The new breed of casual dining chains planning growth

The recession's lasting impact on the UK high street is well-documented – according to recent research from the Local Data Company, one in seven shops is now boarded up across the UK, while vacancy rates are up to 30% in areas like Dudley and West Bromwich. For high street restaurants, 2009 saw a rapid rise in insolvencies according to PwC, as the sector battled lessening demand for corporate entertaining and a squeeze on consumers' disposable incomes.

But demand for eating out has held up far better than some analysts expected. As early as Q2 2009 London-based operators in particular were reporting a rise in footfall, takings and customer spend. An increasingly diverse market has also created demand in new categories, and the concept of "fast-casual" has grown in the UK – going beyond fast food, these new brands are focusing on better quality and lifestyle positioning.

For current perspectives on the UK casual dining sector, Pearlfinders has spoken to five up-and-coming restaurant brands. All of these have experienced rapid growth in recent years, and have big ideas for the future.

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