Papa Johns to Close 74 UK Restaurants as Part of Turnaround Strategy
In its latest annual report, the UK arm of the Indiana-founded pizza chain revealed a pre-tax loss of £21.8 million.
Citing reduced revenue and difficult economic conditions, Papa Johns GB has closed 74 of its restaurants.
For the year ending 29 December 2024, the pizza chain reported a pre-tax loss of £21.8 million, up from £19.3 million the previous year, alongside a decline in turnover from £95.9 million to £88.7 million.
In a strategic move to refocus on profitability.
more »
Citing reduced revenue and difficult economic conditions, Papa Johns GB has closed 74 of its restaurants.
For the year ending 29 December 2024, the pizza chain reported a pre-tax loss of £21.8 million, up from £19.3 million the previous year, alongside a decline in turnover from £95.9 million to £88.7 million.
In a strategic move to refocus on profitability.
more »
05/Aug/2025 09:25
Zambrero aims to open 100 UK restaurants by 2030
Australian quick-service restaurant brand Zambrero has launched a franchise recruitment programme in the UK as it aims to open 100 Mexican-inspired restaurants across the country by 2030.
Zambrero entered the UK market in 2021 with the opening of its first location in Kentish Town, London.
Since then, it has expanded to 13 restaurants across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, and Essex, all offering its signature customisable burritos and bowls.
As part of its renewed expansion strategy.
more »
Zambrero entered the UK market in 2021 with the opening of its first location in Kentish Town, London.
Since then, it has expanded to 13 restaurants across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Reading, and Essex, all offering its signature customisable burritos and bowls.
As part of its renewed expansion strategy.
more »
29/Jul/2025 17:45
Shake Shack UK reports first profit since 2013 debut
The UK arm of New York burger chain Shake Shack has recorded its first pre-tax profit since launching in the market in 2013.
For the year ending 31 December 2024, the company reported a pre-tax profit of nearly £1.1 million, a notable turnaround from the £764,000 loss posted the previous year.
Losses had peaked at £7.5 million in 2020 but have steadily narrowed in the years following the pandemic. Turnover grew from £48.3 million in 2023 to £51.5 million in 2024, while staff costs saw a slight increase.
more »
For the year ending 31 December 2024, the company reported a pre-tax profit of nearly £1.1 million, a notable turnaround from the £764,000 loss posted the previous year.
Losses had peaked at £7.5 million in 2020 but have steadily narrowed in the years following the pandemic. Turnover grew from £48.3 million in 2023 to £51.5 million in 2024, while staff costs saw a slight increase.
more »
21/Jul/2025 08:38
Amorino UK sets sights on 100 gelaterias in ambitious expansion push
The UK master franchisor of French gelato brand Amorino aims to expand to 100 locations across the country by 2030.
The group recently launched its 36th store on London’s Tottenham Court Road and is experiencing strong performance both in the capital and regional locations, with standout results in Marlow, Windsor, York, Cambridge, Bath, and Canterbury.
Amorino aims to have 45 gelaterias operating in the UK by the end of the year and noted that Scotland is “firmly on its radar.”
Upcoming locations in the pipeline include Lakeside.
more »
The group recently launched its 36th store on London’s Tottenham Court Road and is experiencing strong performance both in the capital and regional locations, with standout results in Marlow, Windsor, York, Cambridge, Bath, and Canterbury.
Amorino aims to have 45 gelaterias operating in the UK by the end of the year and noted that Scotland is “firmly on its radar.”
Upcoming locations in the pipeline include Lakeside.
more »
11/Jul/2025 15:53
Harry Ramsden’s parent company closes nine Deep Blue locations
Deep Blue Restaurants, a leader in the fish and chip sector, has sold nine of its eponymous locations to focus on growing the Harry Ramsden’s brand.
The group is the UK’s largest operator of fish and chip restaurants and takeaways, owning brands such as Deep Blue and Fish & Chips @ 149.
The company began divesting its eponymous sites last year to concentrate on Harry Ramsden’s, the 96-year-old fish and chip chain it acquired from Boparan Restaurant Group in 2019.
The company’s recent accounts reveal it sold nine Deep Blue locations from October 2024 to May 2025 under its strategic disposal plan.
more »
The group is the UK’s largest operator of fish and chip restaurants and takeaways, owning brands such as Deep Blue and Fish & Chips @ 149.
The company began divesting its eponymous sites last year to concentrate on Harry Ramsden’s, the 96-year-old fish and chip chain it acquired from Boparan Restaurant Group in 2019.
The company’s recent accounts reveal it sold nine Deep Blue locations from October 2024 to May 2025 under its strategic disposal plan.
more »
09/Jul/2025 13:54
Wingstop UK speeds up London growth with new Westfield Shepherd’s Bush location
Wingstop UK has opened a new location at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush in London.
Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq. ft. location offers seating for over 136 guests. This opening follows just a year after the launch of Wingstop UK’s flagship at Westfield Stratford City—the largest Wingstop globally—further cementing the brand’s footprint in two of the UK’s busiest retail hubs.
Guests can enjoy the full Wingstop UK menu, featuring freshly cooked wings, tenders, and burgers, all hand-sauced-and-tossed in the brand’s signature bold flavours.
more »
Situated on the Lower Mall, the new 3,379 sq. ft. location offers seating for over 136 guests. This opening follows just a year after the launch of Wingstop UK’s flagship at Westfield Stratford City—the largest Wingstop globally—further cementing the brand’s footprint in two of the UK’s busiest retail hubs.
Guests can enjoy the full Wingstop UK menu, featuring freshly cooked wings, tenders, and burgers, all hand-sauced-and-tossed in the brand’s signature bold flavours.
more »
08/Jul/2025 08:08
The Sushi Co aims to open 100 locations across the UK by the end of 2030
The Sushi Co is on track to reach 30 UK locations by the end of the year, with a planned pipeline of new openings across London and regional areas.
The fast-casual brand has secured a new flagship location in central Cambridge, set to open this autumn.
Additional openings are planned in Tower Bridge, Brighton, and Basildon in the coming months, with an extra site already secured in Walthamstow.
Three additional sites in the South East are currently in the legal stages.
more »
The fast-casual brand has secured a new flagship location in central Cambridge, set to open this autumn.
Additional openings are planned in Tower Bridge, Brighton, and Basildon in the coming months, with an extra site already secured in Walthamstow.
Three additional sites in the South East are currently in the legal stages.
more »
07/Jul/2025 17:27
Wasabi to launch first franchise location at Luton Airport
Wasabi, the popular sushi and bento restaurant and grocery brand, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its first franchised location at London Luton Airport, in collaboration with global travel retail giant Lagardère Travel Retail.
Scheduled to open in mid-July, the new restaurant will bring Wasabi’s signature fresh, handmade Japanese cuisine to one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs. Situated in the main terminal, the 107 sqm location features a 30-seat dine-in area and a convenient grab-and-go counter — perfect for travellers catching early morning flights or late-night departures.
more »
Scheduled to open in mid-July, the new restaurant will bring Wasabi’s signature fresh, handmade Japanese cuisine to one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs. Situated in the main terminal, the 107 sqm location features a 30-seat dine-in area and a convenient grab-and-go counter — perfect for travellers catching early morning flights or late-night departures.
more »
07/Jul/2025 08:43
Honi Poke expands with acquisition of Island Poke
Honi Poke has announced the acquisition of rival brand Island Poke. The deal adds 18 sites to Honi Poke’s portfolio, bringing its total to 45 locations across the UK and Europe, including 33 in the UK.
Honi Poke plans to continue operating the newly acquired sites under the Island Poke brand and aims to reach 50 locations within the next year.
Since its launch in 2017, quick-service chain Honi Poke has ridden the wave of Hawaiian-influenced poke bowl popularity originating in the US.
Richard de la Cruz.
more »
Honi Poke plans to continue operating the newly acquired sites under the Island Poke brand and aims to reach 50 locations within the next year.
Since its launch in 2017, quick-service chain Honi Poke has ridden the wave of Hawaiian-influenced poke bowl popularity originating in the US.
Richard de la Cruz.
more »
03/Jul/2025 11:30
Wingers marks 5-year anniversary with two new locations
The Chicken Wing Company, Wingers, celebrated its 5th birthday with new store openings last week on Columbus Way in Andover, and Olive Lane, Waverley in Rotherham. This takes the total Wingers’ UK network size to 16 sites.
Amran Sunner, co-founder and operations director of Wingers says: “Opening two restaurants on the same day is a first for Wingers and what a way to celebrate five years in business! Since we set up in our dark kitchen during COVID, my brother Dylan and I supported by our incredible team, have seen the business go from strength to strength. We do try and give ourselves a pat on the back every now and then because of how far we have come!
“We have to sit back and recognise that we started the dark kitchen to get us through the lockdown period.
more »
Amran Sunner, co-founder and operations director of Wingers says: “Opening two restaurants on the same day is a first for Wingers and what a way to celebrate five years in business! Since we set up in our dark kitchen during COVID, my brother Dylan and I supported by our incredible team, have seen the business go from strength to strength. We do try and give ourselves a pat on the back every now and then because of how far we have come!
“We have to sit back and recognise that we started the dark kitchen to get us through the lockdown period.
more »
02/Jul/2025 13:23
Yum! Brands, parent company of KFC, names new CEO
Yum! Brands, the owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, has unanimously named Chris Turner as its new CEO following a board of directors vote.
Mr. Turner, currently Yum! Brands' Chief Financial and Franchise Officer, will assume the role of CEO on October 1. He succeeds David Gibbs, who announced in March 2025 his plans to retire within the year after 37 years with the company.
Mr Turner said: “I’m deeply honoured to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands.
more »
Mr. Turner, currently Yum! Brands' Chief Financial and Franchise Officer, will assume the role of CEO on October 1. He succeeds David Gibbs, who announced in March 2025 his plans to retire within the year after 37 years with the company.
Mr Turner said: “I’m deeply honoured to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands.
more »
25/Jun/2025 09:23
Cornish Bakery expands further with three new stores and significant growth in York
Cornish Bakery is gearing up to open three new locations in Hereford, Woodbridge, and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, while also significantly expanding its popular Coney Street bakery in York—more than doubling its size. This “hat-trick and a half” marks the latest milestone in the brand’s ongoing growth journey.
Set to mark another standout year for Cornish Bakery, three new locations will open from July 2025, with an additional five sites currently in the legal stages to be announced soon. These developments form part of an ambitious growth strategy that has identified the potential to expand from the current 66 bakeries to as many as 411 across the UK.
more »
Set to mark another standout year for Cornish Bakery, three new locations will open from July 2025, with an additional five sites currently in the legal stages to be announced soon. These developments form part of an ambitious growth strategy that has identified the potential to expand from the current 66 bakeries to as many as 411 across the UK.
more »
25/Jun/2025 08:43
Popeyes UK secures £43 million loan to fast-track expansion plans
Popeyes UK has secured a £43 million loan from Barclays Corporate Banking to support the opening of 45 new locations across the country this year.
Since its UK debut in Stratford, London, in November 2021, the Louisiana-style fried chicken chain has expanded to over 80 restaurants nationwide. Nearly half of these opened in 2024, following a controlling investment in the UK arm of the business by private equity firm TDR Capital.
TDR, the investor behind Stonegate Pub Company and PizzaExpress.
more »
Since its UK debut in Stratford, London, in November 2021, the Louisiana-style fried chicken chain has expanded to over 80 restaurants nationwide. Nearly half of these opened in 2024, following a controlling investment in the UK arm of the business by private equity firm TDR Capital.
TDR, the investor behind Stonegate Pub Company and PizzaExpress.
more »
10/Jun/2025 08:11
Deliveroo unveils drone-powered food delivery service
Deliveroo has launched drone delivery services in Dublin through a partnership with global drone operator Manna.
The drones, capable of flying at speeds up to 80km/h, are expected to significantly cut wait times by enabling deliveries in as little as three minutes.
Each drone is overseen by a dedicated dispatcher during its flight, with food lowered to the ground using a biodegradable tether. Customers can track their orders through the app as they normally would.
The pilot programme is based in Blanchardstown.
more »
The drones, capable of flying at speeds up to 80km/h, are expected to significantly cut wait times by enabling deliveries in as little as three minutes.
Each drone is overseen by a dedicated dispatcher during its flight, with food lowered to the ground using a biodegradable tether. Customers can track their orders through the app as they normally would.
The pilot programme is based in Blanchardstown.
more »
09/Jun/2025 10:03
Cornish Bakery sets sights on expanding to over 400 UK sites
Originating from a small fishing village in Cornwall, Cornish Bakery has grown from modest beginnings into a nationwide success. Initially focused on tourist hotspots, the brand has since broadened its reach to include high streets, retail outlet centres, motorway service stations, and major event venues like Birmingham’s NEC.
Cornish Bakery operates 66 locations across the UK and is actively pursuing further expansion, with a particular focus on high street sites. 'That’s where we see the real growth opportunity,' said managing director Mat Finch.
To support its ambitious growth plans.
more »
Cornish Bakery operates 66 locations across the UK and is actively pursuing further expansion, with a particular focus on high street sites. 'That’s where we see the real growth opportunity,' said managing director Mat Finch.
To support its ambitious growth plans.
more »
06/Jun/2025 09:45
Salad Project to launch four new restaurant locations over the next four months
The Salad Project is gearing up to open four new restaurants across London within the next four months, accelerating its expansion strategy.
Founded in 2021 by Florian de Chezelles and James Dare, the salad bar group has expanded to seven locations across London.
In a LinkedIn post, De Chezelles announced plans to open new locations over the coming months in Victoria’s Nova development, Battersea Power Station, Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, and near the Tate Modern in Southwark.
Each of Salad Project’s seven London locations is uniquely designed for its setting.
more »
Founded in 2021 by Florian de Chezelles and James Dare, the salad bar group has expanded to seven locations across London.
In a LinkedIn post, De Chezelles announced plans to open new locations over the coming months in Victoria’s Nova development, Battersea Power Station, Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, and near the Tate Modern in Southwark.
Each of Salad Project’s seven London locations is uniquely designed for its setting.
more »
03/Jun/2025 08:11
KFC announces 7,000 job openings in UK and Ireland amid fried chicken surge
KFC plans to invest £1.49 billion in the UK and Ireland, creating over 7,000 new jobs within the next five years.
The fried chicken chain stated its goal to become the “fastest growing restaurant brand for the next generation,” planning to open an additional 500 restaurants by 2035.
This will involve investing nearly £500 million in new restaurants and drive-through sites in “key locations,” including the North West of England.
A portion of this investment will go towards upgrading over 200 existing KFC restaurants-about 20% of its estate-with updated designs and new digital features.
more »
The fried chicken chain stated its goal to become the “fastest growing restaurant brand for the next generation,” planning to open an additional 500 restaurants by 2035.
This will involve investing nearly £500 million in new restaurants and drive-through sites in “key locations,” including the North West of England.
A portion of this investment will go towards upgrading over 200 existing KFC restaurants-about 20% of its estate-with updated designs and new digital features.
more »
30/May/2025 10:44
Deliveroo COO resigns after four years in role
Deliveroo Chief Operating Officer Eric French is set to leave the company to 'explore [his] next chapter.'
The decision follows a four-year tenure at the fast-growing food delivery company. French began as Deliveroo’s Chief Marketing Officer in 2021, stepping into the COO role the following year.
Posting on LinkedIn, French expressed his gratitude to Deliveroo and acknowledged colleagues including founder and CEO William Shu and chair Claudia Arney.
“When I joined.
more »
The decision follows a four-year tenure at the fast-growing food delivery company. French began as Deliveroo’s Chief Marketing Officer in 2021, stepping into the COO role the following year.
Posting on LinkedIn, French expressed his gratitude to Deliveroo and acknowledged colleagues including founder and CEO William Shu and chair Claudia Arney.
“When I joined.
more »
28/May/2025 09:15
Ex-CEO of Burger King owner named chairman of Pret A Manger
The former CEO of fast-food giant Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has been appointed chairman of Pret A Manger.
José Cil, who previously led brands including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs, played a key role in growing RBI’s sales to over £30 billion.
Under his leadership, the company grew to operate 30,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries.
Cil succeeds Konrad Meyer as chairman.
more »
José Cil, who previously led brands including Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs, played a key role in growing RBI’s sales to over £30 billion.
Under his leadership, the company grew to operate 30,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries.
Cil succeeds Konrad Meyer as chairman.
more »
21/May/2025 09:33
DoorDash set to acquire Deliveroo in £2.9bn deal
US-based food delivery platform DoorDash has confirmed it will acquire Deliveroo in a £2.9bn deal.
DoorDash has agreed to purchase Deliveroo for 180p per share in cash. The London-based food delivery company was founded in 2013 by William Shu and Greg Orlowski.
Deliveroo was valued at around £7.6 billion during its turbulent flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2021—nearly three times the price agreed in the current deal.
Over the past 12 years.
more »
DoorDash has agreed to purchase Deliveroo for 180p per share in cash. The London-based food delivery company was founded in 2013 by William Shu and Greg Orlowski.
Deliveroo was valued at around £7.6 billion during its turbulent flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2021—nearly three times the price agreed in the current deal.
Over the past 12 years.
more »
12/May/2025 10:11