Blog - Page 2 - Ceres Shop

St Pancras International Welcomes New Restaurant Shake Shack

Posted by Emma on 28th Mar 2024

Shake Shack is set to launch its inaugural train station outlet in the UK at the bustling St Pancras International, marking a significant expansion of the American burger franchise. Slated for an e … read more

£63 rise in statutory sick pay is overdue, MPs say

Posted by Emma on 28th Mar 2024

Members of Parliament (MPs) have deemed an increase in statutory sick pay (SSP) both necessary and overdue, emphasising the importance of finding a middle ground that supports employees without ove … read more

Proposal to Extend National Living Wage to 18+

Posted by Emma on 28th Mar 2024

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) proposes a significant shift towards economic fairness by recommending that the government extend the National Living Wage eligibility to individuals aged 18, down from … read more

When Food Delivery Goes Wrong: A Grievous Assault Case

Posted by Emma on 27th Mar 2024

In a startling event, a delivery rider, Jenniffer Rocha, 35, has admitted to grievously injuring a customer by biting off his thumb. The incident, which unfolded near the victim's home in Aldershot … read more

Restaurant Owner Jailed Over £30K Covid Loan Fraud

Posted by Emily on 27th Mar 2024

A Turkish restaurant owner was imprisoned after being convicted of fraudulently acquiring a £30,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan and attempting to dissolve his company without alerting his creditors. Ilh … read more

Kate Nicholls OBE Appointed as National Chair of the Institute of Licensing

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) is proud to announce the election of Kate Nicholls OBE as its new National Chair, starting 1st April 2024 along side her role as chair of UKHospitality. Alongs … read more

Settlement Awarded in Uber Eats Facial Recognition Bias Case

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

An Uber Eats driver, subjected to racially biased facial-recognition technology, has secured a settlement. Pa Edrissa Manjang's experience with the app's Microsoft-powered verification system led t … read more

Gail's Bakery CEO Refutes Sale Speculation

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

Tom Molnar, CEO and co-founder of Gail's Bakery, has clarified recent speculations about the company being put up for sale, labelling such rumours as 'inaccurate'. Despite a report from Sky News … read more

Little Caesars Pizza Marks Its London Entry

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

The American pizza chain Little Caesars has inaugurated its inaugural London branch in Greenford. Franchisee Rajan Sandhu leads this venture and follows closely after the brand's new outlet in Top … read more

43 Papa Johns Locations to Close in UK Business Revamp

Posted by Emily on 26th Mar 2024

In a bold move towards optimising its business for future growth, Papa Johns has announced the closure of 43 of its restaurants across the UK. This decision is part of a comprehensive business revi … read more

Whitbread Refocuses: Pubs Out, Premier Inns Up

Posted by Emma on 26th Mar 2024

Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn hotels, actively seeks to sell or repurpose approximately a third of its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre pubs. This decision emerged after evaluating the company's 400-s … read more

JD Wetherspoon Achieves Record Sales Despite Reduced Pub Count

Posted by Emma on 22nd Mar 2024

JD Wetherspoon has unveiled impressive half-year results, showcasing a significant sales increase, nearly reaching the £1bn mark. Over the 26 weeks leading up to January 28, 2024, the company witne … read more

Our Conversation with Paul Goodgame on TCG's Acquisition of Toffs of Muswell Hill

Posted by Emma on 21st Mar 2024

The Chesterford Group (TCG) is thrilled to announce its acquisition of the esteemed Toffs fish and chip restaurant in Muswell Hill, marking a significant expansion. This strategic move took place o … read more

Greggs Successfully Overcomes Technical Glitch, Resuming Normal Operations

Posted by Emily on 21st Mar 2024

In a swift response to this morning's technical difficulties, Greggs has effectively rectified the issue that necessitated the temporary closure of several of its UK outlets. The disruption, primar … read more

McDonald's Exits Sri Lanka

Posted by Emma on 20th Mar 2024

In a decisive move, McDonald's has ended its partnership in Sri Lanka, leading to the closure of all 12 outlets within the country, as confirmed by the company's legal representative, Sanath Wijewa … read more

Boosting UK Tourism: The Urgent Need for Increased Funding

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

The Tourism Alliance, representing 70 industry bodies, has spotlighted a critical underinvestment in the UK's tourism sector. With only 81p allocated per capita for international marketing, the … read more

Coca-Cola Bottler Demands Action on Recycling Before Election

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, the sole licensed bottler for Coca-Cola in Europe, is pressing the UK government to enact a deposit return scheme (DRS) law for single-use drink containers before th … read more

Knoops: Crafting the Future of Hot Chocolate, One Shop at a Time

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

William Gordon-Harris, the driving force behind Knoops, a burgeoning hot chocolate brand, harbours grand ambitions. What began as a serendipitous encounter with a small artisan shop in Rye has f … read more

Nespresso Dives Into the UK Coffee Scene with Its Premier Café

Posted by Emma on 18th Mar 2024

In the bustling coffee market of the UK, dominated by giants like Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Pret a Manger, Nespresso is making a bold move. The brand, famously endorsed by George Clooney and Dav … read more

New Apprenticeship Funding Boost for Small Businesses

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

The UK Government has announced significant reforms to the apprenticeship system to support small businesses and enhance workforce development. As of 1 April, small businesses will benefit from ful … read more

Hospital-Linked Listeria Outbreak Claims Lives, Inquest Finds

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

An inquest into the tragic deaths of two patients at Manchester Royal Infirmary reveals a concerning link to chicken mayonnaise sandwiches tainted with listeria. Beverley Sowah, a 57-year-old retir … read more

Record Surge in Pub Insolvencies Marks a Decade-High

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

The UK pub industry faced a severe challenge in 2023, witnessing nearly 800 insolvencies, the highest figure in over ten years. Data from Price Bailey, a leading accountancy firm, reveals that 769 … read more

From Sprite to Evian: The Label-Less Revolution in Beverage Packaging

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

In a pioneering move towards sustainability, Coca-Cola has embarked on an experiment in the UK by removing labels from Sprite bottles. This trial is not just about reducing packaging waste; it's a … read more

Brighter Days Ahead for Prezzo

Posted by Emily on 18th Mar 2024

Prezzo's financial landscape is looking up after a pivotal year. In 2023, the restaurant chain achieved profitability, a testament to its extensive restructuring efforts. This turnaround followed a … read more

McDonald's Responds to Consumers Eating at Home

Posted by Emily on 17th Mar 2024

In the face of economic constraints, McDonald's has observed a trend where more consumers, particularly those with limited income, are opting to dine at home instead of eating out. According to McD … read more

McDonald's Focus Shifts: Size Over Premium

Posted by Emily on 17th Mar 2024

McDonald's has determined that its customers prefer larger, more fulfilling burgers over premium options. CFO Ian Borden revealed at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference that this approach … read more

McDonald's Points to Third-Party Provider for Global Service Interruption

Posted by Emma on 17th Mar 2024

McDonald's attributed the technical issues that halted its operations last Friday to a third-party service provider. The worldwide disruption affected order-taking in critical markets, incl … read more

Greggs Announces Generous Staff Bonuses Following a Record-Breaking Profit Year

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

In a display of exceptional financial performance, Greggs will distribute £17.6 million in bonuses among its employees, celebrating a remarkable 27% increase in annual profits. This announcement co … read more

Greggs to Boost UK Presence with New Distribution Centre in Northamptonshire

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

Greggs has announced its strategy to strengthen its retail network by constructing a new distribution centre in the Kettering/Corby area of Northamptonshire. This initiative is part of a strategic … read more

Turning the Tables: Honest Burgers' Path to Expansion and Profit

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

Honest Burgers is set on expanding its footprint following a significant loss reduction for the fiscal year ending 29 January 2023. The brand witnessed a turnover surge of 26% to £48.3 million, … read more

Domino's UK Growth Strategy Amidst First Quarter Challenges

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

Domino's Pizza Group, the UK franchisee of the globally recognised pizza chain, has navigated the first quarter of 2024 with strategic foresight despite facing a slower growth pace. The company sig … read more

McDonald's Encounters Global System Disruptions, Affecting Operations in Japan, Australia, and Hong Kong

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

McDonald's has experienced significant operational setbacks due to system disruptions that have led to the halting of operations at numerous outlets across Japan. Reports of similar technical chall … read more

Card Surcharge Leads to Fine for Anglesey Chip Shop Owner

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

An Anglesey-based chip shop owner has faced legal consequences for imposing an additional fee on customers who pay via bank card. Duran Sasmaz, who runs Aran Fish and Chip Shop in Llangefni, incurr … read more

Deliveroo Achieves £20M Reduction in Compensation Costs

Posted by Emily on 15th Mar 2024

In a strategic push to enhance service quality, Deliveroo has announced a significant decrease in compensation expenses, amounting to a savings of more than £20 million in the past year. The compan … read more

Sweet Heat: Crafting Your Own Thai Chilli Sauce

Posted by Emma on 13th Mar 2024

Treat your customers with this homemade Thai sweet chilli sauce or nam chim kai. A single batch, and you'll wonder why you ever opted for store-bought. This sauce isn't just a favourite of mine for … read more

Fry Magazine Announces the Best UK Fish & Chips of 2024: See the Winners

Posted by Emily on 13th Mar 2024

Fry Magazine's annual recognition of the UK's premier fish & chip takeaways and restaurants has just announced its 2024 winners. These awards highlight the industry's gold standards in food qua … read more

The Ultimate Japanese Curry with Ceres Sauce

Posted by Stelios on 13th Mar 2024

Japanese Curry is the ultimate comfort food, known for its unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours in a thick, delicious sauce. With Ceres Curry Sauce as your starting point, creating this … read more

McDonald's Temporarily Closes for Deep Cleaning Following Unusual Pet Feeding Incident

Posted by Emily on 13th Mar 2024

In an unexpected turn of events, a McDonald's outlet in East Sussex temporarily shut down after a patron brought live insects into the establishment to feed them to a pet snake. The incident, which … read more

Budget Breakdown: Jeremy Hunt's Latest Financial Blueprint

Posted by Emily on 9th Mar 2024

Jeremy Hunt announced several measures in his latest Budget in a significant speech that will influence the UK's economic direction. These measures are crucial for individuals and businesses as the … read more

Trade Associations Lobby for Fair Business Rates Adjustment

Posted by Emily on 7th Mar 2024

Leading trade associations, including UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association, have urgently appealed to the Chancellor to adjust the forthcoming April business rates to reflect curr … read more

2024 Budget Overview: Key Takeaways for the Hospitality Sector

Posted by Emma on 7th Mar 2024

The hospitality sector expressed disappointment following Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's unveiling of the 2024 Budget. Despite high hopes, the industry's call for a VAT reduction went unheeded. In what i … read more

Gaucho Launches VAT-Free Lunch to Advocate for Hospitality VAT Reduction

Posted by Emily on 6th Mar 2024

In a strategic move, Gaucho has announced it will offer a VAT-free lunch every Friday throughout March, starting on the 8th. This initiative will be available at all 10 of Gaucho's central London l … read more

Opinion - Surge Pricing Like Your Uber Fare

Posted by Stelios on 5th Mar 2024

Imagine a future where the price of your fish and chips fluctuates based on the time of day. This future is closer than it might seem. The concept, known as "dynamic pricing," has made headlines wi … read more

The Business Guide to Dynamic and Surge Pricing Models

Posted by Emma on 2nd Mar 2024

Dynamic pricing and surge pricing are pivotal strategies in the modern business landscape, offering flexibility and responsiveness to market demands. Understanding the nuances between these models … read more

Battered but Unbeaten: Charlie Collins on Winning Customers and Cutting Costs

Posted by Emma on 2nd Mar 2024

In episode 147 of the Ceres Podcast, the return of Charlie Collins, who previously appeared in episode 62, brings an insightful exploration of the resilience and strategic adaptation required in th … read more

Hyatt and IHG Triumph in 2023: Record Profits and Expansion Amid Surging Travel Demand

Posted by Emma on 2nd Mar 2024

In the competitive hospitality sector, Hyatt and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reported significant growth and expansion in 2023, reflecting a strong demand for travel and a robust performanc … read more

Covid Loan Fraud Leads to Suspended Sentence for Takeaway Owner

Posted by Emily on 2nd Mar 2024

Zaman Shaa, the former director of Shaa Ventures Ltd., which operated Chutneys Indian Takeaway in Salisbury, faced legal consequences for misappropriating a Covid relief loan. In August 2020, Shaa … read more

Beyond the Fryer: John Molnar's Vision for The Cod's Scallops

Posted by Emma on 2nd Mar 2024

In this engaging episode 146 of the Ceres Podcast, we reconnect with John Molnar, the force behind The Cod's Scallops. With outlets spread across Nottingham and an outpost in Harborne, Birming … read more

Wendy's Clarifies Pricing Strategy Amid Dynamic Pricing Speculation

Posted by Emily on 1st Mar 2024

Wendy's recently addressed rumours about altering its pricing model to charge more during peak hours. The speculation was sparked by comments from Wendy's CEO, Kirk Tanner, which were widely misint … read more

Papa John's Announces Closure of 50 UK Outlets to Cut Losses

Posted by Emily on 1st Mar 2024

Papa John's has announced plans to shut down around 50 company-owned restaurants across the UK. This decision is part of a strategic move to address financial losses and enhance operational effi … read more

Spotlight on Excellence: National Fish and Chip Awards Unveil 2024 Winners Full List

Posted by Emma on 1st Mar 2024

The National Fish and Chip Awards is a hallmark event celebrating the pinnacle of the fish and chip industry. Hosted by comedian Rob Beckett, the ceremony highlighted domestic achievements and ackn … read more

Whiteheads Fish and Chips: Setting the Sustainability Bar High

Posted by Emma on 1st Mar 2024

Whiteheads Fish and Chips, located in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, has been awarded the prestigious title of the UK's leading fish and chip shop in environmental stewardship at the National Fish and Ch … read more

Rising Star: Jamie Russo Clinches Young Fish Frier 2024 Title

Posted by Emma on 1st Mar 2024

Jamie Russo of Redcloak Fish Bar in Stonehaven, Scotland, has been awarded the prestigious Drywite Young Fish Frier of the Year 2024. Winning this accolade places him in the esteemed company of pas … read more