The popular fast-food chain to open 30 restaurants every year from 2026 as revenues grow 7% to £408.3m despite ‘softer consumer sentiment and rising labour costs’
Burger King UK has announced ambitious plans to roll out 30 new restaurants each year despite a “softer” consumer mood and the squeeze of rising labour costs. The fast-food giant unveiled the expansion strategy amidst a “challenging” economic climate, yet still managed to serve up robust revenues.
Currently boasting 574 UK outlets, the brand is determined to supersize its presence across the country. From 2026, it aims to open around 30 eateries annually, with a particular appetite for company-owned locations.
The burger giant noted “further signs of improvement” in its performance this year, hinting at a slowdown in inflation. However, it acknowledged that last year’s budget-related cost hikes and the strain on consumer finances have taken a bite out of the UK hospitality sector.
Alasdair Murdoch, the big cheese at Burger King UK, commented: “While inflation in food and utility costs has returned to more normal levels, the sector continues to face softer consumer sentiment and rising labour costs following significant increases in the national minimum wage and national living wage.”
Despite these challenges, trading in 2025 remained “robust”, with the group flipping over 1 billion US dollars (£748 million) in system-wide sales across the UK.
In another meaty move, the group inked a deal to extend Burger King UK’s franchise rights to the Republic of Ireland for the first time, cooking up even more opportunities for growth.
As the company unveiled its 2024 financial results, it was revealed that revenues jumped by 7% to £408.3 million. There was also a 4.5% increase in like-for-like sales to £347 million, largely due to a boost in home delivery sales and pinpointed market strategies.
A 12% surge in underlying earnings saw them reach £26 million, which the company attributes to keeping costs in check. Mr Murdoch expressed satisfaction with Burger King UK’s 2024 performance, saying: “I am pleased to report another year of solid performance and strategic progress for Burger King UK in 2024.”
He continued: “Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment and ongoing sector cost pressures, we delivered revenue growth, positive like-for-like sales, and improved underlying EBITDA through disciplined cost management and operational focus.”
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