UK 2024: Year in Review
We look back at the highs and lows of the UK’s multi-site restaurant industry these past twelve months.
Companies for this year have expanded, acquired competitors, and introduced new menu items, and whilst some businesses thrived, others faced financial challenges.
As consumer preferences continue to evolve, QSR brands are adapting to stay competitive.
Expansions
New entrants and established brands expanding locally and globally are competing for dominance in the QSR market.
- Miss Millie's eyes expansion with Gen Zs in mind
- Why Subway is betting on non-traditional locales in its Europe expansion
- The Avocado Show gears up for growth across EMEA
- Why MB Chicken believes the UK lacks a strong chicken brand
- Bakery and cafe chain PAUL UK signs new franchise deal for Southeast rollout
- Bread Ahead expands to the Philippines with SFRI partnership
- Doner Shack signs 150-store deal in India
- Tortilla announces expansion of franchise partnership with SSP Group
Acquisitions
UK QSR brands embrace acquisitions to secure market share and accelerate growth.
- Starbucks expand UK presence with acquisition of 23.5 Degrees
- The Nero Group acquires FCB Coffee
- Caffè Nero Group acquires 200 Degrees
- Compass One acquires Peabodys Coffee
- Edison Capital acquires Burrito Picante in all-cash deal
Menu Innovations and Marketing
QSRs aim to grab consumer attention through diverse marketing tactics and menu changes.
- Gong cha counts on decadent drinks to capture Middle East market
- Inside Pizza Hut’s brand reset
- Pret A Manger discuss localised menu offerings
- How LEON embraced indulgence in their latest seasonal offer
- Popeyes UK launches new sandwich and sauced wings
- Frankie & Benny’s announces new menu and look
- Tortilla unveils new ‘smash burger’ inspired range
- McDonald’s launches limited edition menu to mark 50th anniversary in the UK
Finance
Tracking profits and net losses in the QSR market reveals fierce competition and shifting consumer preferences.
- Papa John’s UK eyes profit comeback in 2025
- Domino’s Pizza Group eyes £2b system sales with new franchise agreement
- SSP Group plans profit recovery and margin growth in Continental Europe
- Domino’s sees positive momentum in Q4 with total orders up by 5.8%
- Wendy’s Restaurants UK turnover surges 50% to £31.9m in FY2023
- Pizza Hut Europe reports $10.8m after tax profit for 2023
- Tortilla H1 revenue slips 5.9% over dual delivery strategy
Corporate shake-ups
Closures and executive changes are reshaping the QSR landscape.
- TGI Fridays confirms rescue deal but shutters 35 restaurants
- DPG director steps down
- Just Eat Takeaway.com finalises France exit
- Papa Johns appoints Jenna Bromberg as Chief Marketing Officer
- Chatime appoints global CEO
- Papa Johns appoints former Wendy’s president as new global CEO
- Popeyes UK appoints Director of Acquisitions and Estates
The year also saw the top QSR brands lauded for their initiatives for the year in one of the UK's biggest conference for the fast-food and fast-casual restaurant industry.
