Burger King UK Reports Strong Sales Growth and Return to Profitability

Burger King UK has announced a positive sales performance for the first half of 2024, attributing this success to new restaurant openings and a strong demand for its affordable menu. The fast-food chain, which operates 561 locations across the UK, reported a 5% growth in total sales, with contributions evenly split between existing restaurants and new sites. CEO Alasdair Murdoch emphasized the brand's resilience and the ongoing appeal of its high-quality offerings. In its recently filed accounts, Burger King UK revealed a significant increase in total revenues, which surged by 30% to £381.8 million in 2023 compared to the previous year. This growth was bolstered by the opening of 18 new owned restaurants and the acquisition of 74 locations from the franchisee Karali group in September 2022. Additionally, like-for-like sales rose by 3% during the same period, indicating a solid performance across the board. The company also reported a turnaround in its financial health, achieving an operating profit of £13.4 million in 2023, a notable recovery from a £20.7 million loss in 2022. This improvement was driven by increased revenues and effective cost management strategies. Murdoch expressed satisfaction with the company's full-year performance and highlighted the strategic advancements made over the past year. Looking forward, Burger King UK is optimistic about its growth trajectory, with plans for further expansion and enhancements in digital and delivery services. The company aims to maintain its momentum through a robust pipeline of new restaurant openings and continued focus on cost efficiency.