Today’s news in brief – 21/08/24

Top hospitality group achieved YoY growth of 1.5% in July, spelling a downturn since last month’s reported rate of 2.9%. As July started with the peak of the 2024 Euros, including the quarter, semi-final and final games, Britain’s pubs experienced like-for-like growth of 4.9%. However, this positive LFL growth in pubs negatively impacted other hospitality segments. 

McDonald’s plans to open 200 new restaurants in the next four years, as part of a £1bn investment to celebrate 50 years in the country. The new openings will create more than 24,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland. Alongside new restaurants, the business will continue to upgrade and reimage more than 1,500 existing restaurants. 

Sodexo Live has secured a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest FC, which reinforces its presence in the Premier League. The catering group will create around 15 permanent roles based at the stadium and build a casual workforce of approximately 500 from the Nottinghamshire area. The food offering will be led by executive head chef, Darren Kelly.  

The Wolseley Hospitality Group has named Charles Hilton group executive chef, following his eight-year tenure as chef at Brasserie Zedel. With over 30 years of experience in professional cooking, Hilton now oversees a team of 200 people across The Wolseley, The Wolseley City, The Delaunay, Brasserie Zedel, Manzi’s of Soho, Colbert, Soutine, Fischer’s and Bellanger.