Agenda

March 2023 Conference

Earlier in 2023, the R200 Conference took place at the Situ at The Alan Hotel, Manchester on Tuesday 19 March 2024. The agenda included an insightful discussion with James Bates and Thomas White, founders of Maray, who shared their journey over the past decade, including their restaurant group's growth across northern cities and future expansion plans. Neal Bates, managing director of Rudy's, explored the rapid growth of the Manchester-born pizzeria, its successful entry into the London market, and what lay ahead for the brand in 2024 and beyond.

Attendees gained an in-depth understanding of what it takes to grow and sustain successful dining brands in competitive markets. Additionally, Thom Hetherington provided expert insights on why Manchester's food scene is among the most vibrant in the UK, highlighting key brands and upcoming trends to watch. Marcello Distefano of San Carlo discussed the expansion of his premium Italian dining group both nationally and internationally. Ted Schama from Shelley Sandzer offered an analysis of Manchester's property market, revealing where the city’s best opportunities for hospitality ventures lay.

If you would like to get more information about the R200 Club, please contact Hospitality.Events@wrbm.com.

Here is the full agenda from our March 2023 Conference:

Matt Snell: The CEO of Gusto Italian discusses why the Italian restaurant group is looking at how it can reinvent its loyalty programme, and what the casual dining sector can learn from successful operators such as Pret with its targeted subscription model.

James Bates and Thomas White: The founders of four-strong restaurant group Maray, on 10 years in the business, expansion across the north, Manchester’s dining scene, and their future plans. Neal Bates: The managing director of fast-growing Manchester-born pizzeria Rudy’s on its growth so far, the brand’s move into the capital, and what’s in store in 2024 and beyond.

Thom Hetherington: The Manchester hospitality expert and consultant discusses how Manchester’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the country, identifies the brands and operators to look out for, and the future developments that should be on operators’ radars.

Marcello Distefano: The managing director of successful premium casual Italian dining group San Carlo on its national and international expansion and running one of the UK’s largest family-owned restaurant groups.

Ted Schama: The partner at property expert Shelley Sandzer runs the rule over Manchester’s property landscape and discusses where the opportunities in the city lie.

If you have any questions about the R200 Club, please get in touch with Hospitality.Events@wrbm.com.