Marston’s “very pleased” with franchise roll-out and targets over 50 pubs
Marston’s said it is “very pleased” with the rollout of its franchise-style model in a number of its food-led pubs.
The pub group operates 717 drinks-led pubs under its franchise-style model, and began trialling the same system in 13 food-led sites. It said that sales growth in these pubs had exceeded its broader food business.
As a result, Marston’s expects the number of its food-led partnerships to increase to over 50 locations.
This comes as the operator releases its trading update for the 42 weeks to 22 July 2023, during which sales were up on a like-for-like basis by 10.7% compared to the previous year.
In the 16 weeks to 22 July, sales increased by 10.9% on a like-for-like basis, reflecting the warm weather in June. Marston’s said the sunshine enabled it to maximise the return on its investment in outdoor trading areas undertaken before the summer
Marston’s total retail sales in its managed and franchised pubs for the entire period were up by 12.0% against last year.
Andrew Andrea, CEO of Marston’s, said: “We remain focused on delivering on our debt reduction strategy and continue to make good progress in that regard. Whilst macro-economic challenges persist for the time being, we remain encouraged by the group’s trading resilience and that the pub remains an affordable treat for our guests. An improving cost outlook, together with the actions we are taking to maximise efficiencies, leaves Marston’s well-placed to navigate through ongoing economic headwinds”.
In March, Marston’s put 61 pubs on the market, as it looked to focus on maximising returns within its core estate.