Another month flies by as we move even closer to Christmas! Here we take a look back at a couple of news articles from the catering industry this month.
Catering Industry Stats
Figures show that although overall restaurant spending is still not at pre-recession levels, consumers who are dining out, especially in the UK’s more upmarket restaurants, are spending more.
Spending on fine dining increased by 7% in Q1 compared to the previous year, and rose by 2% in Q2 compared to the same period in 2009. In addition spending per meal increased by 11.5% in Q1 and 9.4% in Q2.
In addition to this, we are also seeing an increase in corporate spending, and a return to businesses entertaining their clients over meals, which is fantastic news for the catering industry. 2009 was a tough year, so it’s great to see some positive growth.
£12m Overhaul for Roadchef
Motorway service operator Road Chef is creating 400 jobs in a five-year estate regeneration programme. The next 2 years will see £12m spent on overhauling catering facilities at 10 sites.
Roadchef is one of the UK’s largest operators, turning over £200 million a year and employing 2000 across the UK.
As part of the programme, McDonalds will replace existing Wimpy outlets in the quick-serve restaurant brand’s first ever corporate franchise agreement. In a 20-year deal, Road Chef will sell McDonalds food and drink at high street prices.
Safe Glasses trialled
British Pubs could soon be stocking new safer pint glasses after 2 major suppliers confirmed they are trialling prototypes inspired by the Governments Design Out Crime scheme.
Arc International and Utopia have been working on mass producing safer glasses, which are being trialled at different outlets including sports bars, student bars and traditional pubs.
The brief challenged designers to rethink the traditional pub pint glass to overcome the resistance faced by the current plastic-based alternatives.
JD Wetherspoon has already committed to trialling the glassware.
See the following link for more details about the new glassware designs: New Pint Glass Design
