A number of QSR chains from the US have continued their expansion over the past few months with Wendy's announcing three new sites and Carl's Jr looking to open 20 venues in the UK too.
Quick Service Restaurants have been one of the big winners of the recent financial crisis in the UK, with various chains performing well and expanding as people look for cheaper and easier meals out. Two of these in particular announced growth plans recently in fast food burger brands Wendy's and Carl's Jr.
Wendy's made its return to the UK back in 2021 and has since opened 30 restaurants around the country including its first drive-thru in Cambridgeshire this January. The brand is looking to extend its UK footprint to 45 venues by the end of 2023.
Wendy's President Todd Penegor said: "We've got the supply chain in place. We're working on partners. We've got master franchise arrangements. We're trying to get in place to really accelerate that growth in 2024 and beyond."
Another chain set to expand rapidly in the UK is Californian burger chain Carl's Jr, adding the UK to its international franchise footprint which already includes North & South America, Asia, Oceania, Europe and Africa.
The group is looking to open more than 20 stores over the coming years and has partnered with specialist property adviser Christie & Co to help fulfil on this commitment. Tim Lowther, general manager for Carl's Jr in Europe, commented on the new partnership with Christie & Co: "With over 80 years' experience, the company is a renowned name in restaurant franchising. We have a tremendous team on the ground in Europe that has a good understanding of the UK market, and we are excited to be bringing this brand to our future guests in the UK."