Various Eateries says its revenue rose to £24.7m, up 8.8% year-on-year, driven primarily by contributions from new site openings.
Like-for-like sales during the period were flat, which it says was a result of the later timing of Easter this year, but have since risen 1.3% in the five weeks of post-period trading.
Site-level EBITDA increased by 81% on the prior year, with group profitability also ahead of 2024, supported by ongoing operational improvements and a focus on service.
CEO Mark Loughborough, who joined the business earlier this year, says the group has grown despite minimal price rises and that the first-half trading ‘reflects the efforts made across the business to strengthen operations and establish a solid platform for long-term growth’.
“Like-for-like sales for the year to date have been positive, driven by strong performances from proven, all-season venues such as Coppa Club Tower Bridge and Tavolino,” he says.
“Our outlook is further supported by a significant improvement in profitability.
“In my first weeks as CEO, I’ve spent time with teams across the business and gained a detailed view of our estate and how we operate. I’ve been encouraged not only by the capability, energy and structure in place, but also by the quality of the food, service and overall guest experience being delivered across the Group. The combination of these strengths gives me real optimism about what we can achieve.
“While the external environment is not without its challenges, the enhancements made to the business have put it on a firm footing. The Group has grown despite minimal price rises, maintaining its strategy of absorbing most price increases and prioritising customer satisfaction over short-term profit.
“This Group still has many levers to pull and is in a strong position to absorb any external head winds.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to take a disciplined and measured approach to expansion but do so with steadily growing confidence.”
Various Eateries says it remains on track to meet full-year expectations.