Sandwich Sandwich hires Paul Hanna as Chief Operating Officer in preparation for expansion
Sandwich Sandwich has appointed Paul Hanna as Chief Operating Officer (COO) as it plans to expand to 25 locations across London over the next five years.
Hanna will collaborate closely with Nick Kleiner, the founder of the Bristol-based brand, and his family to drive the vision and strategy behind Sandwich Sandwich’s expansion plans.
The family-owned business, famous for its deep-filled sandwiches, will open its second London location on 17 March in the City of London, just six months after its debut in the capital.
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Hanna will collaborate closely with Nick Kleiner, the founder of the Bristol-based brand, and his family to drive the vision and strategy behind Sandwich Sandwich’s expansion plans.
The family-owned business, famous for its deep-filled sandwiches, will open its second London location on 17 March in the City of London, just six months after its debut in the capital.
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17/Mar/2025 14:24
Gong Cha secures agreement to launch more than 200 bubble tea stores across the UK
Gong Cha, one of the world's fastest-growing bubble tea brands, has secured a franchise deal to launch over 225 stores across the UK in the coming years.
The agreement is expected to generate nearly 2,000 new jobs in the UK and aligns with Gong Cha’s global expansion strategy to reach 10,000 locations by 2032.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006 and headquartered in London since 2019, Gong Cha operates over 2,100 locations across 28 countries.
Gong Cha's teas are fully customisable.
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The agreement is expected to generate nearly 2,000 new jobs in the UK and aligns with Gong Cha’s global expansion strategy to reach 10,000 locations by 2032.
Founded in Taiwan in 2006 and headquartered in London since 2019, Gong Cha operates over 2,100 locations across 28 countries.
Gong Cha's teas are fully customisable.
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17/Mar/2025 13:40
Sandwich Sandwich announces details for second London location
Bristol-based sandwich specialist Sandwich Sandwich has revealed more details about its second London location, set to open next week.
The 3,500 sq ft location was first announced in November last year.
The Mark Lane location, also situated in the City of London, comes six months after the brand’s London debut in a site previously occupied by salad chain Tossed.
The family-run business Sandwich Sandwich was founded in 2010 by self-taught chef Nick Kleiner on Cotham Road South in Bristol.
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The 3,500 sq ft location was first announced in November last year.
The Mark Lane location, also situated in the City of London, comes six months after the brand’s London debut in a site previously occupied by salad chain Tossed.
The family-run business Sandwich Sandwich was founded in 2010 by self-taught chef Nick Kleiner on Cotham Road South in Bristol.
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13/Mar/2025 08:42
Grind to launch its first northern location in Gary Neville's Manchester development
London-based coffee brand Grind is preparing to open its first venue outside of the capital in Gary Neville's forthcoming Manchester development.
Grind's first northern venue is set to open this summer as part of the £400m St Michael's development.
The mixed-use development will also include a 162-bedroom W Hotel, along with Big Mamma’s first Manchester restaurant, known for its viral Italian cuisine.
Grind was founded in 2011 by David Abrahamovitch.
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Grind's first northern venue is set to open this summer as part of the £400m St Michael's development.
The mixed-use development will also include a 162-bedroom W Hotel, along with Big Mamma’s first Manchester restaurant, known for its viral Italian cuisine.
Grind was founded in 2011 by David Abrahamovitch.
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11/Mar/2025 08:15
Bleecker Burger unveils seventh location as part of ongoing expansion
Bleecker Burger is set to open its seventh location on Baker Street in London this April, continuing its expansion.
The fast food restaurant's newest location comes shortly after the opening of an outlet at Kerb's Seven Dials market last month.
The Baker Street location will feature 28 covers and offer delivery, making it the group's largest site to date.
For the first time in its history.
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The fast food restaurant's newest location comes shortly after the opening of an outlet at Kerb's Seven Dials market last month.
The Baker Street location will feature 28 covers and offer delivery, making it the group's largest site to date.
For the first time in its history.
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06/Mar/2025 08:17
Starbucks to cut 1,100 jobs as part of global turnaround plan
Starbucks will cut 1,100 corporate jobs worldwide as part of its new CEO’s turnaround strategy.
Brian Niccol, who joined from Chipotle last year to revive declining sales, stated that the job cuts aim to 'simplify' the business and focus on “priority work” to enhance the customer experience.
“Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration,” he said.
“All with the goal of being more focused and able to drive greater impact on our priorities.
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Brian Niccol, who joined from Chipotle last year to revive declining sales, stated that the job cuts aim to 'simplify' the business and focus on “priority work” to enhance the customer experience.
“Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration,” he said.
“All with the goal of being more focused and able to drive greater impact on our priorities.
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26/Feb/2025 10:54
Costa Coffee to Increase Barista Pay by 5%
Costa Coffee will give a 5% pay rise to baristas across its 1,500 company-owned stores.
From 1 April, over 15,000 hourly-paid team members across the UK will see their starting pay rise from £12 to £12.60 per hour, regardless of age bandings.
This is nearly 40p higher than the new National Living Wage for those aged over 21, which will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 in April.
Costa stated that the £8m investment is part of its commitment to providing staff with a sustainable pay rate amid the rising cost of living.
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From 1 April, over 15,000 hourly-paid team members across the UK will see their starting pay rise from £12 to £12.60 per hour, regardless of age bandings.
This is nearly 40p higher than the new National Living Wage for those aged over 21, which will increase from £11.44 to £12.21 in April.
Costa stated that the £8m investment is part of its commitment to providing staff with a sustainable pay rate amid the rising cost of living.
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19/Feb/2025 11:57
Auntie Anne's to Open New Store at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel brand, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest store at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
Auntie Anne’s first opening of 2025 will take place on Saturday, 15th February. This location will also debut the brand’s first store concept housed in a converted shipping container.
Auntie Anne’s remains committed to bringing its iconic hand-rolled pretzels to new communities worldwide. The new store at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will serve a variety of freshly baked pretzels.
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Auntie Anne’s first opening of 2025 will take place on Saturday, 15th February. This location will also debut the brand’s first store concept housed in a converted shipping container.
Auntie Anne’s remains committed to bringing its iconic hand-rolled pretzels to new communities worldwide. The new store at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will serve a variety of freshly baked pretzels.
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17/Feb/2025 09:31
Coffee roaster Bean makes its Leeds debut with an opening at Wellington Place
Independent specialty coffee roasters, Bean Coffee, have chosen Wellington Place as their first location in Leeds.
Bean Coffee was scheduled to open at 11 Wellington Place on Thursday, February 13.
In addition to coffee, it will also offer a selection of toasties, baguettes, and pastries.
Paul Pavia, commercial director at MEPC, said: “At Wellington Place, we’re committed to curating a diverse and exciting food and drink offering that cements our position as the number one place to work.
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Bean Coffee was scheduled to open at 11 Wellington Place on Thursday, February 13.
In addition to coffee, it will also offer a selection of toasties, baguettes, and pastries.
Paul Pavia, commercial director at MEPC, said: “At Wellington Place, we’re committed to curating a diverse and exciting food and drink offering that cements our position as the number one place to work.
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17/Feb/2025 08:49
Pret A Manger scraps plan to double the price of its £5 coffee subscription
Pret A Manger has reversed its decision to double the price of its coffee subscription scheme next month.
The coffee chain has assured its Club Pret members that they will still receive 50% off up to five barista-made drinks per day for £5 a month.
The subscription had originally been set to rise to £10 a month starting 31 March.
In an email to subscribers, Pret said: “At Pret, we believe in offering high-quality.
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The coffee chain has assured its Club Pret members that they will still receive 50% off up to five barista-made drinks per day for £5 a month.
The subscription had originally been set to rise to £10 a month starting 31 March.
In an email to subscribers, Pret said: “At Pret, we believe in offering high-quality.
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12/Feb/2025 18:28
Daisy Green Collection signals potential international expansion
Daisy Green Collection has suggested possible international expansion following a reported increase in turnover.
The group, which operates 17 cafés, bars, and restaurants across London, stated it is “continuing to invest in new sites in the UK and internationally” as well as the “required teams, infrastructure and processes to support this growth”.
Founded by Prue Freeman and Tom Onions in 2012, Daisy Green offers Australian-style brunch and coffee at locations such as the Peggy Jean barge in Richmond and the 10.
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The group, which operates 17 cafés, bars, and restaurants across London, stated it is “continuing to invest in new sites in the UK and internationally” as well as the “required teams, infrastructure and processes to support this growth”.
Founded by Prue Freeman and Tom Onions in 2012, Daisy Green offers Australian-style brunch and coffee at locations such as the Peggy Jean barge in Richmond and the 10.
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06/Feb/2025 08:17
Grind secures £10 million in funding following record sales growth
Coffee group Grind reports that its high street sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels despite the increase in remote working.
The group, which operates five cafes, six coffee shops, and three food trucks in London, saw sales increase by 38% to a record £30 million for the year ending 30 April 2024.
This growth included a 13% increase in sales across its high street locations.
“We are confident this can continue to grow as people slowly come back into the city more often.
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The group, which operates five cafes, six coffee shops, and three food trucks in London, saw sales increase by 38% to a record £30 million for the year ending 30 April 2024.
This growth included a 13% increase in sales across its high street locations.
“We are confident this can continue to grow as people slowly come back into the city more often.
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04/Feb/2025 16:08
Crêpeaffaire acquired from administration
The dessert chain Crêpeaffaire has been sold in a deal that secures 66 out of its 83 jobs.
The business, which operates in the UK, Kuwait, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, was sold through a pre-pack administration on 14 January.
Business advisory firm Quantuma oversaw the sale, which led to Crepe Trading and Crepe Union acquiring the business for £149,000, according to documents filed with Companies House.
Crêpeaffaire directors Allen Kerslake and Daniel Spinach also serve as directors and shareholders of Crepe Trading and Crepe Union.
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The business, which operates in the UK, Kuwait, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia, was sold through a pre-pack administration on 14 January.
Business advisory firm Quantuma oversaw the sale, which led to Crepe Trading and Crepe Union acquiring the business for £149,000, according to documents filed with Companies House.
Crêpeaffaire directors Allen Kerslake and Daniel Spinach also serve as directors and shareholders of Crepe Trading and Crepe Union.
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30/Jan/2025 08:36
Wingstop UK announces ambitious expansion plan with record openings for 2025
Wingstop UK has unveiled its largest expansion plan since entering the market in 2018, with ten new locations confirmed. The openings will include dine-in restaurants in Swansea, Newcastle, Lakeside, Streatham, and Cardigan Fields, along with an additional delivery kitchen in Brighton.
Wingstop UK currently operates 57 locations across the country, employing over 2,500 people. The new sites are anticipated to generate hundreds of additional job opportunities.
The announcement follows Wingstop UK’s impressive growth in 2024.
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Wingstop UK currently operates 57 locations across the country, employing over 2,500 people. The new sites are anticipated to generate hundreds of additional job opportunities.
The announcement follows Wingstop UK’s impressive growth in 2024.
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28/Jan/2025 08:21
German Doner Kebab launches first train station location
German Doner Kebab (GDK) has announced plans to open 25 new locations this year, starting with its first train station outlet, recently launched at London Victoria.
The Hero Brands-owned QSR chain has taken over the former The Fresh Pizza Co. site on the top floor of Victoria Place Shopping Centre for its 144th UK opening and its 55th in London.
Opening at 8am, the restaurant will be part of GDK’s ongoing breakfast menu trial, which will be available daily until 11am.
Breakfast options include the ‘big breakfast wrap.
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The Hero Brands-owned QSR chain has taken over the former The Fresh Pizza Co. site on the top floor of Victoria Place Shopping Centre for its 144th UK opening and its 55th in London.
Opening at 8am, the restaurant will be part of GDK’s ongoing breakfast menu trial, which will be available daily until 11am.
Breakfast options include the ‘big breakfast wrap.
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27/Jan/2025 17:09
Popeyes aiming to open nearly one restaurant a week in 2025
Popeyes UK has unveiled ambitious plans to open nearly one site per week throughout 2025, aiming to double its nationwide footprint.
The US fried chicken brand launched its first London site in November 2021 and now operates 65 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, following the opening of 33 new locations in 2024.
Chief executive Tom Crowley has announced plans to open 45 additional restaurants throughout the year, expanding the chain’s presence in major cities including Birmingham, Leeds.
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The US fried chicken brand launched its first London site in November 2021 and now operates 65 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, following the opening of 33 new locations in 2024.
Chief executive Tom Crowley has announced plans to open 45 additional restaurants throughout the year, expanding the chain’s presence in major cities including Birmingham, Leeds.
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27/Jan/2025 16:37
KFC appoints Rob Swain as its new UK leader
Rob Swain, a seasoned professional with extensive experience at KFC, has been appointed as the new General Manager for the UK and Ireland, as the chicken chain focuses on achieving further growth.
He will assume the role on March 1, succeeding Meg Farren, who is transitioning to her new position as President of North America for Taco Bell, a sister brand under Yum! Brands.
During Farren’s leadership, KFC UK and Ireland expanded into a nearly £2 billion business and, in 2024, successfully acquired 218 restaurants from its largest franchisee.
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He will assume the role on March 1, succeeding Meg Farren, who is transitioning to her new position as President of North America for Taco Bell, a sister brand under Yum! Brands.
During Farren’s leadership, KFC UK and Ireland expanded into a nearly £2 billion business and, in 2024, successfully acquired 218 restaurants from its largest franchisee.
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27/Jan/2025 08:42
Caffè Nero announces record UK Christmas sales
Caffè Nero has reported a record Christmas trading season in the UK, including its highest-ever daily sales.
The London-based coffee chain stated that total sales for the five weeks ending 30 December 2024 were 14% higher than the previous year. Weekly sales exceeded £9m ($10.9m) for two consecutive weeks, with a record daily sales figure of £1.5m ($1.8m) on 30 November 2024.
Sales growth was fuelled by record transactions in the first week of December 2024, with over two million customers served across Caffè Nero’s 627 UK stores.
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The London-based coffee chain stated that total sales for the five weeks ending 30 December 2024 were 14% higher than the previous year. Weekly sales exceeded £9m ($10.9m) for two consecutive weeks, with a record daily sales figure of £1.5m ($1.8m) on 30 November 2024.
Sales growth was fuelled by record transactions in the first week of December 2024, with over two million customers served across Caffè Nero’s 627 UK stores.
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21/Jan/2025 08:43
Wingstop UK sold for over £400m
The UK franchise of Wingstop has been acquired by US investment firm Sixth Street, aiming to drive further expansion of the brand.
Lemon Pepper Holdings, the master franchisee for Wingstop in the UK and Ireland, has reportedly sold the business for over £400 million, exceeding earlier estimates.
Wingstop debuted in the UK with its first London location in 2018 and has since expanded to 57 sites, creating over 2,500 jobs. This growth aligns with a surge in the popularity of fried chicken, as other U.
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Lemon Pepper Holdings, the master franchisee for Wingstop in the UK and Ireland, has reportedly sold the business for over £400 million, exceeding earlier estimates.
Wingstop debuted in the UK with its first London location in 2018 and has since expanded to 57 sites, creating over 2,500 jobs. This growth aligns with a surge in the popularity of fried chicken, as other U.
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23/Dec/2024 13:39
JOE & THE JUICE announces exclusive partnership with Deliveroo
Fans of the viral JOE & THE JUICE sandwiches, or its freshly prepared juices, shakes and coffees, must soon head to Deliveroo for on demand deliveries as the company announces an exclusive partnership with Deliveroo, commencing in January 2025. The collaboration reinforces the brands’ commitment to delivering high-quality, fresh, and convenient options to customers across the UK.
JOE & THE JUICE, the popular urban juice bar and coffee concept, began its partnership with Deliveroo in 2019. Initially operating with just five sites on the platform in the UK, this has since expanded to its 65 current UK locations.
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JOE & THE JUICE, the popular urban juice bar and coffee concept, began its partnership with Deliveroo in 2019. Initially operating with just five sites on the platform in the UK, this has since expanded to its 65 current UK locations.
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19/Dec/2024 12:58