UK 2023: Year in Review

We look back at the highs and lows of the multi-site restaurant industry these past twelve months.

Faced with new challenges, the quick-service and fast-casual restaurant industry is moving forward to a future of innovation, technology, and new trends.

In QSR Media's Year in Review, we look back at the most significant highlights of the year.

Treading international waters

QSR brands have started to enter new markets, sailing away from their home markets to try to grow their brand in new lands.

• SSP Group looks to Asia Pacific and North America for new business
• Giraffe World Kitchen announces first Qatar opening
• Chaiiwala taps Lote Global for global expansion
• PM Nord snaps up German cafe outlets for Pret expansion

Golden year for QSRs

In the past year, QSRs saw growth across the UK

• Nando’s eyes 14 more restaurants in the UK after robust year
• Pizza Punks taps FRP Corporate Finance for expansion plans
• Uptick in travel to boosts SSP Group’s full-year profits for 2023
• US chain Chick-fil-A to invest $100m in UK comeback

Finance

This year saw some of the biggest changes in the QSR industry as mergers and acquisition, deals, and equity raise, share buy back activity rose.

• The Restaurant Group shareholders approves £506m sale to Apollo
• Honest Burgers targets £1m in equity crowdfunding
• Domino’s announces £70m share buyback
• Fulham Shore takeover greenlit by shareholders

New brands, rising stars, and new concepts

Younger brands and new rising stars have proven themselves ready to take on the UK market. Meanwhile, some brands have started to create new concepts.

• Theatrics and robotics: Döner Shack’s first innovation store
• Why Shrimp Shack will build its brand on customisation
• Papa Johns highlight fresh ingredients in its store design
• Inside Greggs first fine dining concept
• Creams Cafe new 'shop-in-shop' concept to boost its reach in the UK
• What’s on the menu in McDonald’s spin-off brand CosMc

Appetite for new menu

QSR brands have continue to give consumers new exciting offers, from seasonal offerings to relieving old menu favourites.

• How PizzaExpress cooks up the perfect seasonal specials
• Behind Subway’s menu revamp
• wagamama unveils new Korean menu
• LEON partners with Mindful Chef to launch limited-edition recipe box
• Tortilla releases new Yucatan-inspired chicken burrito recipe
• Dessert brand Badiani launches dog-friendly gelatos
• Costa Coffee unveils new Autumn menu
• KFC partners with Dead Man’s Fingers to launch first liquor product

Labour challenges

Research reveals some of the top labour challenges faced by QSrs and what different brand's strategies are in dealing with them.

• Leon to lean on digitalisation to offset labour shortage
• 7 in 10 QSR employees want earned wage access
• Costa Coffee partners with UKG for advance workforce planning
• 1 in 2 restaurants raising prices to cope with energy costs