American restaurant chains are setting their sights across the pond.
From Wendy’s and Wingstop to chicken-focused newcomers such as Raising Cane’s and Dave’s Hot Chicken, US brands are expanding rapidly in the UK — and increasingly making London their first stop.
Now, the American casual-dining revival is joining the invasion.
Chili’s, which has staged one of the biggest restaurant-chain turnarounds in the US in recent years, recently said it was looking for a UK-based franchise partner, signaling a potential return to Britain after its previous UK locations closed years ago.
A shared language, a similarly demanding market for grab-and-go options, and an appetite for American menu items largely driven by social media make the UK a natural fit for US chains looking to expand overseas.
Early successes are also fueling the rush to grow across the pond: Wingstop UK and Ireland’s revenue surged 73% to £216.4 million (around $285 million) in 2025, while Popeyes’ UK revenue climbed 50% to £178 million (around $235 million) as it expanded to 108 restaurants in the UK and Ireland.
From food-court classics to full-service chains serving burgers, fajitas, and margaritas, these American restaurants have their eye on the UK.
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