The Americas
McDonald’s to shutter CosMc chain
McDonald’s has announced it will close its CosMc’s chain less than two years after the first location opened in Illinois in just December 2023. From the end next month, five standalone CosMc’s locations will close permanently while the CosMc app will also be discontinued.
The launch of CosMc’s saw the fast food giant attempt to compete with chains such as Starbucks and Dunkin’, providing customized drinks to cusomers that traditional McDonald’s locations did not sell. As well as its original Bolingbrook, Illinois, location, four other stores in Texas will also close.
Wagamama North America announces Stephen Judge as new CEO
Wagamama has announced that Stephen Judge, chief operating officer of Chicago-based Gibsons Restaurant Group, will be made CEO of the chain’s North America division as of June 9. Judge will replace Richard Flaherty, CEO of the Asian-fusion restaurant chain’s US division for the past five years.
Judge has previously held leadership positions at Hard Rock International, Bonefish Grill, and Seasons 52. “Stephen’s track record makes him the perfect candidate to grow and develop the Wagamama brand in the U.S. market,” said Andy Hornby, CEO of The Restaurant Group, in a company statement. “Throughout his career he has developed unique dining concepts with a clear focus on service standards, culinary excellence and execution.”
Asia Pacific
Starbucks South Korea temporarily blocks customers from using names when ordering drinks
Starbucks in South Korea is temporarily preventing its customers from ordering drinks in their own names if they are the shared wit six presidential race candidates. The names, usually called out by the coffee chain’s baristas, have been barred until after the country’ election on 3 June. The company said it must “maintain political neutrality during election season”.
The country has faced unrest since South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled that former president Yoon Suk Yeol abused his position of power by declaring martial law in December 2024, and was permanently removed from office. South Korean businesses frequently aim to appear neutral in political matters. In recent months, Starbucks has seen a number of customers ordering beverages using nicknames such as “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol” or similar phrases concerning the country’s opposition leader. “Our goal is to make sure every customer has a great experience in our coffeehouses,” Starbucks said in a statement regarding the temporary ban.
Hilton Named number one best workplace in Vietnam
Hilton has claimed the top position on the Best Workplaces In Vietnam™ 2025 list in the medium-sized company category. The milestone marks the first time the leading hospitality brand has reached the top spot in the country, advancing from its No. 2 ranking last year.
Awarded by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work®, the win adds to Hilton’s growing collection of workplace accolades in South East Asia, following its recent distinction as the top-ranked hospitality company to work for in the Philippines.
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Two Dubai restaurants awarded three Michelin stars for the first time
Trèsind Studio in Dubai, UAE, has become the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars. It received the prestigious accolade on May 23, at Dubai’s fourth Michelin Guide ceremony. This immersive Indian concept highlights chef Himanshu Saini’s “limitless levels of imagination and creativity,” said the guide. “The tasting menu showcases traditional Indian dishes from various regions, re-imagined and superbly crafted into vibrant, eye-catching, and flavorsome creations.”
Elsewhere at the ceremony, FZN by Björn Frantzén also entered the Guide with three stars in its first year of operation. The Guide‘s Dubai 2025 selection also included 2 new one Michelin stars and 5 new Bib Gourmand restaurants.
Tom Kerridge Group to close Butcher’s Tap & Grill in Chelsea after less than two years’ trading
The Tom Kerridge Group has announced it is closing its London pub, The Butcher’s Tap & Grill, with a final service scheduled for June 1, 2025. This decision comes after a period of challenging market conditions, says the group, including increased costs and difficulties in achieving sufficient revenue and turnover.
In a press release, the group says it plans to use this opportunity to regroup, rethink, and rebuild, while expressing gratitude to guests and ensuring the future security of the team. The Butcher’s Tap & Grill opened in December 2023.
Michael Jones
