The UK’s fast food industry is set to undergo a major shake-up, as several popular American chains prepare to debut or expand their presence across the country. Following the successful launches of brands such as Wendy’s, Popeyes and Wingstop, which have already established themselves in the UK market, new players are set to offer British consumers a taste of America’s most beloved fast food offerings. Here’s a closer look at the American fast food chains set to arrive or expand in the UK in the coming years, promising to seriously challenge established favourites like McDonald’s.
Dave’s Hot Chicken: Heat on British shores
One of the most anticipated arrivals is Dave’s Spicy Chickena brand that has taken America by storm. Known for its Nashville-style hot chicken, the chain began as a humble pop-up in a Los Angeles parking lot in 2017, launched by four friends with a passion for spicy chicken. The brand quickly gained a cult following, leading to rapid expansion across the United States. Today, Dave’s Hot Chicken has over 200 locations nationwide and has been recognized as the fastest-growing restaurant chain in America.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to make a bold move into the UK market, with plans to open 60 outlets across the country by 2025. The first of these outlets is set to open in London in the first half of 2025, marking the start of what could be a national trend. Despite a simple menu consisting solely of sliders and chicken tenders, the brand has secured the backing of high-profile investors including Drake, Samuel L. Jackson and Usher. Side options such as fries, cheese fries, mac and cheese and kale salad accompany the spicy chicken, offering a flavour-packed experience that is sure to intrigue British diners.
Carl’s Jr: The Iconic Charcoal Grilled Burger Experience
Another American favourite making its way to the UK is Carl Jr.a chain known for its charcoal-grilled burgers cooked over hot coals. Carl’s Jr. is a fast food staple in the United States, particularly known for its hearty and flavorful offerings. The brand’s menu includes a variety of burgers, wraps, milkshakes, and its signature dishes like chicken tenders and chicken stars. Among the most popular choices is the El Diablo burger, a spicy creation that has been a fan favorite since its initial release in 2018. The burger features a combination of charcoal-grilled beef, bacon, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño popper pieces, all served on a potato bun.
While details on specific locations and opening dates for Carl’s Jr in the UK are still under wraps, the company has expressed “ambitious” plans for expansion, with nearly 100 restaurants already operational across Europe.
Wingstop: Wings craze spreads across the UK
For those who love chicken wings, Wing stop is already a household name. The Dallas-based chain has been steadily expanding its presence in the UK since arriving in 2018. With 39 sites open by the end of 2023, Wingstop is planning a significant expansion in 2024, with 15 new outlets planned across the country. The new sites will be spread across Essex, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire and the Greater London area, further strengthening Wingstop’s presence in the UK market.
Wingstop’s menu features a variety of chicken options including boneless wings, tenders and burgers, all customizable with a selection of bold flavors such as Mango Habanero, Louisiana Rub and Spicy Korean Q. The chain’s fries, often described as “unreal” by fans, are another major draw, alongside other sides like churros and loaded fries. With celebrity endorsements from Rick Ross, Lil Nas X and British stars including Stormzy and Central Cee, Wingstop is set to give KFC a run for its money in the UK chicken market.
Wendy’s: the return of a classic fast food restaurant
At Wendy’s Wendy’s has been a major player in the fast food industry since its founding in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Known for its unique square beef patties and Frosty dessert, a delicious mix of milkshake and ice cream, Wendy’s has built a loyal following over the decades.
Wendy’s returned to the UK in 2021 and since then the chain has expanded to over 30 locations across the country, with restaurants and delivery-only kitchens popping up in towns and cities including Camden, Guildford, Peterborough, Colchester and Reading. The brand’s expansion shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to re-establish itself as a major player in the UK’s fast food scene.
Popeyes: Southern charm spreads across Britain
Another brand familiar to British consumers is Popeyeswhich caused a sensation when it opened its first UK location in Stratford, London in November 2021. The chain’s Louisiana-style chicken sandwich quickly went viral, even sparking debates over whether it was superior to McDonald’s. Since then, Popeyes has expanded to 38 locations across the UK, with ambitious plans to triple that number by 2024.
New Popeyes restaurants are set to open in cities including Glasgow, Swansea, Birmingham, Bishop Auckland, Manchester, London, Aberdeen, Nottingham and Exeter. The chain’s expansion strategy includes drive-throughs and delivery kitchens, aimed at making its signature Southern-style chicken more accessible to British diners.
Chick-fil-A: A controversial return on the horizon
Lately, Chick-fil-AChick-fil-A, one of the best-known fast food chains in the US, is planning a return to the UK after a brief and controversial debut in 2019. The brand originally opened a store in Reading’s The Oracle shopping centre, but it closed after just six months following backlash over the company’s donations to anti-LGBT organisations. Despite the rocky start, Chick-fil-A plans to open five more stores in the UK from 2025.
Supporters of the chain are hoping that Chick-fil-A will bring its full menu to the UK, including its popular breakfast offerings like wraps, muffins and chicken-filled scones. As the company prepares for its return to the UK, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the challenges of operating in an increasingly ethically conscious market.
Fast food in the UK: more choice, more competition
As these American fast food giants prepare to make their mark in the UK, consumers can expect a more diverse and competitive fast food market. Whether it’s the spicy dishes of Dave’s Hot Chicken, the charcoal-grilled delights of Carl’s Jr or the bold flavours of Wingstop, there’s no doubt that these brands will bring a new excitement to the UK fast food sector. With more options than ever before, the future of fast food in the UK looks set to be both exciting and delicious.
