A weak spending environment amid economic headwinds casts a shadow over industry performance. Squeezed budgets amid the cost-of-living crisis were a double-edged sword for takeaways and fast-food restaurants over the two years through 2023-24: some consumers cut back on takeaways, while others traded down from full-service restaurants to takeaways and fast food. Inflationary pressures resulted in hikes in labour, energy and sourcing costs, straining profitability. Those with higher disposable incomes have been less impacted, demanding higher quality and healthier options, typically with a higher price tag. Subsiding inflation and growing consumer confidence support spending in 2024-25, though economic uncertainty persists and limits growth. Revenue is projected to drop at a compound annual growth rate of 0.8% over the five years through 2024-25, reflecting ongoing challenges. However, forecast growth of 2.1% in 2024-25 suggests a rebound in the industry as cost-of-living pressures subside. The surge of online food ordering has fuelled revenue growth. While online sales peaked during the pandemic, consumers drawn to convenience have become accustomed to ordering takeaways and fast food online. The development of state-of-the-art online platforms and third-party online ordering platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are becoming the bread and butter for takeaway and fast-food outlets, encouraging new players into the industry. Britons' growing health and sustainability consciousness presents an opportunity for takeaway and fast-food businesses to introduce more expensive organic and meat-free menu items to boost revenue and profit. Britons’ tastes for healthy and sustainable takeaway options will continue to climb. Stricter legislation regarding the adverse effects of consuming junk food will promote product development innovation and healthy fast-food alternatives, driving additional revenue streams. As workers return to the office more permanently, demand for takeaway lunch options will swell. Fast food chains will pump money into aggressive expansion plans to secure market share and streamline costs. Investment in marketing will likely swell as operators turn to social media and online advertising to attract younger consumers and secure long-term revenues. Spending on innovation will persist as major players leverage AI and technology advancements to differentiate themselves from competitors and further demand. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 2.9% to £26.6 billion over the years through 2029-30.

The market size of the United Kingdom's fast food and takeaway industry stood at **** billion British pounds in 2025. Meanwhile, employees in the sector numbered over *******. How many fast food and takeaway restaurants are in the UK? The number of businesses in the UK's takeaway and fast food sector totaled close to ****** as of April 2025. At the forefront of the industry are household names such as Greggs, KFC, and McDonald's, all of which regularly rank among the most popular dining brands in the UK. Greggs, in particular, has seen impressive growth in the past two decades, with the bakery chain's turnover more than tripling between 2006 and 2023. What is the most popular takeaway food in Great Britain? A 2023 survey asked consumers in Great Britain to rank their favorite type of takeaway food. ***** ended up being the most popular takeaway cuisine in Great Britain that year, with ** percent of respondents choosing the dish. Other popular takeaway options in the United Kingdom’s restaurant delivery and takeaway industry include Chinese, Italian, and Burgers.

Combined, branded fast food restaurants generated the largest share of fast food market value in 2018. Traditional branded restaurants were worth *** billion British pounds in 2018, while branded restaurants with a focus on delivery generated over *** billion pounds and branded contemporary restaurants a further *** billion. Fast food market in the UKFast food restaurants, also known as quick service restaurants (QSR), are a lucrative segment of the food service industry. According to reported figures on the eating out market, the UK fast food market was worth almost ** billion British pounds in 2018. It competed with pubs and bars, which are now the most popular dining out option for Brits, more so than traditional service-led restaurants. Branded fast food restaurants made up an *** percent share of eating out market value in 2017 compared to ** percent for pubs and bars. Branded vs. independent fast food restaurantsAlthough fast food brands generated the largest share of market value, independent outlets almost matched the value of traditional fast food restaurants. The UK was home to over ** thousand independent fast food restaurants including takeaways in 2018, the most of any other fast food restaurant outlet type, establishing their significance on the market. The UK takeaway market has traditionally been an important segment and has recently received a boost thanks to developments in online food delivery apps.

The United Kingdom fast food market reached approximately USD 29.07 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 49.66 Billion by 2034.

The Fast-Food franchise industry has been influenced by changing consumer preferences and the convenience of online food ordering. Demand for cheaper, on-the-go food is boosting sales of fast-food chains. Fast-food establishments have had to adapt to changing consumer tastes and rising health consciousness by introducing healthier options in their menus and vegetarian and vegan offerings to capture booming demand. The rise of vegetarianism and veganism has helped smaller franchises that focus on serving these niche markets, but more traditional chains have also innovated and expanded their menu offerings. Revenue is expected to inch up at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2024-25 to £12.4 billion, including forecast growth of 3.9% in 2024-25. Revenue plunged in 2020-21 thanks to COVID-19 and the forced closure of industry establishments for sit-in services, though a boom in delivery services limited this drop. Revenue rebounded in 2021-22 due to the removal of restrictions and pent-up consumer demand for going out. Following the pandemic, fast-food franchises faced escalating operating costs due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which hiked up food and energy prices, hitting profitability. Cost-of-living pressures are driving more consumers towards cheap fast-food restaurants, though many are also cutting out discretionary spending on eating out. While inflation is cooling, lingering supply disruptions continue to pressure food costs, prompting franchises to streamline operations by sourcing locally and integrating AI-driven solutions into their supply chains. Intense competition and heightened operating costs have contracted the average industry profit margin, which is expected to be 8.9% in 2024-25. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 4% over the five years through 2029-30 to reach £15 billion. The convenience and price offered by fast-food outlets will continue to drive demand. The growing popularity of online food delivery platforms and wider product offerings that appeal to consumer tastes will boost revenue. Gen Z’s growing spending power will shape fast-food franchises’ values and menu offerings. Fast-food franchises that provide clear nutritional information, source ingredients responsibly and continuously innovate their menus with new and exciting flavours will stand out in the competitive market.

The United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant Market is segmented by Cuisine (Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-based Cuisines, Pizza), by Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets) and by Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Market Value in USD is presented. Key data points observed include the number of outlets for each foodservice channel; and, average order value in USD by foodservice channel.

This statistic shows the leading fast food (quick service) restaurants in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2015. During the survey, 57 percent of respondents said they went to McDonald's, while 42 percent chose KFC.

Despite the popularity McDonald's enjoy in the United Kingdom, there are far fewer McDonald's restaurants per million people in the United Kingdom, than in similar nations. In 2014, the highest number of restaurants per million people could be found in the United States with 45.1 restaurants per million people. There were less than half of that number in the United Kingdom during 2014, with 19.1 McDonald's restaurants per million people.

In 2014, Europe generated more revenue for McDonald's than any other region, creating 11.08 billion U.S dollars, ahead of the 8.65 billion U.S dollars in revenue coming from the United States.

Residents of the United Kingdom are one of biggest spenders when it comes to food and beverage services. In 2015, the turnover of food and beverage service activities in the United Kingdom was higher than in any other member state of the European Union. Despite having a similar population to France and a smaller population than Germany, turnover in the food and beverage service industry amounted to 87.7 billion euros in the United Kingdom, compared with 63.17 billion euros in France and 53.03 billlion euros in Germany.

Market Size statistics on the Takeaway & Fast-Food Restaurants industry in the UK

According to a survey of restaurant brands in the United Kingdom in the second quarter of 2025, Greggs had the highest rating among the British public, with 75 percent having a positive opinion of the brand. J D Wetherspoon, McDonald's, Burger King, and Domino's were also rated among the top five brands. Number of Greggs shops in the UK Along with ranking as one of the most popular restaurant brands in the UK, Greggs is also one of the most prolific. The company had over 2,500 outlets operating across the country in 2024, a figure which showed an increase of around seven percent compared to the previous year. Since 2006, the number of Greggs shops in the UK nearly doubled. How big is the restaurant industry in the UK? The United Kingdom’s restaurant industry is exceptionally diverse, comprising fast food companies, casual dining brands, and Michelin star restaurants. In 2023, the market size of the restaurant industry in the UK was estimated at 18.7 billion British pounds.

Snapshot img

Fast Food Market Size and Forecast 2025-2029

The fast food market size estimates the market to reach by USD 119.6 billion, at a CAGR of 3% between 2024 and 2029. APAC is expected to account for 35% of the growth contribution to the global market during this period. In 2019 the non-vegetarian fast food segment was valued at USD 424.90 billion and has demonstrated steady growth since then.

    Report Coverage


    Details




    Base year


    2024




    Historic period

    2019-2023



    Forecast period


    2025-2029



    Market structure
    Fragmented



    Market growth 2025-2029


    USD 119.6 billion






The market is experiencing significant shifts, driven by the increasing online presence of companies and the proliferation of new outlets. This digital transformation allows fast food companies to expand their reach and engage customers through various digital channels, offering convenience and personalized experiences. Simultaneously, the market faces challenges due to growing health concerns surrounding the excessive consumption of fast foods. As more consumers prioritize wellness and balanced diets, fast food companies must respond by offering healthier options and transparent nutritional information.
The growing number of fast-food outlets intensifies competition, necessitating innovative marketing strategies and operational efficiencies to maintain market share. Companies that successfully navigate these trends and challenges will capitalize on the market's potential for growth and customer loyalty.

What will be the Size of the Fast Food Market during the forecast period?

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The global food service equipment market is advancing as operators adopt restaurant technology that enhances pos terminal integration, online ordering integration, and kitchen workflow efficiency. Businesses are combining employee training programs with data driven decision making to improve operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with strict sanitation protocols and food quality control standards. The integration of supply chain traceability tools supports transparency, enabling faster issue resolution and improved inventory control.

Market adoption has risen by 21.8% as restaurants focus on cost reduction strategies without compromising customer experience. Forward-looking expectations project a 28.6% improvement in profitability for operators that successfully align menu optimization, quality assurance, and food cost control with advanced analytics. This reflects a shift toward using marketing analytics to strengthen brand positioning, increasing both customer acquisition and customer retention rates.

Comparing recent performance metrics, establishments that implemented customer feedback systems and sales forecasting tools achieved a 7.4% higher revenue growth rate than those using manual store operations processes. Furthermore, well-executed franchise development, combined with strategic location analysis and effective staff management, has shown measurable gains in revenue generation and long-term profitability analysis. By integrating risk management frameworks with evolving technologies, businesses are positioned to sustain growth and protect market share while continuously refining the customer experience.

How is this Fast Food Industry segmented?

The fast food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Non-vegetarian fast food
  Vegetarian fast food


Service Type

  Eat-in
  Take away
  Home delivery
  Others


End-User

  Quick Service Restaurants
  Fast Casual Restaurants
  Others


Target Audience

  Youth
  Families
  Professionals


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The non-vegetarian fast food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, various players prioritize customer feedback systems and menu engineering to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Menu offerings emphasize non-vegetarian items, with fish, seafood, chicken, beef, and others in high demand due to their appetizing nature. The preparation techniques and modes of service differ from restaurant to restaurant, encouraging consumers to explore diverse non-vegetarian options. The market's growth is further influenced by the demand for low-calorie, high-protein food p

In 2023, the market size of the quick service restaurant industry worldwide reached *** trillion U.S. dollars, representing a slight increase over the previous year. Quick service restaurants, also known as limited service or fast food restaurants, are establishments which typically serve food to customers quickly while having minimal table service. What are the leading fast food restaurant chains worldwide? As of 2024, ********* held the title of the highest-valued restaurant brand in the world. With a brand value exceeding ** billion U.S. dollars, it was nearly double that of the second most valuable brand, **********. In the ranking of the leading food and drink service chains by global sales, ********* was among the top three, generating over ** billion U.S. dollars. The company closely followed the UK-based food service leader, *****************. Which country has the highest number of Starbucks locations? In 2023, the country with the most Starbucks stores was *************************************, where there were over *********** locations. The coffee shop chain also had a significant presence in China and Korea. In the U.S., ********* was the coffee shop chain with the highest sales, generating approximately ** billion U.S. dollars more than its closest competitor, *******. Additionally, Starbucks enjoyed popularity among U.S. consumers, receiving an average American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) score of *************.

The market is estimated to reach USD 207,415.5 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 341,089.4 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% throughout the assessment period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 207,415.5 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 341,089.4 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.1%

Country wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	5.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	5.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.4%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
McDonald's	18-22%
Yum! Brands	15-19%
Darden Concepts, Inc.	10-14%
Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC	8-12%
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.	6-10%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%

The United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, exhibiting robust growth driven by several key factors. The increasing popularity of convenience food, busy lifestyles, and a growing young population with disposable income are significant contributors to this expansion. The market's segmentation reveals a diverse landscape, with strong performance across various cuisines, including bakeries, burgers, pizza, and ice cream, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and dietary trends. The presence of both chained and independent outlets indicates a competitive market, with established international brands alongside smaller, localized businesses vying for market share. Location-wise, retail and leisure spaces are key areas for QSR growth, supported by the high foot traffic in these zones. While the precise market size for 2025 is unavailable, a reasonable estimation, considering typical QSR market growth rates and the substantial presence of major players like McDonald's and Greggs, would place it in the range of £15-20 billion. This figure factors in the influence of factors such as inflation and potential economic fluctuations. The market's future trajectory is projected to remain positive, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) that, while not specified, can be reasonably estimated to be within the 3-5% range based on similar mature markets. This growth will likely be further fueled by technological advancements such as online ordering and delivery services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for consumers. However, challenges remain. Rising operational costs, including ingredient prices and labor shortages, pose potential restraints. Furthermore, increasing health consciousness among consumers necessitates adaptation by QSR operators to offer healthier menu options. Competitive pressures from both established chains and new entrants also necessitate continuous innovation and strategic adjustments to maintain market share. The UK QSR market therefore represents a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges, offering significant potential for growth but requiring strategic adaptation to prevailing economic and social trends. Recent developments include: August 2023: Subway was acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital for USD 8.95 billion. To fully receive the amount, Subway needs to achieve certain cash flow milestones within a period of two or more years after the deal is completed.August 2023: Coffee shop chain Starbucks announced plans to invest USD 32.78 million toward opening 100 new outlets across the United Kingdom in 2023, as it expects its growth momentum to continue.January 2023: Five Guys Enterprises, LLC set to open restaurants in Queensway and Bridgend in 2023 after 20 new sites were opened in 2022.. Notable trends are: Consumers inclination towards fast food consumption led to an increasing number of fast food outlets in the country.

Market Size statistics on the Fast-Food Franchises industry in the UK

In 2023, the fast food chain McDonald's generated over *** billion British pounds in turnover in the United Kingdom. This represented an increase of over nine percent from the previous year. Meanwhile, Domino's Pizza's revenue in the UK and Ireland stood at ***** million British pounds in the same year.

The UK Foodservice Market report segments the industry into Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchen, Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants), Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets), and Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

The HRI Market in UK is segmented by Type (Consumer Foodservice (Cafes and Bars, Full-service Restaurants, Fast Food, Pizza Consumer Foodservice, Self-service Cafeterias, 100% Home Delivery/Takeaway, and Street Stalls/Kiosks), Hotels, and Institutional), and by Structure (Independent Outlet, and Chained Outlet).

Snapshot img

Quick Service Restaurants Market Size 2025-2029

The quick service restaurants market size is forecast to increase by USD 63.8 billion, at a CAGR of 2.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) market is witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing number of QSR establishments worldwide. This expansion is fueled by consumer preferences for convenience and affordability, leading to a rise in demand for quick, on-the-go meals. Innovations in packaging and serving methods are also shaping the QSR landscape, as restaurants seek to differentiate themselves and cater to the evolving needs of time-strapped consumers. However, the market is not without challenges. Fluctuations in raw material prices pose a significant threat, as QSRs must balance the need to maintain affordability for customers with the need to maintain profitability.
These price volatilities can impact menu pricing and, ultimately, the bottom line. To navigate these challenges, QSRs must focus on operational efficiency, supply chain optimization, and strategic sourcing to mitigate the impact of raw material price fluctuations. Additionally, adapting to changing consumer preferences and trends, such as plant-based options and contactless ordering and delivery, will be crucial for long-term success in the market. Point-of-sale systems and restaurant management software facilitate data analytics and customer insights.

What will be the Size of the Quick Service Restaurants Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The quick service restaurant (QSR) market continues to evolve, with dynamic market dynamics shaping various sectors. Local advertising strategies adapt to reach diverse customer segments, while hygiene standards and labor laws remain crucial compliance requirements. Environmental regulations influence interior design and menu engineering, driving sustainability initiatives. Hygiene standards, food safety certifications, and kitchen display systems ensure optimal food safety protocols. Operational efficiency is a key focus, with performance tracking and employee training enhancing order accuracy and customer experience. Digital advertising and mobile app ordering streamline sales analysis and profitability metrics. The increasing number of full-service restaurants and the popularity of online catering services are additional growth factors.

Food cost control, ingredient sourcing, and menu engineering contribute to the value proposition, balancing affordability and quality. Brand consistency and industry regulations ensure a cohesive dining experience. Customer satisfaction is a priority, with table management systems, customer service, and social media marketing addressing wait times and targeted marketing efforts. Delivery platforms and acoustic design cater to evolving consumer preferences, while food safety regulations and industry trends shape the future of QSRs. Sustainability initiatives and supply chain management strategies further enhance the market's continuous evolution. Digital menus and unassisted sales through kiosks and mobile apps are also gaining popularity

How is this Quick Service Restaurants Industry segmented?

The quick service restaurants industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Service

  Eat-in service
  Takeaway service
  Drive-thru service
  Home delivery service


Type

  Chain
  Independent


Product Type

  Burger and sandwich
  Pizza
  Asian cuisine
  Frozen desserts and ice cream
  Others


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Service Insights

The Eat-in service segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. In the dynamic quick service restaurant market, licensing and permits are essential for business operations. Consumers value loyalty programs that offer rewards and incentives, enhancing customer satisfaction and repeat business. Operational efficiency is a key focus, with food waste reduction strategies implemented to minimize costs and improve sustainability. The socializing culture at cafes and bars among urban youth is also contributing to the growth of this market. Compliance with various regulations, including food safety and labor laws, is crucial for business continuity. Mobile app ordering and online systems offer convenience, while point-of-sale systems facilitate smooth transactions. Customer experience is paramount, with employee training ensuring order acc

From 2019 to 2025, consumers in Great Britain were surveyed on how often they bought food and drink at fast food outlets. In January 2025, almost half of the respondents stated that they never bought food and drink at fast food outlets. Meanwhile, ** percent of respondents stated that they did so once a week.

This dataset ranks the top 10 food to go (FTG) brands in the UK by their turnover market share in 2024. It provides insight into the competitive landscape of the FTG market, showcasing the leading operators by revenue share within the year.