According to the latest data from the Lumina Intelligence Operator Data Index, the turnover for the top 10 contemporary fast food brands is expected to grow at a rate of 58.8%, to £1,114m in 2021. In the same period, outlet growth is expected to reach +8.8%.

Five Guys, Tortilla, German Doner Kebab and Coco di Mama are all set to fully recover and exceed their 2019 turnover values, however the five fastest growing brands by turnover versus 2020 are:

Leon 75.7%
Itsu 68.0%
Pret a Manger 63.9%
Five Guys 60.2%
Chopstix 47.6%

German Doner Kebab, Five Guys, Tortilla and Kokoro lead forecasted outlet growth and have benefitted from strong performances in delivery channels, especially during the pandemic.

German Doner Kebab is forecasted to lead percentage growth; the brand is expected to grow by +24 net new sites in 2021. The brand is driving outlet growth through its franchise model and focus on delivery. Tortilla is expected to grow notably following strong delivery trading, as well as an upcoming IPO to help fund expansion.

Commenting on the results, Senior Insight Manager at Lumina Intelligence, Katherine Prowse, said, “Due to the low contact and low ticket nature of fast-food, it remained one of the hospitality channels least impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, particularly for those brands that were able to lean more heavily on delivery capabilities. Despite being able to pivot business models accordingly, many operators were impacted heavily by the rapid decline in city-centre footfall.

“However, brands formerly dependent on lunchtime worker footfall have adapted to omnichannel trading in the past 18 months to survive. Coco di Mama is now predominantly a delivery concept, operating from ASK Italian and Zizzi sites, tapping into demand for lunch time occasions in suburban and commuter belt towns.”

(source: Lumina Intelligence)