The Happy Belly Food Group, a consolidator of food brands, has unveiled a significant expansion for its Yolks Breakfast brand with a five-unit franchise agreement in Ontario, Canada. This deal marks the first multi-unit franchise agreement for Yolks, a boutique restaurant brand renowned for its breakfast and brunch offerings in the Vancouver area. Sean Black, Chief Investment Officer of Happy Belly, remarked that the agreement signifies the company’s first five of 20 units committed for Yolks Breakfast in Ontario under the area development agreement. Black stated, “The breakfast category is one of the hottest and fastest-growing sectors of the restaurant…
Author: Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock
Sam Allcock is a seasoned journalist and editor with a deep passion for the culinary arts. With over two decades of experience in the world of food writing, Sam has become a distinguished voice in the industry, renowned for his insightful reviews, engaging storytelling, and unwavering commitment to highlighting the finest in gastronomy. As the Editor-in-Chief of Feast Magazine, he leads a dynamic team dedicated to exploring the diverse and ever-evolving culinary landscape. Sam's journey into food journalism began with a childhood fascination for cooking, inspired by his grandmother's kitchen where he first learned the magic of blending flavors and crafting delicious meals. This early love for food led him to pursue a degree in Journalism from the University of Leeds, where he honed his skills in writing and developed a keen eye for detail. Throughout his career, Sam has traveled extensively, tasting and documenting cuisines from around the world. His articles are known for their rich, vivid descriptions and his ability to convey the cultural contexts of the dishes he explores. Whether it's a hidden gem in a bustling city or a traditional dish in a remote village, Sam's work brings the reader right to the heart of the culinary experience. Under Sam's leadership, Feast Magazine has flourished, earning accolades for its in-depth features, exclusive interviews with top chefs, and comprehensive guides to the best dining spots. His editorial vision emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and authenticity in the culinary world, ensuring that the magazine not only entertains but also educates and inspires its readers. Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for food education and sustainable practices. He frequently participates in panels, workshops, and community events, sharing his expertise and fostering a greater appreciation for the art of cooking and the importance of ethical food consumption. In his free time, Sam enjoys experimenting with new recipes, exploring local farmers' markets, and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. His personal blog, where he shares his culinary adventures and recipes, has a loyal following, further cementing his status as a trusted authority in the world of food. Sam Allcock's dedication to his craft and his genuine love for all things culinary make him a pivotal figure in food journalism, continuously inspiring and delighting food enthusiasts around the globe.
British foodservice company SSP Group has broadened its footprint in Finland by inaugurating four new food and beverage outlets at Helsinki central rail station. This move builds upon its established presence in the Finnish airport market. The first two establishments, a Starbucks and an Upper Crust sandwich outlet, have commenced operations. Another two outlets are slated to open in the latter half of 2025. These openings align with Helsinki rail station’s major infrastructure redevelopment endeavor. The initial phase of this expansion will generate 20 jobs, with an additional 20 during the subsequent phase. Helsinki’s art nouveau central station, a prominent…
UK-based premium food delivery platform Supper London has officially ceased all operations, as reported by Restaurantonline.co.uk. The company, recognized for its specialized delivery fleet and direct employment of drivers, closed down after liquidation earlier this year. The decision follows a turbulent period during which the company remained under administration throughout the previous year, despite experiencing a substantial increase in turnover during the Covid-19 pandemic. Documents from the administration, cited by Restaurantonline.co.uk, indicate that Supper London was “consistently profitable,” with the pandemic contributing to a tenfold increase in turnover. This growth prompted a £2.4m ($3.03m) equity and debt fundraising from investment…
A report commissioned by the government suggests that Australian supermarkets should incur fines up to A$10m ($6.6m) for “serious” infringements of the nation’s grocery code. The interim review, released today (8 April) and spearheaded by ex-Small Businesses Minister, Dr Craig Emerson, has recommended that the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct become obligatory. The report emphasises the necessity of enforceable regulations to address the “heavy imbalance in market power” observed between major Australian grocers – namely Woolworths, Coles, Metcash, and Aldi – and their suppliers. Dr Emerson criticised the current voluntary code, stating, “The voluntary code of conduct has no…
Tsingtao Brewery from China has introduced its 0.0 Non-Alcoholic Beer to the US market, joining the expanding segment of zero-alcohol beers and aiming to extend the brand’s appeal. Distributed by Paulaner USA, this non-alcoholic iteration is designed to complement the well-received Tsingtao Premium Lager, targeting health-conscious consumers with its low calorie count of just 63 per bottle. Commenting on the launch, Steve Hauser, President and CEO of Paulaner USA, stated: “With the launch of Tsingtao 0.0, we are tapping into consumers who are reaching for non-alcoholic drinks in their bid to lower their caloric intake. Tsingtao 0.0 provides a great…
An illicit haul of wine, estimated to be worth approximately €60,000, has been confiscated at Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, Ireland. The intervention at this contemporary maritime port in Ireland was initiated after Irish Tax and Customs officials, following risk profiling, impounded around 4,860 litres of wine, valued at nearly €59,200. The illegal consignment of red wine, labelled ‘Doppio Passo Primitivo Rosso 2022’, was found within an accompanied trailer that had arrived on a ferry from Cherbourg, France. This seizure represents a potential loss of over €31,700 to the Exchequer. The individual responsible for transporting the wine is currently under…
AB InBev’s Bud Light is joining forces with the National Football League (NFL) in an effort to stimulate new sales for the lager brand. This collaboration will launch a campaign titled “Easy to Sunday,” featuring fresh television and digital advertisements scheduled for the NFL’s traditional season in the autumn and winter of 2024/2025. Moreover, the brand plans to unveil special edition cans for 23 NFL teams, adorned with the respective team colours, logos, and player illustrations. With the NFL comprising 32 teams, it’s noted by USA Today that not every team has chosen to participate in this Bud Light initiative,…
Blackstone, a prominent US investment firm, has initiated talks to acquire the submarine sandwich franchise Jersey Mike’s, as reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). This potential deal is estimated to value the business at $8bn. The discussions between Blackstone and the New Jersey-headquartered sandwich chain are described as intermittent, with recent talks having decelerated. Nevertheless, Jersey Mike’s is open to exploring a deal with Blackstone or another prospective buyer. Originally established as Mike’s Subs in 1956 along the Jersey Shore in the United States, Jersey Mike’s has witnessed remarkable growth under CEO Peter Cancro, who took ownership in 1975…
Luckin Coffee, a renowned Chinese coffeehouse chain, has broadened its menu with the launch of the SEO Black Cup Gesha series, a new line of single-origin espresso beverages. This exclusive selection, boasting Gesha beans procured from Bench Maji in Ethiopia, is now accessible at all Luckin Coffee outlets throughout Singapore. Sourced by the brand’s dedicated global bean-hunting team, these beans are cultivated at elevations ranging from 1,909m to 2,609m, yielding a unique flavour profile. The Gesha collection encompasses various coffee styles, including Americano, Flat White, Latte, and Dirty, each priced at $4.50. Availability is limited. For new users who download…
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of The London Coffee Festival 2024 Industry Days, slated for the 11th and 12th of April 2024. From the interactive Brew School sessions to the dynamic Latte Art Live zone and the insightful discussions in The Lab, this event promises an enriching experience for the entire coffee community. Prepare to delve into the essence of coffee culture at The London Coffee Festival Industry Days, a gathering point for professionals, enthusiasts, and novices united by their love for coffee. With a showcase of over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food brands, complemented by tastings, live…