Today’s news in brief – 09/10/23

Hospitality operators are facing price increases of up to 30% due to supply chains, according to research by BRITA Professionals. This has led to reduced opening hours for 61% of venues and negative impacts on staff mental health for 57%. While 30% of operators describe their supply chain as flexible, 52% have started buying directly from supermarkets and wholesalers. The study highlights the importance of fostering reliability in the catering supply chain to address these challenges.

Chipotle is partnering with Hyphen to test an automated digital makeline. This foodservice platform automates kitchen operations, and will be used to create bowls and salads at Chipotle. The move aims to increase efficiency during peak periods, enhance order accuracy, and improve the guest experience. Chipotle is investing in such technology to elevate the human experience for its teams and increase convenience for customers.

Chef Sally Abé is set to reopen her award-winning restaurant, The Pem, at Conrad London St. James on 26 October. The restaurant underwent an extensive kitchen refurbishment, allowing Abé and her team to elevate their menus further. Abé has hand-selected top UK producers for ingredients, and she will also introduce a tasting menu starting from 14 November. The Pem, which opened in 2021, was named ‘One to Watch’ and included in this year’s National Restaurant Awards Top 100.

Harts Group’s chief design officer, James Hart, is stepping down to launch his own design company called Harts Creative. Hart, who joined Harts Group in 2016, has been instrumental in securing and building various restaurants for the group. While he will no longer be involved in the executive side of Harts Group, he will continue to design for the group and remain an owner and board member. The group will continue to be led by Sam Hart, Crispin Somerville, and Anna Watkins.