Latest news with #TheCaterer
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Popular UK restaurant chain shuts NINE locations in major brand shake-up
A popular restaurant chain has shut nine of its locations in a major brand shake-up. The move comes as takeaway giant Deep Blue Restaurants, which is the largest in the UK, has seen profits plummet in recent years. Now it is hoping to re-invest in another of its major chains. Deep Blue Restaurants bought the popular 96-year-old chain Harry Ramsden's in 2019 and is shifting its focus on to improving those restaurants. Between October 2024 and May 2025 it closed nine of its restaurants and now owns 16 Deep Blue restaurants and eight Harry Ramsden's eateries. Money made from the sale of its sites were re-invested back in to major Harry Ramsden restaurants including a large one in Brighton. The news will no doubt be welcome to bosses at the company after the restaurant owners saw turnover drop by 2.5 per cent at the end of 2024. Despite securing £5.57m in debt funding between October 2024 and February 2025, the chain has continued with its plan to focus on its collection of Harry Ramsden establishments The Caterer reported. Chief executive James Fleming wrote in its accounts: 'As in prior years, global events, the cost of living crisis and food cost inflation continued to present headwinds to trading in the first three quarters of FY 2025. 'Despite this, performance has been robust. Looking at the sites on a like for like basis (to account for the disposal of some stores) the group is trading in line with the budget set at the start of the year. 'Continued success with the franchising and licensing of the Harry Ramsden's brand has further driven revenue and profitability across the group. Management continue to focus on developing this element of the business, and there have been further new contract wins into 2025.' It comes as a branch of Bella Italia in Plymouth has been forced to close just months after it was hit with a zero food hygiene rating and ordered to make urgent improvements. But it has now shut too and a message to customers on the chain's website said: 'Bella Italia Plymouth, Barbican Leisure, is now closed.' It added: 'It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of our Bella Italia restaurant in Plymouth. We want to take this moment to thank you for your loyalty, your laughter and the many memories you've helped us create over the years.' It directed customers to visit the next nearest Bella Italia, in Exeter, or 'sister-brand' Frankie and Benny's, also at the Barbican Leisure Park. The closure is unrelated to the recent hygiene rating. A Bella Italia spokesperson said: 'We are saddened by the closure of our popular restaurant in Plymouth. Unfortunately, the lease on this location expired and, despite our best efforts, new terms could not be agreed upon. The news will no doubt be welcome to bosses at the company after the restaurant owners saw turnover drop by 2.5 per cent at the end of 2024 'This decision is unrelated to an EHO rating, which concerned issues with the building itself and not hygiene standards. 'We would like to thank our fantastic Plymouth team, who have done an amazing job over the years. Where possible, team members have been offered positions at nearby restaurants either within the Bella Italia brand or elsewhere within The Big Table Group. 'We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful guests in Plymouth. We hope to see them again soon at one of our other Bella Italia restaurants. Of course, they are warmly welcome at Frankie & Benny's Plymouth, located less than a minute's walk from Bella. 'This particular restaurant has served our guests for many years and has been a much-loved part of the community. While it's always difficult to say goodbye, we're actively exploring options for new locations and hope to return to the area in the future.' The Bella Italia eatery at the Barbican Leisure Park has announced that it is now permanently closed after their lease expired and new terms could not be agreed. The restaurant has operated at the Cattedown attraction for more than 10 years and survived a huge cull of outlets, which saw the Derry's Cross Bella Italia restaurant close, in 2020.
Glasgow Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow hotel manager recognised at Acorn Awards 2025
David Morgan, the assistant conference and events manager at voco Grand Central in Glasgow, has been celebrated as one of the UK's youngest rising stars at this year's Acorn Awards. The awards, run by The Caterer, acknowledge 30 of the country's most promising hospitality professionals under 30 for their innovation, dedication, and influence in the industry. Since joining in 2021, David has become a vital part of the voco Grand Central team, earning admiration from both colleagues and guests for his work ethic and attentive leadership. Read more: UK restaurant chain's first Glasgow venue edges closer to opening (Image: Supplied) David said: "This is an unexpected honour and a real career highlight that I am delighted to be able to celebrate. "I feel incredibly lucky to be recognised alongside such talented individuals within the hospitality industry." David's connection to the historic hotel runs deep. His nana worked in the same building over 45 years ago, and he is now proudly following in her footsteps, all while studying for a hospitality management degree at Glasgow Caledonian University. David said: "It's also especially meaningful to be following in the footsteps of Katie Moran, our operations director here at voco Grand Central - and to honour my Nana, who worked in F&B in this very building over 45 years ago, just like me! "I hope she would be proud." Marcello Ventisei, general manager at voco Grand Central, said: "David exemplifies everything we stand for at voco – professionalism, passion and potential. "We're all incredibly proud of him. "From day one, he's brought energy and excellence to our team, and we're thrilled to see that recognised nationally." Read more: Glasgow housing association secures more than £500k for tenants Katie Moran, operations director and fellow Acorn Award alumna, said: "Having won an Acorn myself, I know how much this means - and David's very deserving of this accolade. "He's a rising star in every sense and brings such heart and drive to our hotel. "The future is bright for him, and this is only the beginning." Since 1986, the Acorn Awards have been a marker of success for young talent in the hospitality industry, with previous winners including Gordon Ramsay and Jason Atherton. David now joins this prestigious alumni list — proudly representing Glasgow on a national stage.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PizzaExpress listed by UK government for minimum wage payment failure
Casual dining chain PizzaExpress has been listed among more than 500 companies that failed to pay some staff the UK's legal minimum wage, as reported by The Caterer. According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, 60,000 workers across various companies have been compensated more than £7.4m ($9.96m) due to wage discrepancies. PizzaExpress was second on the list and owed £706,701 to 8,470 workers, averaging £83 per employee. A PizzaExpress spokesperson stated: 'Once we were made aware of this historic unintentional technicality, which occurred between 2012 and 2018, we swiftly identified who was impacted, apologised and rectified [it]. There's nothing more important to us than fairly and accurately paying our team members.' Hilton UK Hotels Limited was also cited for underpaying £18,924 to 20 staff members. The companies have been fined up to 200% of the amount underpaid. Many have attributed the underpayments to past administrative or technical errors. The Caterer reports that these issues were resolved years ago, suggesting that the underpayments were not recent occurrences. The UK National Living Wage in the UK has increased to £12.21 per hour for those aged 21 and over. The minimum wage for workers aged 18 to 20 is now £10 per hour. Those under 18 and apprentices must be paid at least £7.55 on an hourly basis. PizzaExpress secured a significant refinancing deal in April 2025, which will reduce its debt by £55m. The agreement includes a £55m par debt paydown, decreasing the company's debt to £280m. Bain Capital Special Situations and other shareholders have contributed £20m in equity to Wheel Topco, the parent company of PizzaExpress. PizzaExpress was founded by Peter Boizot in London's Soho in 1965. The brand now has more than 360 pizzerias in the UK and Ireland and has expanded into 12 international markets. "PizzaExpress listed by UK government for minimum wage payment failure" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Major update on beloved steakhouse chain's collapse as administrators reveal future of at-risk restaurant
The Cardiff venue will still be shut permanently HIGH STEAKS Major update on beloved steakhouse chain's collapse as administrators reveal future of at-risk restaurant A BELOVED steakhouse chain that fell into administration will now keep one of its restaurants open, it has emerged. Steak of the Art, which combines a steak restaurant with an art gallery, was set to close its two sites after going bust last month. 2 Steak of the Art in Bristol has remained open and still takes bookings Credit: Google Maps 2 The Cardiff site has been closed Credit: Google Maps It had one restaurant in Cardiff which has been closed - but administrators revealed that the other site in Bristol has now been saved from being shut after being sold, The Caterer reports. The news has emerged this week after Undebt's Rob Coad and Sam Talby were appointed as Steak of the Art's new joint administrators on April 9. The business was established more than a decade ago by former management consultant Stephen Bowen, who ran it under company Groupco, BusinessLive reports. An unaudited financial statement from March last year revealed the company owed £410,347 to creditors. It followed a hit to trading during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, according to the administrator's report. Despite some profits from the Bristol branch in 2022 and 2023, it was then impacted by scaffolding on the building in 2024/25, where the business was felt to have insufficient working capital to continue trading and fell into administration. However, the business and assets relating to the Bristol site have now been sold in a pre-pack administration, enabling that restaurant to remain open. This includes the transfer of 17 employees, where the average monthly number of people employed by the company was 38 last year. The steakhouse has been highly praised by customers, receiving a 4.4 star rating on Google with over 1400 reviews. On TripAdvisor, Steak of the Art has also received some rave reviewed, with its food described as "absolutely delicious". Longtime restaurant chain closes two key locations after 22 years and customers are devastated News of the potential closure of all its sites had caused widespread devastation to Steak of the Art's followers. One diner took to social media and said: "Such a shame, that's the place in Bristol we went." Another wrote: "Steak of the Art!! Gutted!" A third complained: "Is there anything left open in the UK? "Every day something else is closing." The concept of Steak of the Art enables customers to "view some original art, enjoy a drink or just the pleasure of really great food in a fantastic atmosphere" with its unique dining experience. The Bristol restaurant even offered diners the option of Moulin-Rouge inspired private dining, that was free to hire for up to 20 people in the room. Steak of the Art has been contacted by The Sun for comment. The news comes as various other steakhouse businesses have announced their closures. One of those is Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in York which shut earlier this year. Great British Menu star Scott Smith also is having to close his Michelin-listed restaurant Fhior in the summer.
The Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major update on beloved steakhouse chain's collapse as administrators reveal future of at-risk restaurant
A BELOVED steakhouse chain that fell into administration will now keep one of its restaurants open, it has emerged. Steak of the Art, which combines a steak restaurant with an art gallery, was set to close its two sites after going bust last month. 2 2 It had one restaurant in Cardiff which has been closed - but administrators revealed that the other site in Bristol has now been saved from being shut after being sold, The Caterer reports. The news has emerged this week after Undebt's Rob Coad and Sam Talby were appointed as Steak of the Art's new joint administrators on April 9. The business was established more than a decade ago by former management consultant Stephen Bowen, who ran it under company Groupco, BusinessLive reports. An unaudited financial statement from March last year revealed the company owed £410,347 to creditors. It followed a hit to trading during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, according to the administrator's report. Despite some profits from the Bristol branch in 2022 and 2023, it was then impacted by scaffolding on the building in 2024/25, where the business was felt to have insufficient working capital to continue trading and fell into administration. However, the business and assets relating to the Bristol site have now been sold in a pre-pack administration, enabling that restaurant to remain open. This includes the transfer of 17 employees, where the average monthly number of people employed by the company was 38 last year. The steakhouse has been highly praised by customers, receiving a 4.4 star rating on Google with over 1400 reviews. On TripAdvisor, Steak of the Art has also received some rave reviewed, with its food described as "absolutely delicious". Beloved steakhouse chain to shut ALL its restaurants after collapsing into administration with no explanation News of the potential closure of all its sites had caused widespread devastation to Steak of the Art's followers. One diner took to social media and said: "Such a shame, that's the place in Bristol we went." Another wrote: "Steak of the Art!! Gutted!" A third complained: "Is there anything left open in the UK? "Every day something else is closing." The concept of Steak of the Art enables customers to "view some original art, enjoy a drink or just the pleasure of really great food in a fantastic atmosphere" with its unique dining experience. The Bristol restaurant even offered diners the option of Moulin-Rouge inspired private dining, that was free to hire for up to 20 people in the room. Steak of the Art has been contacted by The Sun for comment. One of those is Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in York which shut earlier this year. Great British Menu star Scott Smith also is having to close his Michelin-listed restaurant Fhior in the summer. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
