Katie’s presentation will preview Lumina’s brand-new Food to Go Market Report, with market information and a review of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Using data from Lumina’s proprietary Menu Tracker tool, Katie will highlight price increases, food and drink innovation and operator menu management strategies.

In this presentation, Ashley will explore how operators can maintain the magic of hospitality and customer service when combining the benefits of digital support. She will also demonstrate how an omnichannel approach can support and drive brand awareness and profitability for restaurants.

As hybrid work become further ingrained into office culture, food-to-go spend remains concentrated on some days and displaced on others. Meanwhile, day-to-day convenience spending remains under pressure as cost-of-living pressures enter a second year. In this insight presentation, Paul will examine the distinctive transactional trends being seen in different demographic groups, geographies and price-points, and what impact this might have on operators’ future openings strategies and performance.

Since its launch in 2016, build-your-own pizza concept Fireaway has grown to over 160 UK stores. Boasting eye-catching design and innovative menus, the success of its entrepreneurial founder is regularly featured on YouTube. In this interview, Mario will describe how he has used franchising to create a differentiated addition to the high street, with enduring appeal particularly among younger demographics.

Pret has taken a different approach to its growth strategy since 2020 and a key part of that has been developing its franchise business for the first time. Through its new franchise model, Pret has moved away from ‘following the skyscraper’, to focus on bringing the brand to more people by opening up shops in new towns and cities across the UK, and in new channels and formats such as motorway services, shopping centres, airports, railway stations. Over 20 per cent of Pret’s UK shop estate is now operated by franchise partners, and growth through these partners is a key priority moving forwards. Most recently, Pret opened its first shop in Northern Ireland together with long-standing partner Carebook Ltd, as part of plans to open 20 shops over the next decade on the island of Ireland. In this keynote session, as Pret continues to expand both in the UK and further afield, UK & Ireland Managing Director Clare Clough will shine a spotlight on the approach Pret is taking, including how it ensures partners embody Pret’s values, and the opportunities for current and prospective franchisees.

With flexible formats and ample space to grow, Krispy Kreme is looking to significantly expand its presence in the UK, where less than a third of people live close to an outlet. UK MD Jamie Dunning will share more about the business of running a ‘joyful brand’, how it has maintained its cool among young people, and new channel growth opportunities such as partnerships with McDonald’s.

A family business founded in 1972 from a farm in Cumbria, Westmorland operates unique motorway service areas, serving artisanal local produce from its farm shops and making many of the products in-house for its kitchens. CEO Nabil Subuh, formerly of Welcome Break, Pret and Coffee Republic, will explain the community values of Westmorland, and how its mantra of ‘proper food on the motorway’ stands it apart from the wider market, winning it customers across geographies and demographics.