Seven of the 11 foodservice markets tracked by the NPD Group’s CREST consumer research experienced traffic gains in the second quarter 2015 vs. the same quarter year prior, the latest quarter for which NPD has publicly released data for the 11 major foodservice markets it tracks worldwide. “Optimism, though cautious, abounds throughout the global foodservice…

In its 2016 outlook for the foodservice market in the United Kingdom, Horizons FS Ltd., the London-based foodservice research firm, posits that rapid unit growth in the country during the past decade and a half has created overcapacity that will hold down same-store sales for the foreseeable future. “Relentless growth amongst group operators has driven…

A favorable macroeconomic environment in the U.S. is driving operator-sales growth rates to levels not seen since 2007, according to the 2016 foodservice industry forecast revision released by Technomic Inc. on Jan. 12, just as we uploaded this newsletter. The Chicago-based foodservice research firm predicts total 2016 industry real sales will grow 2.4%, after factoring…

Updated data from Technomic is on the way.

Pizza Express is a major presence in the U.K. and Ireland—where it has more than 450 restaurants, including 19 opened last year. Now it has stepped up its footprint in Asia after being sold to Chinese investment group Hony Capital in 2014 for around £900 million (US$1.3 billion). The fast-casual chain has opened eight units…

Casual-dining brand Pancake House is expanding to the United Arab Emirates as part of the global expansion plan of its parent, Max’s Group Inc. The deal was signed with Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Group to build at least eight of the concept’s units in the UAE in the next five years. The Pancake House, like parent…

Leon Restaurants, the London-based “healthy” quick-service chain, plans to launch in Holland this year. The move onto the continent comes soon after Leon ramped up its domestic expansion. The concept, which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as roasted vegetable salads and sweet potato falafels, opened its first outlet in 2004 on London’s Carnaby Street and turned…

Azzurri, which owns 250-plus Ask Italian, Zizzi and Coco di Mama restaurants, says it has invested a record amount in opening and refurbishing restaurants over the past year. The company spent a record £18.6 milllion (US$26.8 million) to open seven restaurants—four under the Ask brand, and three as Zizzi—and carry out 35 refurbishments. Now the…

Gill Ashton Publishing, LLC, parent of Foodservice Equipment Reports and its foodservice equipment- and supplies-oriented media, including Worldwide Report, has been acquired by Wolters-Althoff Investments, LLC. GAP was founded in 1996 when it began publishing FER magazine. WAI, based in Chicago, is the private equity and venture capital arm of the Wolters Family Office headed…

Itsu, the London-based sushi shop concept launched by Pret a Manger co-founder Julian Metcalfe in 1997, is looking to expand internationally over the next three years. It recently received the funding from HSBC of £40 million ($US61 million) to do so. “Itsu is a dynamic fast-food retailer with high growth prospects, a respected brand and…