McDonald’s is set to launch more than 200 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland over the next four years, aiming to create approximately 24,000 jobs as the fast-food giant accelerates its expansion to meet growing demand for takeaways. This expansion represents McDonald’s most significant growth initiative in the UK in over two decades, supported by a £1 billion investment from the company and its franchisees, with a particular focus on high street locations.
Celebrating 50 years since opening its first UK location in Woolwich, south London, McDonald’s currently operates 1,435 restaurants across the country, with around 80% owned and managed by franchisees who collectively employ over 170,000 workers. The new outlets will include trials of new formats, such as smaller sites and “drive t0” restaurants.
The UK food-to-go market is projected to grow by 40% in value by 2028, according to the grocery industry body IGD, with recent growth driven by inflation and an increase in order volume starting in 2024. This trend is expected to continue, becoming the primary driver of market performance next year.
The UK and Ireland expansion is part of McDonald’s broader goal of adding 10,000 more restaurants worldwide by 2027. However, earlier this year, the company reported its first quarterly sales miss in nearly four years, impacted by weaker sales growth in regions including the Middle East, China, and India.
Alistair Macrow, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, expressed his pride in the company’s progress over the past 50 years and its commitment to growth, stating, "I’m delighted that in this milestone year we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth, and announce the creation of new jobs across the country as we plan to open over 200 new restaurants over the next four years."
Despite strong demand for takeaways driven by both office workers and those working from home, McDonald’s faces fierce competition in the UK market. Earlier this year, the company lost its top spot for takeaway breakfast to Greggs, a rapidly expanding bakery chain based in Newcastle. On a global scale, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged that the company’s "value leadership" had recently diminished and emphasised that efforts were underway to address this issue quickly.
