Introduction

Despite mixed fortunes in retail since the downturn, the restaurant market and in particular the casual dining market has seen considerable growth over the last five years; 1,800 restaurants opened in the UK during the 12 months to October 2015 (a 6.9% increase yoy), with branded restaurants increasing 55% in the past decade.

This report examines some of the key shifts in trends, locations and consumer behaviour that has been at the core of this growth.