Popeyes UK Reports Record £178m Turnover as Expansion Accelerates
Popeyes UK reported record turnover of £178 million for 2025, up 50% year-on-year, as the fried chicken chain targets 150 restaurants across the UK and Ireland by end of 2026.
Popeyes UK has reported a record turnover of £178 million for 2025, representing a 50% increase from £119 million the previous year, driven by aggressive restaurant opening schedules and strong consumer demand for American fried chicken concepts.
Rapid Store Estate Expansion Across the UK
The fried chicken chain added 44 net new locations during 2025, expanding its UK footprint to 108 operating restaurants by the end of the year. Popeyes has maintained its rapid growth momentum into 2026, including its initial market entry into the Republic of Ireland.
Targeting 150 Restaurants by End of 2026
Popeyes is now targeting approximately 150 total restaurants across the UK and Republic of Ireland by the end of 2026. This expansion highlights the rapid market penetration of major US quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands competing for UK market share against established incumbents.
Why It Matters for the QSR & Dining Sector
Popeyes' accelerating turnover demonstrates how strategic real estate expansion, strong brand positioning, and consumer appetite for fried chicken concepts continue to reshape the UK restaurant sector. High-efficiency kitchen layouts and drive-thru additions allow expanding brands to capture both dine-in and off-premise market share.
Related FoodColumn Coverage
Read about drive-thru prototypes in QSR Brands Test Drive-Thru Only Store Prototypes, explore major chain expansion trends in Major Restaurant Chains Announce 2026 Expansion Plans, and check market data in Restaurant Industry Statistics 2026.
