Burger King’s UK division plans to open 30 new restaurants this year, setting out an expansion drive despite cost pressures across the hospitality sector.
The fast food chain’s British business confirmed it has arranged a £60m ($80.5m) financing facility to support its growth plans.
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The funding was agreed with lenders Metro Bank and OakNorth, according to British newspaper The Independent.
Currently operating 574 restaurants across the UK, Burger King said the latest investment will support its “next phase of expansion” in both the UK and Ireland.
The 2026 plan involves opening more than 30 new outlets, of which 18 to 20 locations are expected to be directly operated by the company. The remaining sites will be run by franchise partners.
In addition, more than 60 existing sites have been identified for refurbishment.
In 2025, the business opened seven new restaurants in the UK and carried out remodelling at 31 locations. Its expansion last year was supported by £30m of capital from long-term backer Bridgepoint.
The Independent added that the company’s growth plans are being pursued against a backdrop of higher operating costs in the wider UK hospitality industry and subdued consumer sentiment.
Burger King said “the macroeconomic environment remains challenging” but noted that inflation has started to ease in several key cost categories.
It pointed to higher labour expenses as a major ongoing challenge, although it expects wage growth to slow.
In 2025, the group reported a 10% rise in revenue to £448.7m. Like-for-like sales grew by 6.8%, helped by increased home delivery.
Burger King UK chief executive Alasdair Murdoch was quoted by The Independent as saying: “I am pleased to report another year of solid performance for Burger King UK in 2025.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor the potential impact of geopolitical uncertainty on inflationary pressures and consumer confidence.”
