2025: UK's Year in Review
We look back at the highs and lows of the UK multi-site restaurant industry over the past twelve months.
From Papa John’s announcing new stores in Northern Ireland to executive departures at Domino’s UK, the QSR industry has navigated a dynamic period of transformation and growth.
We look back on this year's major deals, expansion, new concepts, and technology updates as 2025 ends.
Expansion and international growth
Several quick-service restaurants (QSRs) pursued national and international expansion.
- Chaiiwala targets hospitals, campuses in expansion push
- Auntie Anne’s targets 100 UK stores by 2030
- Chocoberry expands in UK with Gen Z-Driven growth
- Zambrero targets 100 UK sites by 2030 with franchise push
- The Sushi Co eyes 100 UK locations by 2030
- Sandwich Sandwich seeks UK expansion through franchising
- Mammy Pancake tempts UK with sweet desserts
- Gong cha targets 10,000 stores with global expansion
- Church’s Texas Chicken eyes UK as launchpad for European growth
- Papa Johns plans 20-store expansion in Northern Ireland
Menu updates and marketing moves
Brands continued to adjust menus and marketing to attract customers.
- Gong cha adds dessert to hook Saudi customers
- Papa Johns lures customers with new loyalty programme
- Popeyes UK upsizes its sauces with new ‘Mega’ and ‘Big’ dips
- Which Wich expands breakfast menu with Seattle’s Best Coffee collaboration
- GDK fires up menu with new ghost chilli ‘Inferno OG’
- OAKBERRY to bring new matcha base in the UK and Ireland
- Sides announces menu overhaul
- wagamama rolls out new customisable kids’ bento box
- B Bagel expands catering offer with mini platters, same-day London delivery
- Chipotle and travel brand BÉIS launch food-friendly luggage line
- Jollibee welcomes KATSEYE in London
Brand Refreshes
Several chains updated store formats or designs to appeal to modern consumers
- Auntie Anne’s rolls out new store design to attract younger consumers
- Costa Coffee reopens Coventry Precinct site with new look
- Santa Maria unveils revamped Ealing site
- Pret A Manger unveils new shop format to boost regional expansion
- Papa Johns unveils 'Devoted to the Dough' campaign in brand relaunch
Leadership shake-ups
Executive turnover shaped company direction across the sector.
- Ross Warnes to head Pret A Manger UK, Ireland
- US fast-casual chain Velvet Taco taps names new CEO
- Tortilla names new non-executive chair
- Domino’s CEO Andrew Rennie resigns
- Karl Jolly returns to Sticks’n’Sushi as Chief People Officer
- Chaiiwala taps Ben Clayton as new COO
- Pret taps former RBI VP as new chief marketing officer
- Zambrero appoints first UK franchise development agents
- Starbucks names new UK marketing director
- McDonald’s UK & Ireland CEO resigns
Corporate Shake-ups
The sector saw mergers, acquisitions, closures, and legal activity.
- TGI Fridays UK parent files for administration
- LEON issues statement on Richmond restaurant closure
- Deep Blue Restaurants to rebrand as Harry Ramsden’s Group
- Honest Burgers acquires 12 Gourmet Burger Kitchen sites
- Karali Group buys Côte Restaurant Group
- Cinnabon exits UK
- Coca-Cola reportedly mulling sale of Costa Coffee
- Bakery manufacturer Finsbury Food Group buys Lola’s Cupcakes
- Plant-based fast-food chain Neat Burger goes into liquidation
- Restaurant operator Tasty to rebrand as Bow Street Group
AI and tech in QSR
Restaurants are increasingly adopting tech solutions.
- Popeyes turns to tech to hit £200m sales
- Creams Café unveils delivery app to boost franchise growth
- Popeyes UK rolls out new kiosk software
This year also saw the top restaurant brands lauded for their outstanding initiatives at the QSR Media Conference & Awards 2025.
