Monday 5/9/16
Bighospitality.co.uk – 10 ways to respond to online reviews
By RJ Friedlander, 05-Sep-2016
ReviewPro CEO and founder RJ Friedlander gives his 10 top tips for hoteliers and restaurateurs responding to online reviews. Read More
Propelinfonews.com – Krispy Kreme makes Norfolk debut with Norwich opening: Krispy Kreme has made its Norfolk debut after opening a site in Norwich. The company has opened the venue at the Intu Chapelfield shopping centre in St Stephens Street. Krispy Kreme chief marketing officer Judith Denby said: “We are extremely excited to be bringing the joy of Krispy Kreme to Norwich.” Krispy Kreme entered the UK market in October 2003 in London and currently operates more than 70 stores across Britain. Alcuin Capital Partners, which has owned Krispy Kreme UK since 2011, is readying the business for a stock market float next month.
Tuesday 6/9/16
Propelinfonews.com – New central reservations team sees Coaching Inn Group report double-digit growth: Six months on from establishing a new central reservations team, Coaching Inn Group is reporting a double-digit increase in accommodation sales across the rapidly expanding group. The group, which saw turnover top £13m in the last financial year, including a 60% rise in operating profit, appointed the new team, led by revenue and marketing manager Isobel Diggins, to drive accommodation sales and help maintain brand standards through regular audits of the accommodation offering. In the first six months alone, the group has seen an average 10% increase in accommodation sales, with 14% increases in July and 22% in August on a like-for-like basis. Coaching Inn Group finance director Edward Walsh said: “Last year saw us deliver £4m in accommodation revenue and, with a strong pipeline of acquisitions planned before the end of the financial year, we are moving ever closer to our initial target of 500 bedrooms across the Group. Recognising the need to continue delivering a first-class service across the whole group, we appointed Izzy and her team to help maintain standards and drive sales. We have been delighted with the performance of the team so far, with accommodation sales increasing faster than our initial expectations as well as receiving excellent guest feedback due to the improved professionalism of the customer journey, which we view as equally important.”
Wednesday 7/9/16
Propelinfonews.com – New US-themed restaurant to occupy former RBW unit in Corby: A new US-themed restaurant is to open in the former RBW unit in Corby’s leisure quarter. Developer Mulberry Property Developments refused to reveal information on the new operator until contracts had been signed, but a spokesman confirmed a lease is about to be signed for a restaurant that will serve US-style food with an English twist. The London Gazette has reported that the South African owner of RBW – which stands for ribs, burgers and wings – has entered insolvency. The RBW restaurant closed in July after 12 months at the site in Corby town centre. At the time, owner Larkspur Ten posted a message on its website that stated: “All good things must come to an end. Spur RBW has permanently closed.” Now the firm, along with its sister outlets which ran restaurants in Dublin, Belfast, and Staines, has entered insolvency. Mulberry Developments development director Mark Day said: “I am delighted to say that we have agreed a new letting of the former Spur RBW restaurant to a local restaurant operator. They are working very hard behind the scenes to open the new restaurant in October, which will be an American-style diner with an English twist, serving smoked and barbecue meals. We are very excited.”
Thursday 8/9/16
Propelinfonews.com – Hoste Arms in Burnham Market opens private cinema: The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market, Norfolk, has opened a private 20-seater cinema – alongside a new gym and private dining room – the cinema room was opened by television film critic Barry Norman. There are three film showings per day featuring 100 classic films every month and guests are offered a personal waiter service throughout the duration of each film. The cinema will be available to all guests staying at the hotel and for private party bookings.
Friday 9/9/16
Morningadvertiser.co.uk – Poll: Are mobile phones bad for an atmosphere in the pub?
By Nikkie Sutton, 07-Sep-2016
A bar in central London has seen trade rise significantly after offering free, fast Wi-Fi to city professionals during the day time. Read More
Hospitality.co.uk – Hospitality businesses to provide evidence for seaside towns inquiry
By Emma Eversham+, 08-Sep-2016
Owners of hospitality and tourism businesses in seaside towns are being asked to help MPs with an inquiry into the problems facing these areas. Read More
Propelinfonews.com – The Snug secures tenth site, in Bury St Edmunds: The Snug, the south of England bar group, has secured its tenth site, this time in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. The company, led by Giles Fry, is set to open the venue in St Johns Street this month and is currently recruiting staff. Last month, the brand opened a site in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, as it continues to expand. In July, it reported a strong first quarter with like-for-like sales growth of more than 4.6% year-on-year and total sales up 7.6%.