Propel Premium Club
Premium Club with prices
PROPEL
PREMIUM CLUB

Operators: £495 + VAT per year
Suppliers: £595 + VAT per year
Unlimited: £995 + VAT per year

previous arrowprevious arrow
next arrownext arrow

Story of the Day - 13 March 2026

Qatari-backed Irth Capital in takeover bid for Papa John’s

Qatari-backed investment fund Irth Capital has offered to pay $47 a share to buy Papa John’s International, in a second attempt after it tried to buy the pizza brand alongside ‌Apollo Global Management last year. The offer would value the company at $1.5bn. 

Operators of multi-site hospitality companies can book up to three free places, or operators who are Premium subscribers can claim up to four free places by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

Propel Exclusive Report

Propel's Experiential Leisure Report is available now

500 Report +

Propel 500 is back for the second year. It brings together the top 500 players shaping the industry, offering not only comprehensive listings but also deep insights into the forces driving growth, innovation, and transformation across the sector.

Propel 500 provides critical insights into the companies leading the charge in hospitality, including turnover, number of sites, key staff, and more.

The 45,000-word report also includes exclusive analysis providing a full understanding of the market’s dynamics, as the top companies in the sector shift position after a challenging year. Mark Wingett reviews the mergers and acquisitions changing the shape of the Top 500 as size increasingly matters. Katherine Doggrell examines the key developments in UK hotels and looks into one of the sector’s brightest lights; experiential leisure. Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market. Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, looks at emerging growth sectors, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova analyses the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market.

Get the report

Propel’s 500 Report is available to Premium Club members for free.

To sign up to Premium Club email: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

In-depth insight into the UK hospitality market: two essential reports from Propel
Further reports available from Propel include: The 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 Experiential Leisure Report is exhaustive a report on the fast-growing experiential leisure market. The report profiles the current shape of the experiential leisure market – including brands, estate size, trading type and geographical location and future trends.

13 March 2026

Dave's Hot Chicken

Azzurri Group to explore sale of Dave’s Hot Chicken’s European franchise

Azzurri Group, TowerBrook Capital Partners-backed hospitality investment platform behind ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Boojum, is reportedly set to explore a potential sale of the UK and European franchise rights for US brand Dave’s Hot Chicken. Bloomberg reports that a process could launch later this year.

13 March 2026

Tim Hortons UK & Ireland extends master franchise agreement to 2045, issues £26.7m equity for future growth

Tim Hortons UK & Ireland has extended its master franchise agreement with brand owner Restaurant Brands International (RBI) to 2045 and issued £26.7m equity to help support future growth. The company said the agreement “provides the foundations for the next phase of the group’s sustainable growth plan”.

13 March 2026

Taverna Ermou

Greek hospitality group Ergon co-founder – Taverna Ermou opening ‘just the beginning of our plans for London’, new concept to launch here later this year

Thomas Douzis, co-founder of Greek hospitality group Ergon, has told Propel the forthcoming launch of Taverna Ermou in Marylebone is “just the beginning” of its plans in London, with a new concept also set to launch here later this year. Ergon, which Douzis founded in Thessaloniki in 2008 with his brother, George, has grown to more than 30 company-owned and franchise Mediterranean delis, restaurants, markets and hotels across Greece, Europe and the Middle East.

13 March 2026

Rowe’s Cornish Bakers

Cornish Bakery founder – new concept ‘represents a significant opportunity for us to reshape hospitality’

Cornish Bakery founder Steve Grocutt has said the fast-growing independent brand’s new concept “represents a significant opportunity for us to reshape hospitality”. The brand will next month open the first site under its new “RISE by Cornish Bakery” concept, which will expand its traditional coffee and bakery offerings to include small plates.

13 March 2026

Smacks Hamburgers

Smash burger brand set to launch fundraiser to accelerate new openings, aiming for 20 new stores a year as international interest grows

Smash burger brand Smacks is set to launch fundraiser to accelerate new openings, and said it is aiming for 20 new stores a year. The brand, founded in 2021 by Kaysor Ali, currently has 12 UK locations – with a further site in Southport due to open soon – plus a single overseas location in Dubai’s Motor City.

13 March 2026

Manchester coffee shop concept aiming to open ten new stores over next two years after launching franchise programme

A Manchester coffee shop concept founded by a former Starbucks barista has told Propel it is aiming to open ten new stores over next two years after launching a franchise programme. Cyprus-born Thanasis Michael founded Michaels Coffee House in 2017, four years after coming to the UK, offering drinks such as pistachio, hazelnut praline and Spanish lattes, made from single origin and Rainforest Alliance certified coffee beans, and freshly made toasties, cakes and yoghurt pots.

13 March 2026

Stonegate sees doubledigit fall in energy use as it makes ‘pleasing’ progress in sustainability journey’

Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, has reported a double-digit fall in energy use as chief executive David McDowall, said he is pleased with the progress the business is making on its sustainability journey. The company announced it had removed more than 90,000 singleuse bottles from its waste stream as part of its circular economy drive.

13 March 2026

East Midlands doughnut concept Doughnotts secures funding to support next stage of growth

East Midlands doughnut concept Doughnotts is gearing up for its next phase of growth after securing a six-figure loan. The funding from Maven Capital Partners will support Doughnotts as it prepares to launch a structured franchise model in partnership with Ashtons Franchise Consulting.

13 March 2026

Mcdonalds

North west McDonald’s franchisee reports record turnover of £42.8m but falls to loss, acquires two further restaurants

North west McDonald’s franchisee CJRach has reported turnover increased 13% to a record £42,817,417 for the year ending 31 March 2025 compared with £37,867,158 the previous year after adding three sites to its portfolio – and has since acquired another two restaurants. The now 12-strong company, owned by Tony Higdon, posted a loss of £897,121 compared with a profit of £695,272 the previous year as administrative expenses grew by circa £2.3m to £17,166,373 and cost of sales rose circa £4m to £26,278,798.

13 March 2026

MJMK Lisboeta

Graham Harris steps down as MJMK FD

Graham Harris has stepped down as finance director of London restaurant operator MJMK Restaurants – which is behind Casa do Frango, AngloThai, KOL, Luso and Fonda – after more than three years in the role. Harris joined MJMK after four years as finance director of East London Pub Co.

12 March 2026

The Coaching Inn Group turnover approaching £100m

RedCat Hospitality, founded and chaired by Rooney Anand, has said turnover at The Coaching Inn Group, its award-winning pubs-with-rooms business which is adding seven sites to its portfolio, is approaching almost £100m. Founded in 1996, The Coaching Inn Group was acquired by RedCat in 2021, with 18 venues.

12 March 2026

Gerry’s Hot Subs

Gerry’s Hot Subs raises £350,000 towards expansion, franchise opportunities lining up

Gerry’s Hot Subs, the fledgling concept from André Blais, founder of American barbecue diner-deli brand Bodean’s, has raised £350,000 towards its expansion and told Propel that franchise opportunities for the business are “already lining up”. Blais opened the first stand-alone site for the concept last spring, at 50 Exmouth Market, in London’s Clerkenwell.

March 2026 ~ Premium Club

Premium Club readers to receive all the videos from Restaurant Marketer and Innovator. Propel Premium Club members are to be given access to the entire recording of the 2026 Restaurant Marketer & Innovator Conference. Members are now able to access all the videos of the event.
James Hacon, managing partner at Think Hospitality.
Maria Vanifatova, chief executive and founder of Meaningful Vision.
Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI
Sara McKennedy, managing director at Coco di Mama, Éadaoin McDonagh, chief operating officer at White Rabbit Projects, Laura Irving, managing director at JKS Restaurants, and Marcel Khan, chief executive at Fulham ShoreRomy Miller, chief marketing officer at Knoops.
Pho: Libby Andrews, marketing director at Pho, talks to Charlotte Mair, founder and managing director at The Fitting RoomDishoom: In conversation with Fleet Street Communications chief executive Mark Stretton, co-founder Kavi Thakrar.
Alexis Melikov, chief executive of TigermilkJordan Graham, founder of Sugar Snap, in conversation with Paul Catterson, director at Orto Pizza, Sam Shephard, founder at Juice Jar, andPeter Coleman, co-founder of Seed
Aqua at 25: stories beyond the view: Marie Guenot, marketing director at Aqua Restaurant Group. Michael Radley, co-founder at Joli, is joined by Hilary Ansell, marketing consultant and interim marketing director at WasabiHester Mitchell, digital marketing manager at Bleecker Burger, and Tom Patrick, marketing director for Banana Tree and Las Iguanas at Big Table Group. 
Evie Horsell, head of communications UK & Ireland at Big Mamma Group
Russell Danks, managing director at Laine Pub Co
Kiran Quinn, group marketing director at RedCat Hospitality
Laura Lewis, marketing director at Arc Inspirations.
David Tester, head of marketing at Franco Manca, is joined by George Lamb, co-founder of Wildfarmed
Five concepts, one vision — Incipio at Olympia: Rory Graham, marketing and brand director at Incipio Group.
Jayson Perfect, chief operating officer at Butcombe.
What’s Next in Hospitality? The 2026 Playbook: James Hacon, Managing Partner at Think HospitalityKaty Moses, managing director at KAMHeleri Rande, partner at Think Hospitality, in conversation with Chris Miller, founder at White Rabbit Projects, Loui Blake, co-founder at Long Lane, and Nicci Clarke, marketing and culinary director UK at Sodexo Live! Anthony Knight speaks to Tom Kidd, founder of SetList.
When hospitality meets entertainment. Thinking out of the box: Michelle Farrell, chief growth officer at Boxpark.
The neighbourhood effect: Marshall Dallas, Partner at Think Hospitality, speaks with Ankur Wishart, co-founder at Boxcar, and India Filippidis, head of marketing at Boxcar & The Italian Greyhound.  Madeleine Phillips, marketing director at Various Eateries.
Deborah Jones, senior client success manager at Proinsight, speaks to Michael Farquhar, chief operating officer at ETM Group.
Krishnan Doyle, founder at COREcruitment. 
The multi-concept challenge: Markus Thesleff, founder of Thesleff Group.
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s digital activation: Peter Critchley, UK chief executive at Trison, is joined by Keyana Mohammadi, head of marketing at Dave’s Hot Chicken. Tessa Graham, group brand director at Tashas GroupOlivia Fitzgerald, managing director at 125 Data & Insights, speaks with Tom James, managing director at Bill’s. Dan Brookman, chief executive and co-founder of Airship & Toggle. Daniel Bennett, global head of behavioural science at Ogilvy Consulting: Originality in the age of AI. Heleri Rande, partner at Think Hospitality, in conversation with Afroditi Krassa, founding director of Afroditi, and Bob Conwell, managing director at Mr Lyan Studio. Digital marketing for growth. Carey Benn, chief executive at Guestwise, in conversation with Naddy Onions, marketing director at Prezzo ItalianJames Metcalfe, sales and marketing director at Urban Pubs & Bars, and Ewa Turney, senior product lead at Mitchells & ButlersAaron Morgan, head of marketing and Paul Jones, head of IT at The Alchemist. Dojo: Jon Knott, head of data projects at Dojo. Laura Vana, associate partner at Think Hospitality, in conversation with Kat Schofield, sales and marketing director at Permanently Unique Group, Holly Hilton, marketing director at Market Place Food Halls, and Ria Pattni, director of marketing at JKS Restaurants. Laura Vana, associate partner at Think Hospitality, in conversation with Tasos Gaitanos, co-founder at Brother Marcus, Alex Large, co-founder at Brother Marcus, Tommy Giraux, head of restaurant systems at Honest Burgers. Joe Comiskey, digital director at Stonegate GroupJoel Robinson, chief executive at Openr, in conversation with Toby Herbert, head of IT at Hall & Woodhouse, Sara McKennedy, managing director at Coco di Mama, and Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI. Sophie Clarke, UK team lead at Popmenu, in conversation with Charlie Wood-Jones, Co-founder at CawsburgerDan Brookman, chief executive at Airship and ToggleMark Warburton, founder of Cow & Sow and Alan Armstrong, fractional marketing director.

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.

March 2026 ~ Premium Club

Propel 500 is back for the second year. It will bring together the top 500 players shaping the industry, offering not only comprehensive listings but also deep insights into the forces driving growth, innovation, and transformation across the sector. Propel 500 will provide critical insights into the companies leading the charge in hospitality, including turnover, number of sites, key staff, and more. The 45,000-word report will also include exclusive analysis to provide a full understanding of the market’s dynamics, as the top companies in the sector shift position after a challenging year. 

Mark Wingett will review the mergers and acquisitions changing the shape of the Top 500 as size increasingly matters. 

Katherine Doggrell will examine the key developments in UK hotels and look into one of the sector’s brightest lights; experiential leisure. 

Tim Street dissects the UK’s rapidly developing franchise market. 

Data expert Mark Bentley, business development director at HDI, will look at emerging growth sectors, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vantifatova will analyse the latest trends in the quick service restaurant market.

Propel 500 will be released on Friday, 9 January at 9am and is
£595 plus vat.

Existing Premium Club Members can receive it on Friday, 9 January at 9am for
£395 plus vat.

Premium Club members will receive the report for free on Friday, 27 February at 9am.

Pre-order Propel 500 today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

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.

March 2026 ~ Premium Club

Premium Club Opinion provides weekly insights from industry leaders. In this current edition, Propel founder Paul Charity gives his insights on the personal attributes that allowed his brother Kevin to build a £100m-turnover business from scratch. Paul reflects on his family’s journey from a small tea shop in 1970s Boston to building the Coaching Inn Group, now reaching £100m turnover. His brother Kevin’s leadership, resilience, and hands-on learning drove growth from pubs to profitable coaching inns with rooms. Success came from genuine hospitality, kindness to staff, careful investment, and adapting the business model across generations. Meanwhile, Propel deputy editor Tim Street talks to Graziano Arricale about saving the Langan’s brand as it gears up to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Langan’s Brasserie, founded by Michael Caine and Peter Langan, was a celebrity hotspot in 1970s–80s London. After declining and closing during Covid, it was acquired and restored by restaurateur Graziano Arricale. A major refurbishment revived the venue while preserving its heritage, focusing on improved food, service, and selective international growth. Also, hospitality consultant Simon Anderson explains the reasons behind the growing success of food halls. UK food halls are booming, with venues rising from 114 to 149 between 2025–2026 (31% growth) and 65 more in development. Strong revenues, minimal closures, and flexible operating models attract investors. Growth is expanding beyond major cities into smaller towns, though rising costs and potential market saturation remain key risks. Lastly, George Davidson, founder and director at The Lantern, explores Chick-fil-A’s return to the UK. His first visit to Chick-fil-A highlights its strong food quality, friendly service, bright restaurant design, and appeal to female diners and families. As US brands like Wendy’s and Popeyes expand in the UK, success will depend on adapting American concepts to British consumer preferences.

 

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.

march 2026 ~ Premium Club

READ PREMIUM CLUB'S DIARY FOR INSIDER SECTOR GOSSIP

Mark Wingett’s Premium Club Diary delivers insider sector gossip every week to Premium Club members. In this week’s edition, Tilray acquired key assets of BrewDog for £33m, including global intellectual property, UK brewing operations and 11 brewpubs. At the same time, 38 UK bars closed immediately, resulting in 484 job losses. The deal follows earlier failed negotiations between the companies, when a potential acquisition was reportedly valued at hundreds of millions. BrewDog co-founder James Watt responded publicly, highlighting that he has not sold shares since 2017 and defending the company’s strong historical growth and the treatment of early “Equity Punk” investors. In wider hospitality leadership news, industry executive Adam Gregory has departed Cosmo Restaurant Group after less than a year as group managing director. Meanwhile, prominent dealmaker Harry Goss has left investment firm McWin, which backs brands including Flat Iron and Sticks’n’Sushi. Also,  Russell Danks and communications specialist Caroline Southwell have joined PureGym, working under chief executive Clive Chesser. Looking back at industry history, Adam Wills marked 25 years since launching Gourmet Burger Kitchen in London, reflecting on its rapid growth before passing through multiple owners. Elsewhere, Timpson is attracting attention with a refurbished hotel and après-ski venue in Morzine, France. Meanwhile, restaurateur Jeremy King stressed the value of inclusive dining while reopening Simpson’s in the Strand, arguing that restaurants thrive when they attract a wide mix of guests.

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.

12 March 2026

92 Degrees Coffee

92 Degrees targeting 100 locations across UK

Independent coffee roaster 92 Degrees, which opened its first franchise site last month, is targeting having 100 locations across the UK in the next four to five years. The business, which was launched in 2015 in Liverpool, currently operates 22 sites.

12 March 2026

Black Cat Club

Chef Simon Shaw – ‘potential to roll out Black Cat Club concept across the north’

Chef Simon Shaw has told Propel he sees the potential to roll out his Black Cat Club concept across the north. Shaw’s Mill Hill Developments business launched the concept in Manchester in 2024 and last year converted its El Gato Negro site in Liverpool’s Exchange Flags to a Black Cat.

12 March 2026

Gym Group to open 20 new sites in 2026 including new formats, reports strong start to year after profits soared in 2025

Gym Group has said it will open 20 new sites this year – including new formats – as part of previously announced plans to add 75 new locations over the next three years. Having opened 16 new gyms in 2025 to end the year with 260, the company said it is “accelerating” its openings programme “to take full advantage of the available white space and market growth opportunity”.

12 March 2026

Senza Fondo

Senza Fondo founder – ‘our ambition is to grow carefully and sustainably’, ‘new format gives us the opportunity to operate in different types of locations’

Joe Worthington, who is behind all-you-can-eat lasagna restaurant Senza Fondo in London’s Shoreditch, has told Propel the company’s ambition is to “grow carefully and sustainably”, and the upcoming launch of a new all-day restaurant deli format gives it the opportunity to “operate in different types of locations and trading patterns”. Former Hawksmoor and Drake & Morgan employee Worthington, who launched Italian-American concept Senza Fondo last February, will open his first regional site next month – the 90-cover Senza Fondeli in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

12 March 2026

Young's Bunch of Grapes

Sarah Sergeant to step down as Young’s non-exec

Young’s has announced that Sarah Sergeant, who was appointed to its board as an independent non-executive director in 2023, has decided to step down with effect from 31 March 2026, to allow more time to focus on her other commitments. The company said it had initiated a search process for an additional independent non-executive director and will provide an update in due course.

12 March 2026

Fuller's the Half Moon

Azvalor Asset Management doubles stake in Fuller’s

Spanish investment firm Azvalor Asset Management has this morning increased its stake in Fuller’s from 5.12% to just over 10%. The Madrid-based asset manager now holds 3,192,842 direct voting rights in the London-listed pub and hotel operator.

11 March 2026

Exclusive – MCC ends four-year beer partnership with BrewDog after 14 months

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has ended its beer partnership with Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog 14 months into the four-year deal, Propel has learned. The agreement, which began in January 2025, was BrewDog’s first entry into sports arenas, and saw Lord’s become the first sports venue in the UK to hand over its taps to a craft beer brand, as well as being the only to pour 100% British beer.

11 March 2026

Gong Cha

Gong Cha owner weighing up possible sale

TA Associates, the private equity backer of Gong Cha, is weighing up a sale of the UK-headquartered, fast-growing bubble tea brand. Bloomberg reports that TA Associates, which acquired a majority stake in Gong Cha seven years ago, is working with advisors at JPMorgan Chase & Co on a deal that could value the brand at around $2bn.

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

McCain Streets Ahead Impact Report Heading

22 April 2025

Unlock the Power of Change: Download McCain's Impact Report Today!

McCain’s Streets Ahead Programme, powered by KERB, is transforming the UK street food scene by empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those facing barriers to entering the hospitality industry.

Maral Serving Food

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.

Eman - Bisan Bites

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.

Kerb at Cowcross yards Samarkand Palav

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.

Never Miss a Story

Subscription Plans

Standard

Free / Forever

Premium Club

Operator: £495 + VAT / per year
Supplier: £595 + VAT / per year

Premium Club Unlimited

£995 + VAT / per year

Conferences, study trips, and propel multi club

Upcoming Events

March 25th 2026

Propel Multi Club — New directions in a period of strong headwinds

Operators of multi-site hospitality companies can book up to three free places, or operators who are Premium subscribers can claim up to four free places by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com

Hear what people are saying about us

Testimonials

Subscribe to our Mailing List