Today’s news in brief – 04/04/25
JD Wetherspoon aims to expand beyond 1,000 locations by franchising with hotel groups. The pub group is specifically targeting hoteliers across the UK, noting that as hotel operators seek to maximise profits and utilise space, developing bars and restaurants can be seen as risky in the current climate, with even “top-performing” hotels facing underperforming food and drink outlets. As a result, through this new opportunity, Wetherspoon franchise partners can convert existing spaces into “cost-effective” bar and restaurant locations.
Pizza Express has agreed a refinancing deal with over 97% of its existing bondholders. The news follows a good opening quarter for the brand, with reported like-for-likes at 1.3% for the first two months compared with last year. The pizzeria chain has received strong support to extend the maturity of its senior secured notes from July 2026 to September 2029. As part of the refinancing, there will be £55m par debt paydown, reducing the debt position to £280m. Shareholders will also inject £20m equity to partially fund the debt paydown.
The government will launch a review on how to reduce barriers in the licensing system. UKH, which sits on the review’s working group, will play a leading role in developing solutions to improve the licensing system. The group will report in six weeks, with solutions to improve the licensing system, cut red tape and boost hospitality’s competitiveness. Alongside this, the Mayor of London will also be given new powers to review blocked licensing applications.
Doner Shack has secured a three-site franchise agreement in Glasgow with local entrepreneur Abrar Khaliq as part of the chain’s nationwide growth strategy. Co-founder Sanj Sanghera has expressed that, even though the branch is now growing across four continents, there’s something “deeply special” about expanding in his home city. Co-founder Laura Bruce also added, “It’s wonderful to see Doner Shack return to its roots.” With Abrar on board, Bruce believes the brand can continue to grow across the city.