Chicken shops continue to lead growth in fast-food sector

The amount of chicken shops has continued to expand in the first half of 2026, despite a slowdown in the growth of the fast-food sector.

Data from market analyst Meaningful Vision showed that the first six months of 2026 saw outlet numbers increase by just over 1%, compared to 2.3% in 2025 and 4% in 2024.  

However, chicken remained the fastest-growing segment in the market and outlet numbers grew by 6.3% in the first half of 2026, maintaining growth levels seen in 2025.

Ethnic quick-service concepts recorded the second-highest growth rate, accelerating from 2.2% in H1 2025 to 5.4% in H1 2026.

Burger outlets also saw growth of 2.1%, while bakery and sandwich chains expanded by 1.5%.

Pizza was the only segment to contract in the first half of 2026, with outlet number falling by 3.2%.

Maria Vanifatova, chief executive of Meaningful Vision, said: “The UK fast-food market is still expanding, but the pace has slowed considerably. Chicken and ethnic concepts continue to attract investment, while performance in coffee and pizza shows that growth cannot be taken for granted. Operators need to look beyond the total number of openings and understand where local demand, competition and outlet density create the strongest opportunities.”

The top expanding chains included Gail’s, Taco Bell, Domino’s, Joe & the Juice, Chaiiwala, Chopstix, German Doner Kebab, Black Sheep Coffee and Blank Street Coffee.

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