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The global chicken brand plans to open 100 sites in the country over the next 10-12 years. Wingstop is set to take off in the UK market, starting with its flagship restaurant that will open in the West End in early August. As reported by the London Evening Standard, the U.S.-based brand’s first UK site will be located opposite the Palace Theatre, with the hope to capture theatergoers and reach a core audience of millennials. This is part of their master plan to open 100 sites in the UK over the next 10 to 12 years. Originated in Texas in 1994, Wingstop has since established more than 1,200 outlets across the States, Central America, the Middle East and Asia.   

The Asian-inspired dining chain plans to open two more sites in New York this year. Wagamama has confirmed that the company has appointed bankers from Goldman Sachs to "review strategic growth options for the business", per a report from City A.M.

Customers can enjoy 50% on any food items on their vegan menu.

The brand will open its burgers-and-beer bar concept on June 16. London street food favorite Hank’s will now have its first permanent site on Deptford Market Yard, marking a return of its co-founders who started the business in the area. The site, set to launch on June 16, will be a brand-new burger and beer bar concept in a converted railway arch, and will feature a short menu of their signature burgers, American-style beer, and other options for fish enthusiasts and vegetarians.

But how should competing brands that feature the Hawaiian dish separate themselves?

The Italian brand is now set to close ‘lossmaking’ sites in a effort to restructure the group. Carluccio’s announced that their proposal to enter a CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) has been supported by a majority of its creditors.

They are also showcasing their signature offerings in a food truck by Aker Brygge pier.

The brand plans to expand to 22 sites this summer. Indian street food group Wrapchic is set for an aggressive expansion this year, starting with its first two service station openings in Beaconsfield and Cobham this month. “We’re seeing success on the high street because of the unique concept, low price point and great quality,” Wrapchic founder Mahesh Raikar said. Operating as a franchise model, Mahesh founded Wrapchic in 2012, which has been showcasing modern Indian street food while having a focus on the portability of the product by allowing customers to choose their food base and toppings from a wide range of options. “The food-to-go sector is growing fast, and in a packed market, we’re very happy to be bringing something a little special to the table, adding a point of difference. People are well-travelled, they’re savvy and they want to see global flavours as part of lunch offers in the UK. Service station hospitality is of course a part of that, and we can’t wait to start feeding thousands of hungry drivers.” The 16-strong group plans to grow to 22 sites this summer, with subsequent openings in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Milton Keynes, Guildford and Derby. The group is then looking to open another 20 in 2019, and 30 by 2020 onwards.

The fresh additions include the Vegan Reuben sandwich. Aiming to reach more vegan consumers, Benugo unveiled eleven new additions as part of their new Vegan menu. The new, plant-based options include the BBQ Jackfruit Bowl and Curried Chickpea, and the Mango Chutney Wrap.

Proceeds from purchased brews made from the brand's surplus bread will be given to charity.

The special offering is only available in the U.S.

Previously, the chips bar’s offerings were only available via food delivery apps. Aiming to reinvent the way potatoes are enjoyed, Chipsy has announced that it will set up its first site in London. The chips brand is expected to offer its signature fries with their fish-and-chips-inspired Poutine to Go Fish, vegan option Mex It Up, and other items that aims to elevate fries. Chipsy’s offerings are currently available via Uber Eats and Deliveroo.  

U.S. officials say Kim Jong Un may allow a ‘Western hamburger franchise’ in the reclusive state. The Press Herald stated that the North Korean leader will allow the brand into the country as a “show of goodwill” to the United States, according to an intelligence report described by U.S. officials to American media conglomerate NBC. This followed remarks by South Korean adviser Chung-in Moon last April who mentioned that North Korea might be interested in welcoming a McDonald’s as tensions ease.

Here is a summary of the most interesting QSR news stories of the week from around the world. Starbucks recently closed 8,000 stores for a day to conduct racial bias training to around 175,000 employees, following an incident in Philadelphia where two black men were arrested at a store while waiting for a friend because they did not order.

Find out what QSRs have been up to on social media. BRAND AND STORE UPDATES

The global chicken brand will also test a new vegetarian option this year. Looking to improve consumer choice, KFC UK and Ireland has announced its ambition to reduce 20% of calories in their offerings by the year 2025. KFC says that calorie reduction commitment is also the latest phase of their long-term nutrition strategy, focusing on creating “new, lighter” meals, crafting new recipes to improve existing dishes, and making it easier for consumer to choose such options. Later this year, the brand is set to launch a new vegetarian option, which will be tested with customers. They also intend to make changes to their sides by 2019, which will then by followed by more lunch and dinner dishes under 600 calories.