2009 Winners - The full write up
Yo! Rowland named best individual
Robin Rowland - the man who transformed the fortunes of YO! Sushi from a misfiring fledgling chain to a burgeoning international restaurant group - has been singled out by his peers as the sector's best individual at this year's Retailers' Retailer of the Year Awards, organised by M&C Report.
The chief executive of the fast-casual conveyor-belt restaurant group emerged from an assorted shortlist of eminent business leaders from the eating and drinking-out market, narrowly beating: Philippe Le Roux, chief executive of Le Pain Quotidien UK; Tim Martin, chairman of JD Wetherspoon; Julian Metcalfe, founder, Pret A Manger; Ian Neill, chairman, Wagamama; and Alan Parker, chief executive, Whitbread.
Mark Stretton, editor of M&C Report, said: "He is very much the modern chief executive in this sector - a passionate leader and a genuine business builder who has created massive shareholder value. He is largely responsible for transforming his company from an exciting concept into an international thriving business."
The awards, in their 11th year, are unique in that they are the only ones voted for by senior executives from the industry itself. They are, therefore, a true reflection of what the market thinks, identifying the best companies, concepts and individuals.
The prestigious awards, which took place on 4th March at The Dorchester on London's Park Lane, take their name because they identify retailing excellence in an eating and drinking-out environment. Market positioning, great products, attention to detail and flawless execution are the hallmarks of past and present winners.
JD Wetherspoon, the high street pub operator, was named best company, Nando's was identified as the sector's best concept, while the revitalised brand award went to Costa Coffee.
The industry's favourite venue was Vapiano, the European fast-casual concept that made its debut in London last year on the site that used to house Oliver Peyton's Mash, just north of London's Oxford Circus.
Deal of the year went to Pret A Manger and Bridgepoint Capital for last year's £350m refinancing of the business and investor went to Richard Caring, the entrepreneur who has stakes in Cote, Bill's Produce, The Ivy, Soho House and Wentworth Golf Club.
Jamie's Italian scooped two awards, winning emerging concept and managing director Simon Blagden collecting the rising star prize.
The awards were generously supported by event partners BDO Stoy Hayward, Brakes, Brulines, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Zenith Hygiene Group
