Moves
Tragus boss is new chairman of NRG
Graham Turner, boss of Tragus Holdings, which owns the Café Rouge and Strada chains, has been appointed the new chairman of the re-named National Restaurants Group (NRG). NRG, previously the Restaurant Chains Group, is a committee of major branded-restaurant companies set up by the British Hospitality Association.
It was created in 2006 and its first chairman was Tony Hughes, then of Mitchells & Butlers (M&B). Members of the 18-strong group include, Carluccio's, McDonald's, M&B, Paramount, the Restaurant Group, Pizza Express, Burger King, Starbucks and Whitbread.
In all, the group represents more than 12,000 UK outlets employing 175,000 staff. Graham Turner said he believed that the new title of the group gave a clearer indication of the size and economic importance of the chain sector within the hospitality industry.
Bavaria UK boosts development team
Bavaria UK has appointed Kevin O'Gorman and Lynsey McDonald to continue development of the German Bavaria beer brand across on-trade outlets.
O'Gorman joins Bavaria to develop sales across draught and packaged formats, with specific focus on the imported Bavaria premium lager and Bavaria alcohol-free lager. He has held senior sales management positions at InBev and Whitbread.
McDonald joins the Bavaria on-trade development team to develop distribution of Bavaria packaged products, and to continue growing the brand's market share.
Bavaria UK sales director Mike Teague said: "We are delighted with our brand development, particularly Bavaria alcohol-free lager, which experienced an immense growth rate of almost 200% in the first quarter of this year, achieving 9.3% market share.
The additional on-trade focus is a significant move for Bavaria in the UK. It will enable us to build on Bavaria's reputation for quality in the take-home market and broaden our appeal to consumers who can now enjoy our lager at home or out and about."
Wilson to head up Botanist gastropub
Shannon Wilson, finalist in this year's PubChef awards, is to head up London-based gastropub operators Tom and Ed Martin's new site. The Botanist, in Sloane Square, is the Martin brothers'
sixth pub.
Wilson, who impressed judges in the seafood category, was head chef at another of the pubco's sites, the White Swan, in Fetter Lane. Wilson will serve up mid-morning breakfasts — including grilled kipper on toast with poached egg — and afternoon tea.
The brothers Martin have also purchased a seventh pub — a former Deux Beers pub in London's Hatton Garden — which will open as the Hat & Tun in October.
