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All the US fast food chains opening branches in the UK in 2026 for first time

Several US-based fast-food chains are expanding into Britain later in 2026, continuing a surge of American brands crossing the Atlantic Ocean with arrivals including Chuck E. Cheese, Raising Cane's, Chili's, and Houston Hot Chicken.
Houston Hot Chicken plans to open its UK flagship in Stevenage this October, with 50 stores expected within three years, while Raising Cane's will open a flagship location at a former Angus Steakhouse in London later this year.
After closing all UK branches by 2009, Chili's Grill & Bar is attempting a fresh market entry, aiming to open a flagship restaurant within 12 to 18 months in locations such as Birmingham and Manchester.
Managing director Alistair Burnett said, "Bringing Chuck E. Cheese to the UK is not just a business move." The brand's inaugural European branch is set to open in late 2026, though a specific location remains unconfirmed.
This expansion follows a surge of US chains entering Britain over recent years; popular brands including Wendy's and Popeyes arrived in 2021, while Wingstop, Dave's Hot Chicken, and Chick-fil-A have also established footprints.

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