All the American fast-food titans heading to the UK this year
A handful of legendary fast-food icons and newcomers from the United States are set to open in Britain over the coming months, including one brand described as having the ‘best fried chicken’.
Tried-and-tested US companies like McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC may have been high street staples for decades; however, it appears we’re now in a new era, what with the recent expansion of Dave’s Hot Chicken, the promise that Jersey Mike’s would be in operation sooner rather than later, and Chili’s imminent return.
While fast-food bosses continue to lay plans, many restaurants have already announced they are ready to do business, with doors set to open by the end of 2026.
These include a chicken shop with ‘attitude’, a brand designed for ‘kids to be kids, and for parents to relax’, and a beloved chain that serves up ‘cravable’, made-to-order items.
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Here’s everything you can look forward to getting your mitts on in the coming months:
Houston Hot Chicken
Stevenage has been selected as the UK home of Houston Hot Chicken, with the business set to launch in October 2026.
Specialising in Nashville-style hot chicken, the company offers customers everything from mouthwatering tenders to waffles, nuggets and sandwiches.
Houston Hot Chicken guests can customise how spicy they want their protein, with its highest level, ‘Houston, We Have A Problem’, coming with a $2 charge and a waiver for guests to sign.
Following the Stevanage branch, the brains behind the brand plan to open a further 49 sites in the next three years as part of the Pizza Express portfolio.
“Houston Hot Chicken has attitude. It has personality. And it knows how to make an enterance,” claimed Paula MacKenzie, group chief executive of Pizza Express, Mac & Wings and Houston Hot Chicken.
“Stevenage is where Britain meets Houston Hot Chicken for the very first time and we’ve got every intention of making sure it’s impossible to ignore.”
Brian Simowitz added: “We’ve spent the last few years proving we can shake up cities across America. Now it’s Britain’s turn. Stevenage is first, and we’re excited to light the fuse.”
Chuck E. Cheese
Popular American entertainment brand Chuck E. Cheese was officially incorporated as an active company last August, facilitating a British rollout over the next 12 to 18 months.
“Bringing Chuck E Cheese to the UK is not just a business move. Creating family fun has been a passion of mine and, ultimately, my professional career,” said Alistair Burnett, the brand’s managing director.
A ‘multi-unit agreement’ is in place, with Mario Centola, COO of Chuck E. Cheese International, stating he and his team were ‘thrilled’ to bring the ‘unique magic for family fun to the UK’.
“We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our passion for delivering unforgettable family experiences."
Items set to be available when Chuck E. Cheese hits Britain include signature pizzas, wings, and saucy chicken wings.
Raising Cane’s
A brand described as having ‘the best’ fried chicken is set to land at 22 Coventry Street in Piccadilly Circus later this year.
Yes, that’s right—Raising Cane’s is opening its UK flagship in the heart of the capital.
The chain, which initially confirmed the Central London location in September 2025, will also open restaurants around The Strand, Oxford Circus, Paddington and The Southbank, as per reports.
Drive-Thru locations across Greater London and beyond are also confirmed.
The fast-food spot is famed for its ‘secret’ Cane’s Sauce, Chicken Fingers and buttery slabs of Texas Toast.
“With each new restaurant, we extend our commitment to serving craveable Chicken Finger Meals made with premium chicken and cooked fresh to order, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers coming back and gives our crews the opportunity to grow alongside the brand,” a spokesperson told Parade earlier this year.
Planned expansions
Popeye’s
It’s been five years since Louisiana-style chicken chain Popeye’s was introduced to the UK high street, and now there are 120 restaurants in operation across the length and breadth of Britain.
According to CEO Tom Crowley, another 20 will be in operation by 31 December.
The chain is famed for its iconic Chicken Sandwich, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and supersized sauce pots.
Wendy’s
The Sun reported that Wendy’s is looking to expand it’s UK portfolio with a target of 400 stores nationwide.
Right now, there are almost 50 in operation across the likes of Southampton, Romford, Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool, and Colchester.
Staples include breakfast wraps and sandwiches, boneless bites, fresh-made salads, and Frosty sweet treats.
Denny’s
Swansea’s Parc Tawe Retail Park is the only Denny’s Diner in the UK… for now.
The legendary fast-food brand claims the site’s popularity has ‘demonstrated the household brand’s potential in the UK, and with clear opportunities across high streets, airports, service stations and drive-thru sites’, as per Alex Patey, former director at FRP Corporate Finance.
He previously stated: “We expect strong interest from ambitious operators looking to bring the Denny’s experience to more UK consumers in a segment where this type of offering has been lacking for many years.”
It’s not currently known if or when more Denny’s are going to pop up.
Carl’s Jr.
In summer 2025, Carl’s Jr. announced plans to bolster its British presence with six new sites.
Currently, the only two outposts are nestled in Cardiff and Swansea.
The Sun previously reported that sites could open doors in Southampton, Bristol, Manchester York, and Leeds.
The sites are part of Carl’s Jr.’s plan to launch 100 outlets across the UK over the next five years.
Wingstop
On 3 August, Wingstop UK declared 30 new sites would begin trading across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, as per The Independent.
The news came amid the retailer opening its 100th UK restaurant in Inverness, which Chris Sherriff, chief executive of Wingstop UKI, called an ‘incredible milestone’.
“It reflects our commitment to opening exceptional restaurants in the right locations, maintaining operational excellence at scale, and investing in the people and culture that underpin our business,” he continued.
“Customers increasingly seek out brands that offer a memorable experience, differentiated products and genuine value.”
Chick-fil-A
Leeds, London, Glasgow, Liverpool, and Northern Ireland are where the first Chick-fil-A sites are located in Britain.
The six form part of the fried chicken business’ 10-year plan, which will see more than $100m (£74.3m) invested in the UK.
Chick-fil-A Liverpool is the latest opening, occupying the Grade II-listed 81–89 building, formerly home to Lord Street Arcade.
Topics: UK Food, US Food, Fast Food, Restaurants and bars
Ella Scott