UK-based pub and restaurant operator Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) saw a 4.5% increase in like-for-like first-quarter sales, driven by strong demand over Christmas. In the 15-week period, like-for-like sales grew by 7.7%, with a 10.5% increase on key festive days. Total sales are up 3.5% year-to-date.

M&B reported like-for-like sales growth of 5.1% for food and 3.8% for drinks over the 15-week period. The company operates over 1,700 pubs and restaurants in the UK, including popular brands like Harvester, Toby Carvery, and All Bar One.

CEO Phil Urban expressed satisfaction with the company’s strong festive trading performance, setting new sales records. M&B continues to invest in its estate, completing 51 conversions and remodels this year. Cost headwinds of £130m ($174m) are expected due to higher labor costs and food inflation.

Urban emphasized the focus on addressing industry cost challenges through the Ignite program and capital investments. The company aims to grow market share leveraging its diverse brand portfolio and prime estate locations. M&B remains optimistic about future growth opportunities in the year ahead.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Mitchells & Butlers Q1 sales rise, driven by Christmas trading