Steve Richards will talk strategy and growth at the Arena summer event
By Berenice, Thursday 2 June 2016
The casual dining sector is often heralded the success story of the foodservice and hospitality industry, enjoying dynamic growth and domination of the high street and leisure sites. On Monday 11 July at The Arena Summer Event 2016, Steve Richards, CEO of Casual Dining Group, one of the largest mid-market restaurant groups in the UK, will talk about the creation of the business, its strategy for growth, and give his honest opinion on the future of the 'golden sector'.
Steve Richards has spent over 25 years in senior management roles within large-scale, multiple-site leisure and hospitality businesses. The former managing director of Scottish & Newcastle PLC and Spirit Group, and CEO of Novus Leisure, Steve had the necessary experience, business acumen, ambition and vision to transform Casual Dining Group (formerly Tragus), creating the successful growth business that we see today, employing over 10,000 people, and serving more than 20 million meals at 300 restaurant locations.
Attendees will learn about the creation of Casual Dining Group and the strategy behind the business and its leading mass-market brands Bella Italia, Café Rouge and Las Iguanas. Steve will share the dramatic and decisive plan that refocused and reinvigorated the business in 2014 to significantly transform the historic structure of the business and create a robust platform for growth. This included an exit from Strada, the transformation of its core brands Bella Italia and Café Rouge, the acquisition of two businesses including Las Iguanas, and an operational overhaul that introduced brand autonomy. Plus an opening programme that has seen 42 new restaurants launch in the past 12 months.
He will also share the vision for doubling Casual Dining Group's diverse portfolio to 600 restaurants, and the scope for further acquisitions and its move into international territories, notably Asia and the Middle East.
Complementing Steve Richard's address, the international full service market research agency YouGov will present its latest industry data. Attendees will gain valuable insight into key market sectors, consumer eating out habits and key growth opportunities.
The excellent and beneficial opportunity to engage with professionals from across the foodservice and hospitality industry also awaits Arena Summer Event attendees
Tickets to the popular event are available now. Click here for more information and to buy tickets online or contact Lorraine Wood by email or on 07803 853 618.