Member Article

Little Olympic benefit for pub and restaurant chain

Pub and restaurant operator Mitchells & Butlers plc say there was “little discernible” impact on sales from the Olympics.

Despite this, the company reported like-for-like sales growth of 3% in the 9 weeks to September 15, as full year operating margins are still expected to be slightly behind last year as a result of inflationary cost increases, and investment across the business.

Food sales grew 2.9% for the 51 weeks to September 15, while drink sales grew by 1.4%, for the group that operate brands such as O’Neills, Toby Carvery and Browns.

Bob Ivell, Executive Chairman, commented: “Trading has held up well over the summer despite the generally adverse weather. Our business transformation programme remains on track, driving a sharp focus on enhanced guest service and increased cost efficiency.

We look forward to welcoming Alistair Darby next month as Chief Executive and working with him to continue to grow the business, whilst seeking to further strengthen the Board with the appointment of independent Non-Executive Directors.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .