QSR drive-thru rental prices outside UK towns seen overheating in 2025: report
The average drive-thru rent per sq. ft. is £50.
It was predicted that rental prices for quick service restaurant (QSR) drive-thru locations outside UK towns would increase significantly this year, according to Christie & Co’s Business Outlook 2025 for Restaurants.
The average drive-thru rent per sq. ft. is £50. This is in comparison to the average £87 rent per sq. ft. in London and £28 per sw. ft. in Manchester.
"Those who used to go to the high street for family dining are dropping down in price to QSR. This has made operators improve their quality as they chase the customer, and the younger generation loves the speed and reliability," the report read.
"Such is the growth and demand for drive-thru sites, we are finding their rents are now higher than in key city centres."
This growth is also supported by the acceptance of the franchise model, Christie & Co noted.
Moreover, the report found that only less than 20% of the 100,000 takeaways seen in the UK are operated by the ‘big brands’ with the "compelling" expansion of QSRs such as German Doner Kebab and Slim Chickens.
Furthermore, several international brands are expanding into the UK, including Carls Jr., teaming up with Boparan to open locations this year.
Wendy’s has returned to the UK, and Chick-fil-A, the US brand that opened in Reading in 2019 but subsequently quickly closed, is making another attempt this year.
