Latest news with #VerdictFoodService
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK seeks to transform town centres with new cafés and bars
The UK government is seeking significant changes to planning and licensing regulations, aimed at revitalising high streets and encouraging the establishment of new cafés, bars and music venues in vacant spaces. The introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework is expected to reduce the cost and complexity associated with opening and operating hospitality venues. The initiative aims to aid small businesses and foster community reconnection. The reforms are designed to simplify the conversion of disused shops while protecting established pubs, clubs and music venues from noise complaints by new developments. The government is planning to incorporate the "agent of change" principle into national planning and licensing policy, requiring developers to soundproof buildings near existing nightlife spots. Plans are in place to create dedicated hospitality zones where permissions for outdoor dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be expedited. The new framework will offer a streamlined and standardised process for securing planning permission and licences, eliminating the varied local regulations that currently hinder small business ventures. Entrepreneurs will benefit from a reduction in hurdles, leading to quicker decisions and lower costs when transforming empty shops into bars, cafés or music venues. This transformation is part of the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which enables councils to auction leases for commercial properties vacant for longer than a year. The scheme is intended to repurpose empty shops into lively community hubs. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated: 'This government has a plan to replace shuttered-up shops with vibrant places to socialise, turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee. 'From faster café openings to easier alfresco dining, our Plan for Change will put the buzz back into our town centres and money back into the pockets of local entrepreneurs, because when small businesses thrive, communities come alive.' In July 2025, the government announced plans to pilot a state-subsidised restaurant in Dundee to offer underprivileged families access to wholesome meals within a social setting. "UK seeks to transform town centres with new cafés and bars" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fogo de Chão expands in Oregon, US with Tigard location
Brazilian restaurant chain Fogo de Chão has announced plans to expand its presence in the US state of Oregon with a new location in Tigard. The chain has signed a lease agreement for the opening of this second Oregon restaurant. Expected to open in late 2025, the upcoming venue will occupy a 7,695ft² space within the Bridgeport Village shopping centre on 72nd Ave. The Tigard establishment will feature a spacious dining area centred around an open churrasco grill, where guests can witness gaucho chefs prepare and grill premium meats. The restaurant's design will focus on creating an engaging and social atmosphere, complete with Bar Fogo and All-Day Happy Hour offerings. Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan stated: 'We are highly encouraged by the success we have seen at our Portland location and we are excited to announce plans to open our second location in Oregon, and bring our exceptional cuisine to Tigard. 'We look forward to welcoming the local community to immerse themselves in the memorable dining experience Fogo de Chão has to offer.' A highlight of the dining experience will be the Market Table, featuring an assortment of seasonal salads, cured meats, fresh superfoods and antipasti. The restaurant's dry-aged meat lockers will display cuts such as the 32oz Long-Bone Tomahawk Ribeye, aged for a minimum of 42 days to perfect its flavour. Fogo de Chão previously signed a lease agreement to open a new restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga in California in the second half of 2025. This 8,257ft² venue is located at 12240 Foothill Boulevard and will be Fogo de Chão's 16thoutlet in the state. "Fogo de Chão expands in Oregon, US with Tigard location" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chaiiwala opens its 105th UK café, located in Milton Keynes
Street food chain Chaiiwala has further increased its store count in the UK market by opening its 105th café at Unit 4F in thecentre:MK in Milton Keynes. Founded in Leicester, England in 2015, Chaiiwala also operates more than 20 stores in Canada and has several in Dubai. Its menu offering comprises all-day breakfast, street snacks, toasties, wraps, bowls, sides, desserts, ice creams and hot and cold drinks. Chaiiwala co-founder Sohail Ali was quoted by Catering Today: 'We're extremely excited to open our latest store in Milton Keynes. 'As a leading retail destination with strong footfall, our opening in thecentre:MK will provide an opportunity for us to showcase the value of Chaiiwala's unique and flavourful all-day street food menu as well as the unique flavour of chai to more consumers. 'This will help us introduce more consumers to the brand and support our strategic objective of transforming Chaiiwala into a household name. 'We look forward to seeing customers in store for a cup of chai or a bite to eat very soon.' This opening is part of Chaiiwala's goal to scale to 500 global outlets by 2034, as reported in Catering Today. This includes increasing its UK presence through new cafés in shopping centres, drive-throughs and high-street locations, by working with existing multi-site franchisees. Chaiiwala also plans to further expand its presence in the Canadian market and to enter new international markets such as the US, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. "Chaiiwala opens its 105th UK café, located in Milton Keynes" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shawarma Press expands with new locations and digital kitchens
Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant Shawarma Press has announced the expansion of its franchise footprint with both physical locations and digital kitchen concepts. Since its inception in the US state of Texas in 2017, the brand has expanded across the state and in January 2025 launched in Denton in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. It has also expanded into Georgia, with its inaugural location there launched in 2024 in the metropolitan Atlanta community of Johns Creek. A new digital kitchen has also been established in the Midtown area. In early autumn 2025, it will open a new location near the University of Kansas in Lawrence which CEO Sawsan Abublan anticipates will attract both college students and residents. Shawarma Press offers a range of products, including Tex-Mex Press Shawarma and Tandoori Press Shawarma. Tex-Mex Press Shawarma incorporates smoky Texas flavours with traditional Mediterranean shawarma, emphasising the brand's focus on meeting the needs of local markets. Tandoori Press Shawarma is a fusion dish with a sauce made with South Asian influences. The Shawarma Rice Bowl is a response to growing demand for gluten-free, low-carb and customisable options. Sawsan Abublan stated: "We have been strategic with franchise growth and purposefully chosen locations with diverse demographics that will appreciate our authentic and fusion flavours. "Our menu offers traditional Mediterranean items such as Shawarma wraps, made-from-scratch falafels, hummus, fresh soups, salads and pastries, but we are making our mark within the industry by introducing new, exciting fusion dishes to the menu. "As we continue to grow and expand our franchising programme, we are committed to blending tradition with accessibility and without compromising quality or authenticity." "Shawarma Press expands with new locations and digital kitchens" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks unveils generative AI assistant to support baristas
Starbucks has announced the launch of Green Dot Assist, a generative AI-powered virtual assistant designed to support baristas in real-time. The solution allows partners to ask questions on in-store iPads verbally or via the keyboard and obtain conversational and instant replies, streamlining access to information needed during work. Green Dot Assist offers guidance on drink ingredients, equipment troubleshooting and staffing issues. Starbucks is piloting the AI assistant in 35 coffeehouses, with more to follow. Its launch is a step forward in the chain's focus on decreasing friction, streamlining operations and providing time for partners to prepare beverages and connect with clients. The coffee giant showcased the technology to more than 14,000 North American store managers at its Leadership Experience in Las Vegas. A broad launch is planned across Canada and the US by the chain's fiscal year 2026. Starbucks chief technology officer Deb Hall Lefevre was quoted by CNBC: 'It's just another example of how innovation technology is coming into service of our partners and making sure that we're doing all we can to simplify the operations, make their jobs just a little bit easier, maybe a little bit more fun, so that they can do what they do best.' In addition to Green Dot Assist, Starbucks is previewing its next-generation point-of-sale (POS) system, which aims to improve order accuracy, uptime [the time in which machinery is in operation] and partner workflow. The chain is testing pilot menu innovations via the Starting Five programme, in which select locations in the US trial new products. The introduction of the AI assistant follows a recent leadership reshuffle at Starbucks, with North America chief coffeehouse officer Mike Grams promoted to chief operating officer (COO). The chain has also unveiled a strategic price decrease for its tea-based beverages in its second-largest market, China. "Starbucks unveils generative AI assistant to support baristas" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
