Business
The room, the economics and the people who run restaurants for a living.
Latest
Hospitality VAT cut: 800 businesses press Burnham on 10%
Chefs from Tom Kerridge to Heston Blumenthal and chains from Wagamama to Wetherspoon want the rate halved to 10%. The Treasury says any cut must be fully funded.
Pernod Ricard fiscal 2026 sales fall nearly 4%
The spirits group's organic net sales dropped nearly 4% worldwide and 14% in the US for the year to June 2026, with CEO Alexandre Ricard naming ready-to-drink cocktails a growth priority.
CDC declares cyclospora outbreak over after 12,883 cases
According to the agency, the outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce caused illness across 21 states, including at least 570 hospitalisations and two deaths, before it ended.
O'Charley's shuts all 49 company-owned restaurants
The 55-year-old Nashville chain shutters every corporate dining room in 13 states as owner Cannae Holdings redirects capital toward sports and entertainment bets.
Red Lobster closures shrink chain to 484 sites
The US seafood chain has closed 36 restaurants in 2026, passing 160 since its 2024 bankruptcy, as new owner Fortress keeps cutting its footprint.
Chipotle enters South Korea with a Seoul joint venture
Chipotle opened its first Asian restaurant in Seoul on September 2, entering South Korea through a joint venture with Sangmidang Holdings instead of a license.
Whitbread shuts all Beefeater and Brewers Fayre sites
Premier Inn's owner has closed its last standalone restaurants, ending six brands and around 3,800 jobs as it bets everything on hotel rooms.
Chester Grosvenor to close as new operator takes over
The five-AA-red-star hotel shuts on 30 September after safety concerns, with Martin Property Group planning a two-year refurbishment.
Southern Glazer's pays $12.5m in US bribery settlement
The wine and spirits distributor resolves a federal investigation into payments made to retail buyers in California between 2016 and 2024, prosecutors say.
Wolfgang Puck ends a 29-year run at Disney Springs
Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill serves its last brunch and dinner on 13 September, the third and final Puck concept at the Walt Disney World complex to close.
Authentic Restaurant Brands secures $325m for growth
Trimontium structures a flexible $325 million package for the Austin group behind Pollo Tropical and Primanti Bros, funding new openings and acquisitions.
Denny's closures add five diners in Minnesota and Wisconsin
The franchisee M15 Inc. shut four restaurants in Minnesota and one in Wisconsin on 3 September and said it intends to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
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