Restaurant expansion slows despite new players entering the UK

Fast-food chains grew by 2%, according to recent data.

Despite more new fast-food chains opening in the UK, restaurant openings slowed down to less than half of what was seen the year before, according to data by Meaningful Vision

Restaurant openings have been a key element driving growth in the market. Fast-food chains in the United Kingdom continue to expand in 2025, showing a 2% increase in total outlets. 

Around 70% of chains opened new restaurants in the twelve months leading up to August 2025, adding almost 1,200 new outlets in total. Although the pace of openings slowed compared with the previous year, with the number of new restaurants down by 17%, closures also declined. 

The chicken shop segment led the way in terms of percentage growth, with 213 restaurants launched over the past year. This category includes both international and local brands, new entrants and established names, with more expansion expected in the coming months.

In absolute numbers, however, bakeries account for the largest number of openings — more than 334 sites in the last twelve months.

Greggs remains the clear leader in new site launches. Whilst its growth rate of 6% may not seem high in relative terms, its large estate means the brand continues to dominate in total outlet numbers of openings. Popeyes ranks third overall and leads in percentage terms, with an impressive 112% growth.

Coffee shops also expanded significantly, adding approximately 300 new outlets. Black Sheep Coffee and Caffè Nero were amongst the most active chains, whilst Starbucks and Costa Coffee also contributed strongly to this expansion. However, this year, Starbucks announced some closures both globally and in the UK.

“New openings continue to drive traffic growth for fast food chains. Some segments still have substantial potential to grow. For example, chicken chains recorded a 7% increase in August, which translates to only around 200 new stores, not a particularly large number for a market as significant as the United Kingdom,”  Maria Vanifatova, CEO of Meaningful Vision, said.