Today’s news in brief – 17/04/25
Deliveroo has reported a 9% rise in its gross transaction value YoY to £1.87bn in Q1 of 2025. It also saw continued improvement in order growth, up 7% to £72.6m (up 6% in Q4 2024), with GTV per order up 2% to £25.8m. Across both UK&I and International operations, its GTV also increased 9% YoY to £1.17bn and £695m respectively. Looking ahead, the group stated that its FY 2025 guidance is maintained. GTV growth is anticipated to be high single-digits percentage growth (in constant currency).
Stonegate has seen its total revenues rise by 1.63% to £1.74bn in 2024, as a majority of the group’s businesses delivered growth. It comes as sales during the year were “favourable” compared with the previous period, with the group saying that it has delivered “a highly respectable performance”. Of the £1.74bn, the leased and tenanted pubs together saw a sales rise of 3% to £440m and the operator-led segment saw a rise of 18.5% to £333m. Due to the group’s disposal of 70 trading sites, Stonegate benefited from net proceeds of £58m.
Investment firm True is said to be in talks with GDK to buy a majority stake, according to Sky News. German Doner Kebab, which is run by chief executive Simon Wallis, is currently part of Hero Brands, a Glasgow-based incubator of F&B concepts. Sky News has learnt that the planned sale would be at “a stellar valuation”. While specific details of the deal between True and Hero Brands remain undisclosed, several other potential bidders are understood to have engaged in discussions with Hero Brands earlier in the process.
Chopstix has opened two new sites in Bridgend and South Normanton. Both new stores are located in McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, following multi-million pound refurbishments to the food courts at both shopping centre destinations. Bridgend and South Normanton bring the total number of site openings for the brand up to four in 2025, following launches in White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds and in the new Welcome Break Motorway Service Area in Rotherham earlier this year.
Greene King has expanded the pilot of its Farmhouse Kitchen concept with a second site in Ossett on 15 April. Located at Silkwood Park, the former Farmhouse Inns site has received a six-figure investment, transforming the venue into a new dining concept that offers customers a combination of great value carveries alongside a new continental breakfast menu, afternoon tea and an improved daily menu. The restaurant also provides a selection of desserts including home baked cakes and ice cream sundaes.