UK hospitality group WSH has enhanced its coffee offerings through the acquisition of Genuine Dining, the parent company of JAAQ Coffee, for an undisclosed amount.
Genuine Dining, originally founded as Yes Dining in 1999, rebranded in 2011 after selling a majority stake to Risk Capital Partners (RCP), led by former Pizza Express Chairman Luke Johnson. The contract caterer provides services to 45 workplaces, including film studios, hotels, government offices, and research parks.
In November 2022, Genuine Dining launched the café concept JAAQ Coffee in Whitechapel, London, in collaboration with the mental health awareness charity Just Ask A Question (JAAQ). JAAQ Coffee aims to challenge mental health stigmas and currently operates 14 cafés alongside a wholesale channel that serves corporate clients such as Spotify and News UK. The brand’s coffee is supplied by London-based specialty roaster and social enterprise Old Spike.
Following the acquisition, Genuine Dining will maintain its existing management structure, with CEO Chris Mitchell continuing in his role. However, the acquisition marks the departure of Luke Johnson, who will exit after 14 years of active involvement in the business.
“Partnering with WSH is an exciting moment for Genuine Dining. In 14 years, we have grown significantly, introducing new services, and to meet our future ambitions, it was important we selected a partner who lives and breathes our values and champions our individuality,” Mitchell stated.
Founded in Reading in 2001, WSH boasts a diverse hospitality portfolio that includes catering firms such as BaxterStorey, Searcys, Holyroyd Howe, BM, and Caterlink. The group previously acquired a majority stake in high street café operator Benugo in 2008 and added the London coffee shop and wine bar concept Notes to its portfolio in November 2022.
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