The UK is experiencing a fried chicken boom, with chicken shops opening faster than any other fast food outlet, driven largely by young consumers and social media trends.

• Chicken shops saw a 7.2% year-on-year growth, outperforming other takeaways at 1.7% according to Meaningful Vision.
• Young consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are the primary drivers, with 52% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennial fast food consumers eating from a chicken shop in the past year.
• The affordability of chicken as a protein and its versatility are contributing factors, prompting traditional establishments like fish and chip shops, such as Millers Fish & Chips, to diversify their menus to attract younger customers.
• Despite the influx of large US chains, independent businesses like Ragin’ Bird in Leicester are thriving by offering unique, high-quality offerings and benefiting from increased market hype.