The awards, organised by BigHospitality's sister title MCA, saw senior leaders of the eating and drinking out sector father at The Guildhall in London last night (23 March).
Karen Jones, chair of Prezzo, Hawksmoor and Mowgli, was named Retailers’ Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Uber Eats, as voted by an academy made up of senior UK operators and MCA subscribers. While Jones' main job sees her running Prezzo, she was recognised for her extracurricular activities, which include sitting as chair across multiple businesses and being an independent advisor to the Crown Estate, sitting on Imbiba’s advisory board and chairing Frontier Pubs, a JV with Stonegate.
Behind the scenes, she also co-chairs the Hospitality Sector Council, a collaboration with the government to find solutions to pressing issues such as labour shortages and supply chain challenges.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Asahi, was awarded to outgoing Greggs chief executive Roger Whiteside. During nearly 10 years leading Greggs, Whiteside is credited with transforming the bakery business from a Northeast icon into a truly national business. Announcing his retirement earlier this year, he was well known in the sector before Greggs, having previously led Punch Taverns.
Dishoom was once again crowned winner of the Best Company award, sponsored by Diversey Zenith Hygiene. The business has continued to impress with its constant improvement and a philosophy of doing the right thing. Not content with running eight restaurants, the team have also tried their hand at delivery, cook and home and recipe books with characteristic confidence.
Best Concept, sponsored by Aspall, was awarded to competitive socialising concept Flight Club. The business, operated by Red Engine, has reinvented darts for the modern age and has bounced back strongly after lockdown as consumers look for fun experiences.
All-day neighbourhood restaurant group Megan’s was named the winner of Emerging Concept award, sponsored by Lumina Intelligence. Founded by Becky McKevitt, Megan’s is known for its magical interiors and ‘filthily delicious food’, with the group currently operating 15 sites and continuing to grow.
Eataly Liverpool Street took home the award for Best New Opening, sponsored by Chapman Ventilation. Originally founded in Turin in 2007, Eataly has grown to more than 40 locations around the world, including New York, Milan and Dubai. It launched in London to much fanfare in May 2021, with the Liverpool Street location proving an instant hit.
The Evolution Award, sponsored by Vita Mojo, was won by Leon. One of several city operators that were impacted by a drop in footfall, Leon took the challenges in its stride, successfully restructuring the business. It went on to secure a new owner in forecourt giant EG Group, allowing it to fast-track its expansion into travel hubs, which has seen it launch its first drive-thru site, with more to come.
A new award for this year, International Newcomer, was awarded to Popeyes. As one of several fast-food brands to make a mark on Britain, Popeyes stood out for its viral marketing, ambitious opening target and high calibre management team.
Gail’s acquisition by Bain Capital was recognised at Deal of the Year, sponsored by AlixPartners. Gail’s Bakery saw strong sales in the past two years as people worked from home. Its premium positioning was tempting enough for Bain Capital Credit, who in partnership with EBITDA Investments, took a bite of the bread-maker in a deal valuing it at more than £200m.
Other winners on the night included Thunderbird Fried Chicken, Pho and Rosa’s Thai backer TriSpan, which was named as Investor of the Year; McDonald’s, which took home the Best Use of Tech award, sponsored by Stint; and Nando’s, which won the inaugural Sustainability Award, sponsored by Pernod Ricard.