Fresh findings reveal significant gaps in forecasting, vendor performance, and real-time operational visibility across UK multi-site restaurant chains.
Crunchtime Information Systems, Inc., a leading provider of restaurant operations management solutions, has published its first dedicated research report on the United Kingdom (UK) market in collaboration with Technomic.
The study, which draws on responses from 100 multi-site UK restaurant operators, highlights both the optimism fuelling expansion and the operational challenges that could hinder it. While growth ambitions remain strong despite economic concerns, the research shows that blind spots in daily operations and friction with vendors are key obstacles.
Key highlights from the report include:
- Expansion continues despite economic worries
UK operators plan to open an average of 20% more new locations over the next two years compared with the previous two years, even though 78% express concern over economic uncertainty. - Real-time operational visibility still limited
While 89% of respondents said that having real-time insight into the completion of daily operational tasks is either extremely or somewhat important, just 31% currently enjoy full real-time visibility. - Forecasting accuracy underperforms
Despite 82% of operators using some form of technology-driven forecasting, UK restaurant brands report their sales forecasts are accurate only 62% of the time. - Vendor collaboration critical for growth
Although 86% of operators seek to work with vendors who can support their expansion efforts, 90% who launched new sites encountered vendor-related issues during growth phases, including price hikes, weak support, and integration challenges.
“This research makes it clear that UK operators are ambitious but need more reliable operational tools and partners to grow confidently,” said John Raguin, CEO of Crunchtime. “In an increasingly complex landscape, real-time visibility and dependable vendor collaboration are no longer optional—they’re essential.”
For greater detail into this research, download the UK Restaurant Growth Insights Report 2025 here.