Today’s news in brief – 28/10/24

54% of hospitality businesses would cut jobs when business rates relief ends in April, according to a new joint survey conducted by the BBPA, BII and UKH. The report also highlighted that 76% would experience lower profit and 28% would have to close at least one site. The trade bodies united to write to the chancellor with a common ask for support.

Rare Restaurants has announced that CEO Martin Williams has stepped down to focus on his next “personal chapter”, having been in the role for six years. He spent a total of 15 years at steakhouse chain Gaucho and M Restaurants, which he founded in 2014. During his tenure as CEO, the group opened five new Gaucho venues. 

Average drinks sales were down 5% in the week ended 12 October against the same period last year, as October 2023 benefited from warm weather across most of the UK and the closing stages of the Rugby World Cup. Sales were behind on five of the seven days of the week, falling between 6% and 16% from 6 to 8 October. 

Tortilla has announced an expansion of its partnership with SSP Group, which will see it grow its presence across UK travel hubs. The new five-year agreement will triple Tortilla’s presence in SSP-operated locations, from six to 18 sites. It follows the successful launch of Tortilla’s latest airport location in Glasgow’s main departure lounge in September. 

Hospitality Action raised £135k during October’s Walk for Wellbeing initiative, which saw more than 1,000 people from across the industry participate. Marking its fifth and biggest year to date, and launched on World Mental Health Day, Walk for Wellbeing marked the charity’s largest annual mass participation fundraiser.