Itsu blames inflation and Labour tax hikes as rising costs bite Hospitality Itsu has posted its third consecutive annual loss as the Asian food-to-to chain blamed surging inflation and Labour hikes to employment taxes for its rising costs. The edamame eatery, founded by the grab-and-go tycoon behind Pret a Manger, said the UK’s fast food industry is suffering from fragile consumer confidence and a rising tax burden. [...]
Knoops to open first US store as international expansion gathers pace hospitality Knoops is gearing up to open its first US store as the chocolate drinks brand’s international expansion gathers pace. The London-based business said it will open a store in Utah in April as part of plans to have over 160 locations in the US over the next six years. Knoops, which was founded in Sussex [...]
Pret founder and Itsu boss Julian Metcalfe banned from driving for using phone at the wheel Legal Julian Metcalfe, the founder of Pret a Manger and current boss of Itsu, has been banned from driving after being convicted of using a mobile phone behind the wheel. He claimed he was using the Waze navigation system for directions to visit his daughter, and that he didn’t know it was illegal to use a [...]