Pizza Express delivers sales and profit uplift as new concepts drive growth

Pizza Express’s strategy to diversify its offerings has restarted its momentum in the first quarter of this year.

The pizzeria’s revenue in the year ended 28 December 2025 was broadly flat at £440m, 0.5% down from 2024’s £442m

However, full year adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 6.3% to £53m, from 2024’s £49m.

During 2025 the chain opened seven new UK restaurants, alongside two international restaurants in Hong Kong.

Pizza Express also continued to pursue franchise opportunities in potential growth markets, and by the end of 2025 had 90 franchise sites, including 12 new restaurants that opened in the year across India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Indonesia and Turkey.

The group was generally satisfied with performance, stating: “Despite the highly competitive trading conditions driven by the persistently challenging macroeconomic environment, Pizza Express continued to outperform the casual dining market across the UK and Ireland.”

The pizzeria chain posted posted a 3.7% uplift in total sales to £112m in the 13 weeks to 29 March 2026, bolstered by by 5% like-for-like sales growth in the UK.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter grew by 30% year on year, reaching £12m, versus £9m for Q1 2025.

Pizza Express cited its strategy to “meet customers where they are”, introducing new concepts “without compromising the core Pizza Express experience” as being key to the strong start to the year.

In March 2026, the group launched Mac & Wings, a delivery-first concept, nationwide. This was followed by the opening of its first smaller QSR-style location in Brixton, London, featuring a self-ordering system for eat-in, takeaway and delivery.

Paula MacKenzie, Pizza Express CEO, said: “The positive momentum we have seen in Q1 of 2026 has been exciting and rewarding for the full team that delivered it. It follows on what was a positive 2025 for our business. Our teams remain laser-focused on realising the full potential of the Pizza Express brand across our restaurant, delivery and retail channels.

“The delivery of these excellent results, amidst a very challenging sector backdrop, is further proof that our strategy of investing in our core estate, digital capabilities and omnichannel operational excellence is working and I’m incredibly proud that in our 60th year and beyond we continue once again to outperform the casual dining market across the UK and Ireland. The biggest thank you goes to our brilliant customers and fabulous teams who go out of their way each and every day to delight.”

Last year, Pizza Express owner Bain Capital bid to buy high street coffee chain Costa Coffee, however, in January 2026 the café brand’s owner, Coca-Cola, dropped plans to sell after bids from private equity firms failed to meet its valuation expectations.

Pizza Express’ shareholders injected £20m into the chain’s parent company, Wheel Topco, in April 2025 in a refinancing deal to shore up its balance sheet.