As tourism returns, we say: ‘Good morning Vietnam!’ March 28, 2022 Like much of the world, Vietnam was on its knees these last few years. Around 18 million foreign tourists visited in 2019 compared to a paltry 3,500 in 2021. But now visitors are flocking back. What’s more, there’s never been a better time to go: some high-end resorts are offering 25 per cent discounts on [...]
Wildwood restaurant owner Tasty remains ‘cautiously optimistic’ amid ongoing labour shortages and inflation woes March 23, 2022 Wildwood restaurant owner Tasty reported a 44 per cent revenue boost to £34.9m this morning, despite obstacles in re-opening stores.
Hospitality chiefs call on Sunak to reverse VAT hike or leave London businesses ‘unviable overnight’ March 20, 2022 Hospitality heads have said the government’s plans to increase VAT from current rates of 12.5 per cent to highs of 20 per cent at the start of next month will see some London businesses “become unviable overnight.” Industry chiefs warned that Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s plans to hike consumer taxes on food, soft drinks, accommodation, and [...]
Owner of Burger King says local operator in Russia ‘simply refuses’ to shut down all 800 fast food branches March 18, 2022 The owner of Burger King has said the operator of its 800 stores in Russia has “refused” to close them. The president of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which owns Burger King and has operated its restaurants in Russia for a decade in a joint venture which includes Alexander Kolobov, said the company was attempting to [...]
Moscow’s ‘Uncle Vanya’s’ fast-food chain unveils new logo following McDonalds exit from Russia March 18, 2022 A Russian fast-food chain is readying itself to become Russia’s own version of McDonalds after unveiling a new logo that bears a number similarities to the hamburger restaurant’s Golden Arches crest. The Moscow headquartered firm filed an application to patent its red and gold symbol, after a Russian politician said the country should start its [...]
Corbin & King shareholder hires lawyers in fight for restaurant chain March 17, 2022 Tensions between a London restaurant goliath and its largest shareholder have once more flared up as Minor International looks to sue a US investment fund. Jeremy King, who co-founded the operation behind Mayfair’s the Wolseley restaurant, has been embroiled in a tussle with Thai hotel giant Minor International. King is hoping a £38m rescue package [...]
Deliveroo losses widen with warnings of future cost pressures March 17, 2022 Deliveroo has reported widening losses of £131m as the food delivery firm warned of the impact of hiked costs. The firm said its core adjusted loss had widened compared to a loss of £11m in 2020, citing increased marketing spend and investment into technology. However, revenue soared 57 per cent, with food delivery apps benefiting [...]
Pubs hope to sell 14 million pints as St Patrick Day celebrations return March 16, 2022 Pubs are anticipated to pull some 14 million pints tomorrow on the first St Patrick’s Day unmarred by Covid guidance in two years. The estimation comes from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), who encouraged punters to support their local on Thursday. Venues lost out on an estimated £54m on St Patrick’s Day last [...]
Wagamama sales surge ahead of pre-Covid levels as the Restaurant Group ‘mindful’ of Ukraine inflationary impact March 16, 2022 Wagamama owner the Restaurant Group has reported sales surging ahead of pre-pandemic levels as the hospitality sector recovers from lockdowns. In full-year results, the operator said like-for-like sales at Wagamama, plus its pubs and leisure divisions, were well ahead of the 2019 comparable. Pub sales were up nine per cent while its leisure division saw [...]
Fridays owner Hostmore revenue soars in maiden results as CEO warns of ‘challenges raised by Ukraine crisis’ March 14, 2022 Fridays owner Hostmore has reported revenue standing at £159m as the hospitality operator strikes out on its own after a demerger. Hostmore made its debut on the London Stock Exchange last November after it was made a separate entity from Electra Private Equity. Now, in results for the 53 weeks ended 2 January 2022, the [...]