“Work Hard, Have Fun, Make Money”

Tony Hughes's Inspirational Journey

Career Path: Head Waiter > Restaurant Manager > Catering Manager > Operations Manager > Managing Director > Board Member 

“In 2001 Tony received the Hotel and Caterer ‘Catey’ for the Pub Industry Award and in 2002 and again in 2006 was voted ‘Retailers Retailer’ individual of the year by the pub and restaurant industry. In September 2007 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award at the European FoodService Summit, only the second to be awarded in the last ten years!"

Tony's Story:

Until retirement in January 08, Tony was Managing Director of the Restaurant division of Mitchells & Butlers plc.  He was also a main board director. Mitchell’s and Butler’s operate c.2000 Pubs, Bars, Restaurants and adjoining budget hotels, and for the year ending Sept 2008 had sales of over £1.9 billion and operating profits of £343 million.

Tony joined Mitchells and Butler (then Bass Taverns) in March 1995 with over 21 years experience at Whitbread Plc. where he was Operations Director of Beefeater Steakhouses during its period of rapid growth and ultimate acquisition of Berni Inns.
He acquired the franchise for TGI Fridays and as MD for five years established the brand in the UK.

Tony was made Director of Service Quality for Whitbread’s operations in The United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and The United Kingdom

Since joining Mitchells and Butlers, Tony has overseen the internal development of All Bar One, Vintage Inns, Toby Carvery and Innkeepers Lodge. He also directed the acquisitions and expansion of Harvester, Browns Restaurants and Alex Cafe Bars in Germany

He has an excellent track record of developing successful and sustainable businesses through an in depth knowledge of service led marketing and strong leadership skills.