CGA Peach reveals 2016 Hero Awards shortlist

More than 60 brands recognised in the industry’s top prizes

CGA Peach has unveiled the shortlists for its 2016 Hero Awards, honouring dozens of outstanding operators across the out-of-home eating and drinking markets.

The shortlists feature almost 60 different brands and companies, plus six individuals, in 14 categories that cover the broad spectrum of restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes. Brands with multiple nominations include Wagamama, Wahaca, YO! Sushi, Pret a Manger, Pho, New World Trading Co, Leon and Franco Manca.

Emerging businesses bidding for the Newcomer of the Year award, include Bao, Darwin & Wallace, Hippo Inns, Levi Roots Caribbean Smokehouse, MOD Pizza and Pint Shop, while top bosses vying for the Leader of the Year accolade include David Campbell of Wagamama, Jonathan Downey of London Union, Simon Emeny of Fuller’s, Jillian MacLean of Drake & Morgan, Steve Richards of Casual Dining Group and Leon’s John Vincent.

Together, the shortlists present a who’s who of operators setting the standards for others to follow in this vibrant industry. All 14 Hero Awards winners will receive their trophies at a special dinner to follow this year’s CGA Peach 2020 Conference at The Brewery in London on Tuesday 23 November. The invitation-only conference and presentation dinner is the industry’s top networking event of the year, and will be attended by around 300 company directors and owner operators.

As well as the Hero Awards, the evening will see the presentation of CGA Peach’s Icon Awards, given to individuals who have left a significant mark on the out of home eating and drinking sectors. There are no shortlists for these Awards.

CGA Peach’s Peter Martin says: “These shortlists are packed with the brands and people who make our industry great, and we salute them all. Competition for our awards is as tough as ever this year – a clear reflection of the competitive landscape and the incredible diversity and dynamism of  the out-of-home food and drink market now. We are looking forward to celebrating with the winners and all shortlisted operators at our Conference and Awards on 23 November.”

 

2016 CGA Peach Awards’ shortlists

INDUSTRY HERO AWARDS

Selected by industry peers

Newcomer

For still fledgling companies and concepts that have made an impact from the start and are tipped for greatness

·      Bao

·      Darwin & Wallace

·      Hippo Inns

·      Levi Roots Caribbean Smokehouse

·      MOD Pizza

·      Pint Shop

 

Breakthrough Brand

For emerging brands moving from a small chain to the mainstream and showing the potential to grow even further

·      Comptoir Libanais

·      Cosy Club

·      Franco Manca

·      Giggling Squid

·      Pho

·      White Brasserie Co

 

Evolutionary Brand

For established concepts and companies which have refreshed and evolved their offer to stay competitive, relevant and growing

·      Alchemist

·      Be At One

·      Bella Italia

·      Leon

·      Pret a Manger

·      Wright Bros

 

Best Destination Opening

For exciting, show-stopping new openings of past 24 months

·      Alberts Schloss (Manchester)

·      Big Easy (Canary Wharf)

·      Botanist (Newcastle)

·      Ceviche (Old Street, London)

·      Drake & Morgan (Kings Cross)

·      German Gymnasium (King’s Cross)

 

Most Admired Brand or Company

For the industry’s most respected concepts and companies as voted for, unprompted, by the sector’s leading operators

·      Franco Manca

·      Leon

·      Pho

·      Pret a Manger

·      Wagamama

·      Wahaca

 

Best Concept

The concepts with stand out offers in an ultra-competitive market

·      Botanist

·      Dinerama

·      Dishoom

·      Franco Manca

·      Itsu

·      Wahaca

 

Best entrepreneurial company (sub 50 sites)

The best small and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 50 locations

·      Breakfast Club

·      Drake & Morgan

·      ETM

·      K10

·      New World Trading Co

·      Pho

 

Best company (50 sites plus)

Honouring the bigger businesses which are now beyond 50 sites

·      Casual Dining Group

·      Fullers

·      Loungers

·      Pret a Manger

·      Nando’s

·      Revolution Bars

·      Wagamama

 

Industry Leader

The industry’s leading lights who have enjoyed a stellar twelve months at the helm

·      David Campbell, Wagamama

·      Jonathan Downey, London Union

·      Simon Emeny, Fuller’s

·      Jillian MacLean, Drake & Morgan

·      Steve Richards, Casual Dining Group

·      John Vincent, Leon

 

CONSUMER HERO AWARDS

Selected via consumer feedback

Consumer Choice

For the best big brand across the key metrics of satisfaction, revisit and recommend

·      Côte

·      Loch Fyne

·      Miller & Carter

·     Turtle Bay

·      Wahaca

·      YO! Sushi

 

Best Quality Brand

For the brands voted best for passion, food quality and freshness

·      Carluccio’s

·      Jamie’s Italian

·      Loch Fyne

·      Miller & Carter

·      Wagamama

·      YO! Sushi

 

Best Drinks Offer

For the brands considered best for drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – by their customers

·      Alchemist

·      Botanist

·      BrewDog

·      Cosy Club

·      TGI Fridays

·      JD Wetherspoon

 

Brand XP Award

For the brands that keep their customers coming back for great experiences

·      Five Guys

·      Las Iguanas

·      TGI Friday’s

·      Turtle Bay

·      Wahaca

·      YO! Sushi

 

Power Brand

For the leading brands of the sector ranked by usage, satisfaction, reliability and trust – and an industry vote

·      Greggs

·      Nando’s

·      Pizza Express

·      Toby Carvery

·      Wagamama

·      JD Wetherspoon