Hospitality Today July-Aug 2016 | Page 2

2 | Hospitality Today | June/July 2016 Steve Richards, CEO, Casual Dining Group speaks at the Arena Summer Event Monday 11th July 2016 at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London 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, Steve Richards, CEO of Casual Dining Group 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 largescale, 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 – including a programme of openings that has seen 42 new restaurants launch in the past year. 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. Industry Insight from YouGov Complementing Steve Richard’s address, YouGov will present its latest industry data, and insight into key market sectors, consumer eating out habits and key growth opportunities. Event Timings 10.30-11.15am Registration and coffee 11.15am Industry insight with YouGov 12.00pm Drinks reception 1.00pm Three-course seated lunch 2.30pm Steve Richards speech and audience Q&A 3.15pm Cash bar and networking 4.30pm Close Event Location Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA For more information and to buy tickets, click HERE or call 07803 853 618.