. Avison Young UK and JLL have been jointly appointed by Z Hotels to market the property, with a guaranteed 35-year leaseback to Z Hotels.
3 April 2025
Lease of historic pub-theatre in London acquired by actor family
The lease of Old Red Lion pub and theatre in London’s Islington has been acquired by the company Cowardly Lion, of which actor Janine Duvitski is a director. Dating to the 1400s, The Old Red Lion is a unique combination of historic pub and fringe theatre, and is widely acknowledged as being the site of one of the capital’s oldest pubs.
3 April 2025
BII and Licensed Trade Charity join forces to boost business and well-being of pub operators
The British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) and the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) have joined forces to help more businesses in the hospitality sector thrive, by supporting the well-being of the people who run them. The new strategic partnership, announced on Wednesday (2 April) at the inaugural LTC Wellbeing Conference, “will provide those in the pub sector with easy access to expert help, whenever it is needed”.
3 April 2025
Camberwell Arms and Adventure Bar Group founders confirm details for new Setlist venture
James Dye (pictured), founder of Franks Café and the Camberwell Arms, along with Thomas Kidd, co-founder of the Adventure Bar Group, and Paul Smyth, co-founder of Mission Kitchen, have revealed the details of their upcoming new venture Setlist. The venue will open next month and be situated on the rooftop terrace at London’s Somerset House.
2 April 2025
Real estate business Dominus launches hotel operations division and targets revenue of more than £100m by 2026
Dominus, the multi-sector real estate business, has launched a hotel operations division – Dominus Hospitality. Since 2011, Dominus has developed 15 hotels, totalling more than 4,000 keys, and has retained ownership of five, which are managed by its Dominus Hospitality platform.
2 April 2025
Hooters files for bankruptcy as founders plot family-friendly relaunch
Hooters, the US fast food brand known for its scantily clad waitresses, is planning to relaunch as a family-friendly concept after filing for bankruptcy protection. HOA Restaurant Group has filed the motion for chapter 11 protection in the north Texas bankruptcy court in Dallas.
April 2025 ~ Premium Club
Propel Premium Club members can access more than 100 videos from Propel’s market-leading conferences. These include the Multi Club Conference – Prospering in the new reality, available to Premium Club members at 9am on Wednesday 9th April 2025, featuring speakers such as Mark Stretton, chief executive of Fleet Street Communications, Maria Vanifatova, founder of Meaningful Vison, Graeme Smith, managing director of AlixPartners, and Phil Honer and Eleanor Warder, co-founders of Atis. Further examples include Anthony Murphy, co-founder of Beefy Boys, Elizabeth Stanway, co-founder of Treetop Golf, Dan Brookman, founder of Airship Toggle, and Chris Stagg, the former Brunning & Price director and current managing director at Peach Pubs. Also, Francesco Arcadio, managing director of dessert Brand Kaspa’s, Wingstop UK chief executive Chris Sherriff, Thomas Heier, chief executive of Wagamama, Kate Wilton, managing director of Banana Tree, and Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom. Also, Tim Wilks, founder of Lane7, Tom Snellock, founder of Clays, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, Lisa Boden Shah, partner at Edition Capital and Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine in a panel discussion about competitive socialising.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
April 2025 ~ Premium Club
Propel’s International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality by site number, is now available. Priced at £395 plus VAT for Premium Club members to purchase now, it will for be delivered to Premium Club members for free on Friday, 9 May. The 30,000-word report includes company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures. It showcases fast-growing brands from across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The report comes in two formats: a PDF with expert analysis and a searchable Excel sheet for easy access to key data. Contributors include Keith Bird, former CEO of Marugame Udon, on launching international brands in the UK; Simon Chaplin of Christie & Co on why London is the gateway market; Matteo Frigeri of Seeds Consulting on finding the right UK franchisee; Michael Ingemann of THINK Hospitality on why Europe targets the UK; and Maria Vanifatova of Meaningful Vision on the UK’s QSR landscape; AlixPartners’ highlights five key trends that make the UK attractive to international brands.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
April 2025 ~ Premium Club
Premium Club Opinion provides weekly insights from industry leaders. In this current edition, James Hacon, managing partner of Think Hospitality Consulting examines TriSpan’s formation of the Arcturus Group which brings together Rosa’s Thai, Pho, and Mowgli Street Food, forming a high-growth Asian casual dining platform. This strategy enhances operational synergies, scalability, and strengthens brand leverage. The move aims for future growth, creating a robust platform for a potential profitable exit while preserving brand identity and value. Mark Selby, co-founder and chairman of Wahaca, discusses how Wahaca faces negative perceptions about its size and reputation, despite offering high-quality, fresh food. He argues that Wahaca’s dedication to sustainability, quality, and service sets it apart from profit-driven chains. Meanwhile, Philip Sandzer, international consultant at Shelley Sandzer, focuses on the growth of Dubai’s hospitality sector as it continues to thrive, despite concerns of saturation. With numerous high-quality restaurant openings and population growth expected, emerging areas like Business Bay offer new opportunities. The overall market remains vibrant, with demand driven by tourism, expat growth, and evolving dining trends.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
April 2025 ~ Premium Club
Mark Wingett’s Premium Club Diary delivers insider sector gossip every week to Premium Club members. In this current edition, Sir Tim Martin, founder of JD Wetherspoon, expresses regret over not expanding the brand internationally, particularly in France, where plans were shelved 20 years ago. He talks about missed opportunities, including in the US and he goes on to hint that there may still be time to lead a global push. Meanwhile, Heartwood Collection, backed by its £100m investment, plans to open over 60 sites by 2027, focusing on pub and room expansions. At the end of last year, Heartwood Collection opened its fifth pub with rooms, in Epping Forest, Essex, which Diary understands is regularly trading at more than six figures. TriSpan has merged three Asian restaurant brands—Rosa’s Thai, Pho, and Mowgli—into Arcturus Group, creating the UK’s largest casual dining operator in this sector. Propel revealed last November that Burger King will open its first Central London location in over a decade at 60 The Strand, featuring interactive family experiences. Meanwhile, Greene King partnered with Carefree to offer 169 unpaid carers free short breaks at its hotels, supporting their well-being by providing respite from caregiving duties.
By joining Propel Premium Club members get access to essential insight through Propel Opinion pieces from leading industry commentators, plus our industry-leading databases, receive hospitality’s foremost newsletter first, watch vital video content and get event discounts.
2 April 2025
SSP lands ten-year deal for F&B operations at Bournemouth airport
SSP, the UK operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has landed a ten-year deal to become the main food and beverage partner at Bournemouth airport. Having assumed operation of the airport’s two existing food and beverage outlets, over the next 12 months SSP will transform these into a newer, upgraded bar and kitchen concept and a larger grab-and-go outlet.
2 April 2025
Esquires owner secures new bank funding
Cooks Coffee Company, owner of the Esquires brand, has secured new bank funding. The company has finalised a NZ$1.6m loan facility with a term of 15 years, and a NZ$1.0m loan facility with a term of five years, each with Bank of New Zealand. The loan facilities have enabled Cooks Coffee Company to repay or refinance all existing debt and provide further funding to support the group’s ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.
2 April 2025
Almost two-thirds of night-time economy businesses expecting to reduce staff numbers and operating hours
Almost two thirds (62%) of night-time economy operators are expecting to reduce staff numbers and operating hours as they brace themselves for the increases in labour costs and a reduction in business rates relief, according to new survey. A flash poll by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) showed the overwhelming majority – 85% – identified rising operational costs as their biggest economic challenge.
2 April 2025
Brighton Pier Group plans to delist after strategic review
Brighton Pier Group has announced its proposal to go private and to cease trading on AIM after undertaking a review of its strategic options. It comes as the business said that trading results for the 12-month period ended 29 December 2024 are in line with current market expectations.
2 April 2025
Foreign secretary says British pint ‘safe’ as MPs debate measurement legislation
The British pint is “safe” under the government, according to foreign secretary David Lammy. He offered assurances to MPs after he was asked to guarantee the “most glorious of British symbols” could not be abolished as a result of legislation being debated in parliament.
2 April 2025
Otter Brewery launches first pub and restaurant, could open further sites
Devon-based Otter Brewery has launched its first pub and restaurant and told Propel it could open further sites “if the right locations become available”. Otter Brewery has entered into a partnership with The Holt pub in Honiton to open The Holt Exeter, in Cathedral Close, opposite the city’s cathedral.
1 April 2025
Marugame Udon signs UK master franchise agreement with Karali Group
Marugame Udon, the international udon noodles and tempura restaurant brand has signed a UK master franchise agreement with Karali Group to accelerate the brand’s growth across the UK and Ireland. Under the new partnership, Karali Group will lead the development of new Marugame Udon restaurants and has acquired and assumed operation of the existing estate, transitioning the brand from corporate-owned to a fully franchised model.
1 April 2025
RedCat’s underlying profit set to double after transitional year
RedCat Hospitality, the recently rebranded operator of Coaching Inn Group and RedCat Independent Pubs, has said that its adjusted Ebitda is expected to more than double to circa £6m for the 12 months to 31 March 2025, on the back of a transitional 12 months, which has left it in a “more stable and strong position”. The Richard Lewis-led operator of 95 sites said that the work undertaken in the year to 31 March 2024 had “laid the foundations for subsequent transformation of the business, and return to growth and investment”.
Watch highlights from this year’s Propel summer conference and party.
Video presentations of all the speakers are available to Premium Club members, join to unlock exclusive access to 100 insightful videos each year.
To view pictures from the event click here
Promotional Content
7 October 2024
Meet Maral, the visionary behind Ayal: Sharing Turkmenistan’s Flavours with London’s Streets
With the help of the McCain Streets Ahead programme, Maral turned her dream into a thriving business. Through Ayal, she offers Londoners a taste of Turkmen cuisine, from Manti dumplings to traditional palav, highlighting the rich heritage of her culture.
9 September 2024
Meet Eman and Bisan Bites: Bringing Palestinian Flavours to London's Streets
In 2022, Eman embarked on a journey to bring the authentic taste of Palestinian cuisine to the street food scene of London. Seeking guidance from the Streets Ahead programme, she transformed her passion into a reality, creating Bisan Bites a business that celebrates her heritage.
17 July 2024
Taste Uzbekistan: The Street Food Duo sharing the traditions and flavours of Central Asia
In 2022, Akbar and Sanobar joined the Streets Ahead program with a clear vision: to become the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and immersive experience.
20 June 2024
UTOPIA: The Syrian Street Food Concept making London taste better
Hind Danoun is one of the many successful refugee entrepreneurs to come out of the McCain Streets Ahead Programme. From joining the programme in 2022 to turning over £21,000 in revenue since launching late 2023.
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- 20% discount on tickets to five Propel paid-for events
- Operators can send up to four members of staff to each of our four Multi-Club Conferences for free
- Receive the Propel database of multi-site companies, updated every month
- Receive the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, updated every month
- Receive the Propel database of new openings, updated every month
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- Plus insight from leading commentators
Conferences, study trips, and propel multi club
Upcoming Events
MAY 14TH 2025
Excellence in Pub and Bar Retailing Conference
The conference takes place on Thursday, 14 May, at Wednesday 14th May 2025 – One Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA, and is open for bookings. Tickets are £295+VAT for operators and £345+VAT for suppliers. 20% discount for operators and suppliers who are Premium Club members.
November 13th 2025
The Propel Bangkok
Study Tour
Bangkok is a culinary hot bed of talent and has no less than 34 Michelin starred restaurants including a street vendor who has one star, it is a truly world class ‘Foodie Destination’. The city also boasts some of the highest rooftop bars and restaurants in the world and is a hospitality bucket list in Asia.