Wetherspoon get ready for early doors

Pub chain JD Wetherspoon is aiming to get a profit rise from the pre-work market, with plans to open its pubs from 7am from 28th April.

Speaking, appropriately enough, on BBC Breakfast this morning, chairman Tim Martin, said that it was time for Wetherspoons to take advantage of the pre-9am sales that have been so lucrative for cafes and coffee chains. The company has already built a strong component of non-alcohol sales, saying that, per week, it sells 275,000 breakfasts and about 500,000 coffees.

Mr Martin was speaking after the announcement of strong sales in the 6 months to 24th January 2010. In the half year period, operating profits were £48.9 million, in contrast to £46.9million in 2009. Total sales were up nearly 4%, though like-for-like sales were down 0.4%. Wetherspoons opened 17 new pubs in the 6 months. 82% of the £12.5million staff bonuses in the period were awarded to staff below board level.

11 March 2010