Market growth monitor: smaller restaurant group openings defy market headwinds

Dynamic new restaurant operators continue to expand and disrupt Britain’s eating out sector despite a host of challenges. The latest Market Growth Monitor from AlixPartners and CGA uses site opening and closure data across the UK to examine critical trends across the licensed leisure industry.

At a glance

• So far in 2017, restaurant operators have faced unprecedented competition levels, price pressures, and an evolving retail market.
• Britain’s total number of licensed premises stood at just under 123,000 at June 2017—0.3% fewer than in June 2016.
• Despite these headwinds, small and innovative businesses are continuing to expand across the country.
• After an extensive period of expansion, growth in the number of food-led licensed premises is likely to slow in the coming months.