Loungers is an organisation that has confounded expectations: its modest start as a suburban cafe bar back in 2002 gave no hint of what was to come, but its progress since has been attracting increasing attention, and looks set to attract a lot more. From a single outlet in 2007, it opened 12 more sites and reached a total of 41 in 2013, and has 15 openings planned for 2014 – … [Read more...]
Drake & Morgan launches Booking App on Facebook’s 10th Birthday
Coinciding with Facebook’s tenth anniversary, London-based bar & restaurant group Drake & Morgan has launched its very own Facebook Booking App to make bookings seamless with customers’ online social networking. Two-way responsive reservations system Helping to create an integrated, one-stop experience for customers – from updating a status and uploading a photo … [Read more...]
Interested in catering franchise opportunities?
New research published by NatWest and the British Franchise Association (bfa) highlights the continuing growth and importance, despite the recession, of franchising in the hotel, catering and food sector. According to their survey, since 2008 there has been an increase of six percent in the number of franchised outlets in this industry, so there are now 8,300 outlets – and … [Read more...]
Inventive Leisure re-finances as sales rise
Inventive Leisure, the premium bar operator with 2,500 employees and a turnover in excess of £110 million has confirmed its successful re-financing of bank facilities, following continued strong trading in December and the highly successful roll out of its Evolution programme for the Revolution brand in 2013. The business is now looking to further extend its estate by securing … [Read more...]
Bath Ales invests in Graze Expectations
Independent local brewer, Bath Ales, has unveiled a fresh new look for Graze Bar and Chophouse in central Bristol. First opened in November 2009, the restaurant was the original of the successful Graze concept – with namesake venues subsequently opened by Bath Ales in Cirencester and Bath. Robin Couling, managing director of Bath Ales, said: “We launched Graze Bristol four … [Read more...]