All Bar One and O'Neill's operator Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) is to break with its tradition of operating homogeneous chains by opening a series of “concept bars”.
In an effort to counter falling sales across the pub sector, the group is launching bars whose name, fascia and interior can be adapted to reflect fashion, reports Marketing magazine.
Although the bars will form part of a chain, each will have a unique name and distinct look to give the impression that they are independent.
The company is currently trialling two concept bars ahead of a planned rollout in 2009. It has signed up marketing agency Elvis Communications to raise awareness of the new bars.
Last week M&B said it was investigating ways to cut costs, including selling some of its assets, after unveiling full year losses of £238m and warning that it expected “significant declines” in beer and food sales in 2009.
M&B looks to cut costs>>
Mitchells & Butlers sees food sales rise as beer volumes drop>>
Rising costs threatens profits growth at M&B>>
Mitchells & Butlers sees sales stagnate in challenging market>>
By Daniel Thomas
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