Tortilla, the largest fast-casual Mexican restaurant group in the UK and Europe has secured £11.135m in bank financing from Santander Corporate Banking. The debt facility, alongside Tortilla’s previous investment from Quilvest Private Equity provides the company with unparalleled financing amongst the UK’s expanding fast-casual Mexican operators. Funding to around 45 … [Read more...]
‘Terrific potential scale’ for continued Loungers expansion
Loungers, the Bristol based all-day café/bar operator, has opened its 54th site, Bonzo Lounge, in Keynsham (near Bristol) following a £500k investment. The 4,800 sq ft site is located in the redevelopment of Keynsham’s town centre and includes an 80-seater terrace. 20 sites to open in 2015 The group, who will open a further 2 sites in December in Stroud and Peterborough, … [Read more...]
Glasgow restaurant heads PAPA Award Winners
An independent Glasgow restaurant is best for pizza in this year’s Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association (PAPA) Awards recognising the best in the Italian Food industry. The UK’s finest Independent Pizza Restaurant is Bella Napoli in Glasgow and the best Independent Italian Restaurant is Tamburino in Yeovil. The Pizza Restaurant Chain Award went to Pizza Hut following a … [Read more...]
UK Food and Restaurant Trends for 2015
Leading food research and consulting firm Technomic has turned to the U.K. market to identify the transformative food and restaurant trends for the coming year: Trend 1. Alternative Diet Focus The forthcoming allergen labelling requirements will fuel significant changes at restaurants by compelling operators to be more transparent about the ingredients they use and … [Read more...]
Hospitality Show: Digital Blonde to host expert debate
Karen Fewell, better known as Digital Blonde, is set to chair a thought-provoking debate at the Hospitality Show on Tuesday 20 January at 3:15pm – a date to note for your diary! The expert panel session is focused on technology and the dining experience and will explore the current trends when it comes to eating out. Entitled ‘Should we switch on or switch off at the dining … [Read more...]