All QSR (Quick service) articles
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OpinionThe hard questions every operator must ask before launching a sub-brand
Creating a sub-brand can unlock new customers, occasions and locations - but without the right foundations, it risks adding complexity without commercial reward, writes Mark McCulloch
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NewsWendy’s rejects $1.4bn Nelson Peltz takeover bid
The US burger chain has adopted a shareholder rights ‘poison pill’ plan to protect itself against a hostile takeover as it pursues an ongoing turnaround strategy
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NewsPapa John’s UK sales up 7.2% amid global decline
The US pizza giant plans to use its successful UK recovery as a model for a global turnaround plan, after reporting a decline in revenue and profit
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NewsOpenings of the week
From Tattu’s new London restaurant in Canary Wharf and Din Tai Fung’s fifth London site, to Dave’s Hot Chicken doubling up in Manchester, MCA rounds up the latest openings stories
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NewsCarl Clarke’s Disco Brands to launch funding round
The Chicken Shop co-founder’s new international QSR platform is raising money to support its developed as it earmarks India as a key market for opportunity
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NewsPopeyes: ‘When you’re scaling fast, you’ve got to watch everything like a hawk’
Speaking at the MCA Restaurant Conference, CEO Tom Crowley said the business was now opening around one restaurant every two weeks
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NewsMcDonald’s UK&I: ‘We are clear on the opportunity ahead of us’
Following publication of the global group’s Q3 results, the fast food giant’s UK CEO, Lauren Schultz, said optimising value and affordability has been a ‘relentless focus’ through the summer
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InterviewsKFC: ‘Franchisee growth is vital for our business – and the economy’
The growth achieved by KFC’s franchisees continues to be at the core of the brand’s expansion, but it is also a great example of how local entrepreneurs can drive growth in the UK economy, Rob Swain, KFC’s general manager UK & Ireland, tells MCA.
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NewsTim Hortons continuing to see ‘significant opportunity’ in UK market as LFL sales increase
The Canadian QSR brand says it has maintained its growth momentum in the UK and Ireland, recording like-for-like growth of 5% for the 39-week period to 30 September 2026
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NewsBrand overhaul drives 6% same store sales growth at KFC UK
The strategy, which combines the Kwench beverage platform with menu innovation and a refreshed brand identity, is yielding ‘promising’ results with UK system sales also up 7%
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NewsJohn Vincent named Person of the Year at R200 Awards 2026
The annual awards, created by Restaurant magazine, also recognised high-profile groups including Hawksmoor, The Ivy Collection, Flat Iron and Mission Mars
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NewsSubway to further bolster UK footprint through ASDA partnership
The sandwich giant has announced an expanded development agreement with the supermarket group that will see up to 70 new restaurants open over the next four years
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NewsFatto a Mano to launch focaccia-focused offshoot
Opening on Great Chapel Street in London’s Soho, Fulvio’s will be named after a ’much-loved member’ of the team who has spent years perfecting his focaccia recipe at the group’s original Brighton restaurant
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InterviewsComing in Hot – why PizzaExpress is taking on the fried chicken market
The casual dining giant is spreading its wings with the master franchise rights for US challenger brand Houston Hot Chicken, which has just landed in the UK. PizzaExpress CEO Paula MacKenzie speaks to MCA about its “bold, brazen and loud” entry into the market
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NewsThe Restaurant Conference returns this week
There’s still time to book your place at MCA’s Restaurant Conference on Thursday 5 November, with speakers from Popeyes, JKS, Gaucho, Prezzo, Azzurri Group and many more
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Analysis & InsightWhy America is automating restaurants while Britain is still thinking about it
As labour costs climb and margins tighten, restaurant operators worldwide are taking automation more seriously than ever. But are robots genuinely transforming restaurant economics, or simply adding another expensive piece of kit to an already complicated industry?
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NewsOpenings of the week
MCA rounds up this week’s biggest openings stories, including KFC’s latest restaurant in Hampshire, Black Sheep Coffee’s continued investment in Glasgow and the upcoming reopening of The Prince Albert in Notting Hill
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NewsChipotle reports strong London performance as global revenue rises 9.6%
Chipotle has reported continued growth in its UK business as the US fast-casual group expands its international footprint
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NewsDoner Shack partners with Sessions
The UK-born, Berlin-inspired kebab franchise says the partnership marks ‘an important milestone’ in its UK growth strategy
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NewsTrian reignites Wendy’s takeover plan
Nelson Peltz’s hedge fund has offered to buy the US fast food chain for around $1.4bn, arguing it is at ‘a critical juncture’ and would be better off as a private company