Marstons VideoNews Spring 2014
Hello and welcome to the first edition of the Marston's Pub Franchise News Program, set to keep you up to date with the latest news and events from within the Marston's franchise network.
Firstly, a big congratulations and welcome to our newest franchisees.
Caroline Weatherston joined us at the Poverina in Normanby in September having previously worked for us as a Pub Manager. At only 30 years of age she is one of Marston's youngest franchisees and feels that the experience she gained through working as a Pub Manager played a key role in equipping her with the skills and knowledge required to become a franchisee. Running the Poverina is just the start for Caroline as her ambition is to have five pubs within the next ten years.
David and Sally Miller took over the White Harte in Kinver at the end of November following an extensive £100,000 refurbishment. David, a trained chef, and Sally bring a wealth of experience to the franchise network having successfully run their own business for the past 20 years, specialising in the provision of social work and social care training services. Sally's daughter Rebecca will also be utilising her talents to head up the kitchen team.
if they join us as a franchisee the bonus is yours! At present, we have the Crown in Albrighton, The Rose and Crown in Chellaston and the Catchems in Swadlincote available, alongside opportunities within the South, North East and Midlands that are due to arise shortly. For further details please speak with your Area Operations Manager.
Congratulations to Andrew Edwards who has recently opened his second franchise site in Wales. Andrew became a franchisee at the Monkstone in Cardiff in April 2013 and six months later he has now opened the doors to the Barn in Llantrisant following a stunning £100,000 refurbishment. He is now Marston's third franchisee to have two sites up and running, with ambitious plans to add another three sites to his portfolio within the next four years.
Aaron Stewart and his team at the Fairway in Sheffield were busy in the run up to Christmas supporting a local charity event called Home Alone which provides lunch, entertainment and a host of festive treats for homeless and lonely people across Sheffield. The team raised around £1,000 for the day and much to our delight, organiser Gloria Stewart appeared on the ITV show Surprise Surprise in December, being serenaded by Olly Murs and given a £4,000 cheque toward the event! Aaron and his team have already started fund-raising for the occasion again this year and are aiming to raise £5,000 this time around.
We've gotten 2014 off to a flying start with the introduction of two new, limited edition menus. First is the tantalizing 'Saints & Sinners', available from 7th January to 28th February which includes an assorted combination of both low calorie and indulgent dishes. Second is our Valentine's menu which runs from 10th to 16th February. Customers can choose from either a 2 or 3 course set menu comprising a range of romantic cuisine including 'Love Me Tender' rump steak and 'Eternal Flame' curry, whilst 'Love Heart' cocktails and milkshakes are the order of the day on drinks.
Last but not least, congratulations to all of our franchisees for an excellent performance over Christmas. We're pleased to announce that sales in all of our sites were up on last year during the period from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day with some pubs in particular performing exceptionally well. In third place was Carline Weatherston at the Poverina with a take of £10,325. In second place, Dean and Paul at the Crow's Nest, taking £14,535 and in first place, with an exceptional take of £16,317 is Aaron and his team at the Fairway. A huge well done to all involved!
That's all from us for now. Keep an eye out for the next edition in Spring where we'll once again be giving you the lowdown on all of the latest activity from within our franchise network.
Thanks for watching.
A Day Trip to Dinosaur Park & Tenby Beach...
I visited the 'Dinosaur Park' & Tenby Beach in West Wales with Marnie & Angie last week, this is a brief run down of the highlights of the day... Had to film it on my iPhone more out of convenience than by design... Enjoy!!!