2019: Year in Review

We look back at the highs and lows of the UK multi-site restaurant industy these past twelve months.

Amidst continued high street struggles and uncertainty, the UK chain restaurant space witnessed innovations and new concepts as highlighted in QSR Media’s Year in Review.

Brexit-driven uncertainty
Various measures were undertaken by restaurant chains to sustain themselves amidst uncertainty due to Brexit. Foodservice price and sector confidence have simultaneously fell as a result.

CVAs, administrations
More chains have submitted their plans of CVAs, including Chilango and Tossed, and sought administration, such in the case of Jamie Oliver Group and Patisserie Holdings, in a bid to save their operations.

Growth outside struggling British high streets
Chains have looked beyond the British high streets amidst the rising cost of doing business and sought better opportunities in other formats, such as travel hubs and motorways.

Grab and go concepts flourish
The surge in demand for food-to-go and the need to find alternative revenue streams has led restaurant chains to open grab-and-go concepts.

New concepts, formats
Chains around the globe, including Salt Bae’s Nur-Est burger and Taiwanese chain Monga Fried Chicken, have found their way into the UK market with their store debuts. QSRs have forayed into the fast casual segment, whilst innovative brands have launched unique formats from drive-thrus to digital-only stores.

Vegan innovations
Demand for innovative vegan items have pushed QSRs to introduce special plant-based offering like vegan sausage roll and egg.

Bidding war, more dark kitchen entries
A fierce bidding war between two major delivery platforms in the region has Just Eat caught up in the center, though seemingly leaning to accept the Takeaway merger than Prosus’ improved offer. Meanwhile, more chains have entered into dark kitchens, whilst McDonald’s launched its own.

Rebrand, refresh
This year has sought the rebranding of YO! and Papa John’s store refresh. Chiquito attempted to capture the vegan market with its biggest menu shakeup to date.

Millennials, Gen Z driving demand
Younger generations have been found to drive profits for the restaurant industry. Various researches have also found a surge in demand for healthy food items, especially plant-based ones, as Brits have lessen their meat intake.