Story of the Day - 2 September 2025
Azzurri Group CEO – we can go faster if Dave’s Hot Chicken continues to do well, could open door for other brands to enter Europe
Steve Holmes, chief executive of Azzurri Group – the ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, Boojum and Zizzi owner – has told Propel that the business could look to open more than the 60 sites it has initially agreed to open in the UK under US brand Dave’s Hot Chicken – with the company set to have seven open by the end of this year. Propel revealed last July that the US brand had signed a franchise agreement with Azzurri Group to open 60 locations across the UK and Ireland.
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2 September 2025
Whittard of Chelsea targets further openings after rollout of new concept stores drives fourth consecutive year of growth
Whittard of Chelsea has targeted further openings after reporting the rollout of its new concept stores helped drive a fourth consecutive year of growth. The company said it is well positioned for sustained growth across all regions and will expand its current 42-strong UK retail footprint with more new store openings in 2025 and 2026.
2 September 2025
92 Degrees signs up Kent and Sussex franchisee
Independent coffee roaster 92 Degrees has signed up a franchisee for Kent and Sussex, Propel has learned. Propel revealed exclusively in January that the 20-strong business had launched a franchise programme after receiving more than 1,000 enquiries, and in May, the company signed a deal with Simon and Sue Hedaux to open multiple 92 Degrees locations across the Midlands.
2 September 2025
Amber Taverns acquires Helensburgh pub for 13th site in Scotland, plans further expansion in the country
Wet-led, community pub operator Amber Taverns, which is backed by Epiris, has acquired a pub in Helensburgh for its 13th site in Scotland and said it plans further expansion in the country. Previous owners Cara and Milan Nikolic shut the pub, which was formerly a La Scala cinema, in 2022, and it has been on the market since April 2025.
2 September 2025
Market Place launches first-of-its-kind loyalty scheme
Food hall concept Market Place has begun the roll out of what it has described as “a first-of-its-kind loyalty scheme”, with all of its vendors unified under a single collection and redemption digital wallet card. The MP Munch Scheme officially launched in April, with all of Market Place’s vendors enrolling on the scheme from day one, starting with its St Paul’s location, and all of its five venues launching by 2026.
2 September 2025
Heartwood Collection launches new guest loyalty app
Heartwood Collection, the Alchemy Partners-backed business, has announced the launch of its new guest loyalty app, ‘Treats’, following a successful trial. The app is designed to thank and reward guests for their continued support, offering a range of exclusive benefits from complimentary drinks and dishes to VIP status with year-long discounts.
2 September 2025
Multi-brand franchisee seeking to grow its Costa estate, reports profit and turnover boost
Optimum Group, the company that operates circa 30 franchise sites in Merseyside under Costa Coffee, Kaspa’s and I am Doner, has said it is seeking to grow its Costa estate. The company currently operates 27 Costa sites across the north west, along with two Kaspa’s and a single I Am Doner location.
2 September 2025
Matt Heather steps down as Old Spike Roastery MD
Matt Heather has stepped down as managing director of social enterprise Old Spike Roastery. Heather joined the business, which was founded in 2014 by Richard Robinson and Cemal Ezal, in the summer of 2021 as group operations director, before being promoted to managing director last spring.
2 September 2025
Taco Bell further builds UK equity store estate with two more openings
Mexican restaurant brand Taco Bell has further built its UK equity store estate with two more openings. The company, which operates circa 135 franchise sites in the UK, opened its first equity-owned restaurant here in October 2024, at Anglia Retail Park in Anglia Parkway, Ipswich.
2 September 2025
Domino’s franchisee that operates the brand’s first UK store sees profit more than double
A Domino’s franchisee that operates the brand’s first UK store saw its profit more than double in the year to 31 March 2024. AKM Group, which operates circa 25 Domino’s branches in several regions, reported a pre-tax profit of £3,371,070 for the year, up from £1,800,000 in 2023.
1 September 2025
Chancellor in talks to raise VAT threshold in battle to grow economy
Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) is considering raising the threshold at which businesses start paying VAT in an effort to boost growth. She is understood to be reviewing the VAT regime as she prepares to launch a raid of at least £20bn to balance the books.
1 September 2025
Exclusive – Tequila Mockingbird acquires Snug Bars
South London bar operator Tequila Mockingbird has acquired neighbourhood-style bar and kitchen concept Snug Bars for an undisclosed sum, Propel has learned. Tequila Mockingbird operates cocktail bars in Wimbledon, Putney and Charing Cross along with two dive bar concepts that it has launched this summer – Bad Habits Club in Clapham Junction and Sinners Social Club in Covent Garden.
1 September 2025
Azzurri Group signs deal to expand Dave’s Hot Chicken into Europe, builds UK pipeline
Azzurri Group – the ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, Boojum and Zizzi owner – has signed an exclusive agreement to roll out US brand Dave’s Hot Chicken across Europe. As part of the new agreement, Azzurri will develop a minimum of 180 Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants across 10 European countries, leveraging a joint venture partnership model to team up with experienced local operators in each market.
September 2025 ~ Premium Club
Propel Premium Club members can access more than 100 videos from Propel’s market-leading conferences. These include Propel’s Multi Club Conference – Female leaders and entrepreneurs, available now, featuring speakers such as Carol Campbell, managing director of Stonegate Group, Panel – managing directors: Christobell Giles, managing director of Vagabond Wines, Joycelyn Neve, managing director of Seafood Pub Company, Marta Pogroszewska, managing director of Gail’s Bakery, and Suzie Welch, managing director of Odeon, Kate Eastwood, managing director of Lounges, and Lucy Knowles, managing director of Cosy Club, Panel – EDI: Amanda Hamilton, chief information officer at Pret A Manger, Lorraine Copes, founder and chief executive of Be Inclusive Hospitality, and Susan Martindale, group HR director of Mitchells & Butlers discuss the future of EDI in hospitality. Ellen Chew, the celebrated UK-based Singaporean restaurateur, Zoe Bowley, managing director of Greene King Pubs, Panel – founders: Bex Wilkins, co-founder of Makers of Hospitality, Eccie Newton, founder of Karma Kitchen, Laura Filer, co-founder of Family Adventures Group, and Prue Freeman, director of Daisy Green. Thomasina Miers, cook, food writer, entrepreneur and co-founder of Wahaca. Kerb membership manager Jess Warden talks to Banzai Kitchen founder Ocean Lawrence, Mezzo founder Alice Di Chiara, and Little Pudding owner Lucie Lockhart. Panel – mentoring: Claire Morris, chief executive of Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland, Dawn Browne, people and talent director at Fuller’s, and Sarah Hills, managing director of Rosa’s Thai, discuss how to be a great mentor – and mentee. In 2002, Vanessa Branson talks about how El Fenn – a trademark blend of cool and a distinct feeling of home-away-from-home. Also available is the Excellence in Pub and Bar Retailing Conference, available to Premium Club members,
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.
September 2025 ~ Premium Club
The 2025 Experiential Leisure Report, the second year of Propel’s exhaustive report on the fast-growing experiential leisure market, will be published on Friday, 1 August at 9am. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends. It includes opinion from leading players Juliette Keyte, marketing director at Red Engine, Richard Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, and investor Lisa Boden, partner at investor Edition Capital, and provides a detailed list of UK experiential leisure companies including key staff and Companies House information. The report includes 197 companies, marking a 10% growth in the sector since last year’s study, with 3,700 sites. Katherine Doggrell, Propel’s editorial advisor and the report’s author, said: “The experiential leisure sector is a major growth driver of the hospitality sector, with the market maturing into overseas expansion and franchising as it continues to build and inspire the rest of the market. With trends such as padel keeping the segment fresh, this report hears from operators and investors as they try to anticipate the next innovations. This report delivers an exhaustive overview to all those interested in this influential sector.” The report will be released on Friday, 1 August at 9am and is available for £595 plus VAT to pre-order now. Existing Premium Club subscribers can receive it on Friday, 1 August for £395 plus VAT. The report will be made available for free to existing Premium subscribers on Wednesday, 10 September at 9am.
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.
September 2025 ~ Premium Club
Premium Club Opinion provides weekly insights from industry leaders. In this current edition, Propel group editor Mark Wingett talks to David Mcdowall, chief executive of Stonegroup Group, about the continued evolution of the UK’s largest pub company and Coca-Cola exploring a move to sell Costa. David McDowall is leading a major transformation of the UK’s largest pub group, moving away from a heavily branded, managed estate toward a flexible, partnership-led model. Despite investing £6.5m in Slug & Lettuce, McDowall has “banned” the word “brand,” prioritizing local agility and entrepreneurial ownership over rigid formats. The company has shifted focus to leased, tenanted, and Craft Union pubs, converting over 200 managed sites and reducing its managed estate from 800 to 550 sites. This strategy, boosted by asset optimization and conversion, has delivered higher profits and greater stability amid past debt pressures. McDowall emphasizes adaptability to changing consumer habits and community-centric pub models, underpinned by operational efficiency and faster decision-making. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola’s £3.9bn 2018 acquisition of Costa Coffee has faltered. Costa’s revenues and profits have declined, squeezed by premium and budget rivals. Market shifts, rising costs, and underwhelming leadership post-sale have contributed to performance struggles. Coca-Cola is now exploring options for Costa’s future, including a potential sale, as the coffee brand’s strategic value falls short of expectations.
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.
September 2025 ~ Premium Club
Mark Wingett’s Premium Club Diary delivers insider sector gossip every week to Premium Club members. In this current edition, Knoops, the luxury hot chocolate brand, is making its U.S. debut with a site in Salt Lake City’s 9th and 9th neighbourhood, alongside a new production facility in Utah, set to open within six to nine months. Led by CEO William Gordon-Harris, the brand aims to open ten U.S. sites in 18 months. Knoops has hired former Coca-Cola and PepsiCo executive Mike Jensen to head U.S. operations. Gordon-Harris, inspired by the energy and optimism he saw during a recent U.S. visit, believes the brand could reach billion-dollar potential, citing parallels with Dutch Bros and Cava. Meanwhile, Flat Iron founder Charlie Carroll has exited the steak chain following a £70m co-control deal involving McWin and TriSpan. Carroll, who also co-founded The Devonshire, is now supporting Crisp Pizza’s new Mayfair launch and is eyeing a new multi-level restaurant and gastropub in Covent Garden. Jenny McPhee, brand director of The Alchemist, is stepping down after 12 years to pursue a personal project. Lastly, NFL stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes have co-invested in 1587 Prime, a Kansas City steakhouse. To celebrate Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift, the restaurant launched a new cocktail inspired by her song “The Alchemy.”
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.
1 September 2025
Stonegate Group CEO – ‘our brands won’t disappear’, current trading ‘has been good’
David McDowall, chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has told Propel that despite the business shrinking its managed estate and becoming a “partnership-led pub portfolio”, its brands, including Slug & Lettuce, Popworld and Be At One, “won’t disappear”. Last week the circa 4,300-strong business announced its 200th managed to leased and tenanted conversion, and in the process is creating a leaner, more focused managed estate, which now stands at 550 from 800 sites two years ago.
1 September 2025
Wadworth reports trade ‘holding up’ as it hires new commercial director
Brewer and retailer Wadworth has said trade is “holding up” as the company announced it has hired Adam Russell as its new commercial director. Russell has spent the past 12 years at Carlsberg Britvic and has been on-trade sales director for the past six years.
1 September 2025
Kokoro exploring expansion into EU market as it reports record turnover of £36m after restructuring operations
Sushi and bento brand Kokoro has said it is exploring expansion into the EU market as it reported record turnover of £36,030,431 for the year ending 31 August 2024 after restructuring its operations. The group, which was founded in 2010 by Ray-Kyu Park and operates 83 sites across the UK, posted pre-tax profit of £3,641,142.
1 September 2025
Sixes – company transitioning into a cash flow-positive position, planning further franchising
The parent company of Sixes, the cricket-based competitive socialising concept, said it was transitioning into a cash flow-positive position, as it posted full year turnover to the year to 31 August 2024 that topped £11m. The company posted turnover of £11,386,795 (2023: £7,499,770) with an Ebitda loss of £333,238 (2023: loss of £1,082,037).
1 September 2025
Vegetarian and vegan supplier Bespoke receives ‘significant’ investment to support growth
Bespoke Kitchen Foods, which provides vegetarian and vegan products to the pub and casual dining market, has secured “significant” investment from LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group.Founded in 2008, Bespoke, which is based in Coalville in Leicestershire, has grown rapidly, with revenue increasing 18% on average over the last three years.
1 September 2025
Cubitt House reports sales up 7% and Ebitda ahead of budget in first seven months of 2025
London gastropub operator Cubitt House, which is backed by funds managed by TDR Capital, the owner of Stonegate Group, has reported sales were up 7% and Ebitda was ahead of budget in the first seven months of 2025. It comes as Cubitt House, which operates eight sites, reported turnover increased to a record £20,047,858 for the year ending 29 December 2024 compared with £19,932,710 the previous year.
29 August 2025
We Do Play CEO – partnership with Frasers Group allows us to sharpen our focus on franchising and scaling our brands globally
Richard Beese, chief executive of We Do Play – the multi-concept experiential leisure operator – has told Propel the new investment in the business from Frasers Group will allow the business “to sharpen our focus on franchising and scaling our brands globally”. Beese also said We Do Play was “open to exploring ways to bring complementary brands and experiences into the portfolio”.
29 August 2025
Stonegate CEO – we are becoming a partnership-led pub business, reaches 200th managed to leased and tenanted conversion
David McDowall (pictured), chief executive of Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has told Propel the business is becoming a “partnership led pub portfolio” as it marked its 200th managed to leased and tenanted conversion. He said the strategic shift from managed to entrepreneur-led, pub partner and Craft Union models was setting the group’s 4,300-strong estate up for long-term success.
Watch highlights from this year’s Propel summer conference and party.
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22 April 2025
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7 October 2024
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9 September 2024
Meet Eman and Bisan Bites: Bringing Palestinian Flavours to London's Streets
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17 July 2024
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Conferences, study trips, and propel multi club
Upcoming Events
September 4th 2025
Propel Multi Club - Moving ahead with evolved thinking
Operators can claim up to two free places for The Propel Multi Club summer conference and party that takes place on Thursday 4 September, Oxford Belfry. Operators whom are Premium subscribers can claim up to four free places. This year sees the usual fantastic conference with the addition of great entertainment throughout the evening. The conference and party places are free (bedrooms have a cost attached). Book by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com
October 9th 2025
Culture, Talent & Training Conference
This all-day conference at One Moorgate Place in London and is open for bookings. The conference will showcase examples of outstanding people culture among companies within the sector and how the industry is attracting talent. Attendees will hear how businesses are developing their teams, dealing with talent shortages and keeping their staff energised.
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.