Top 4 Burger Sector Trends of 2022

Burger restaurants are some of the most popular fast food franchises in the UK. But in what is a hugely competitive and innovative sector, getting ahead can make a big difference. Tapping into the right trends can help take your business to the next level, so to find out the top trends you need to be making the most of, read on. 

More and more people are looking to take their career into their own hands. And what better way to make the most of a new and exciting opportunity than by joining a burger franchise operating at the top of its game. 

And how did the top franchises get to such a commanding position? By tapping into the right trends and demographics at the right time. By being first, you can get ahead of the competition. And by getting ahead of the competition, you can get to the top.

What does a burger franchisee do? 

Burger franchises play a vital role when it comes to pushing the QSR sector forward. From one day to the next, you could find yourself doing any of the following: 

• Marketing your franchise 
• Testing new products and recipes
• Speaking with suppliers
• Recruiting new team members 
• Networking with other franchisees 
• Working with industry-leading equipment 
• Delivering excellent service every day

While the last couple of years have been difficult for everyone, the burger shop industry has bounced back in style. With thousands of employees across the country and businesses turning over millions of pounds every year, this industry is one that is booming like never before. 

The shape of the burger franchise sector in 2022

2022 is the year businesses make their comebacks. Raking in a whopping market worth of £7.9 billion in 2019 [Mintel], the sector struggled when it was forced to close or move to an entirely online order system. But thanks to the resilience and determination of franchises around the country, the burger restaurant sector is back.

It is the fast-food chains that have buoyed the overall burger and chicken market with support from big players, such as McDonald’s expanding the number of licensed and franchised stores. The continuing growth of branded chains stands to impact on mid-market independent restaurants that continue to be challenged by the growing influence of fast-food chains with a strong focus on value for money.
- Mintel

To really maximise what you get out of your own burger franchise, it’s time to get started. From being your own boss to reaping the job satisfaction that comes with delivering excellent service every time, start your own burger franchise today. 

Top 4 burger sector trends 

1. Tech

Many quick service restaurants (QSR) have set their sights on utilizing technology to help meet businesses sustainability goals, all the while remaining efficient and profitable. With the many complications brought about by COVID-19 including the requirement to close the doors on QSRs, the use of technology in the industry quickly evolved to become the beacon of hope to help businesses stay afloat.
- Panasonic

This shouldn’t come as any major surprise. The pandemic forced just about every business to a standstill. But rather than facing defeat, the QSR industry responded by moving online with the help of technology. Some tech trends have truly come into their own in the face of adversity, so if you weren’t already, make sure you’re making the most of: 

• Contactless payments
• Food ordering apps
• Virtual drive-thrus
• Artificial intelligence 

2. Sustainability 

Burger franchises are facing up to the realisation that they need to do more to combat global warming. Whether businesses are making changes on how and where they source food, to how they package it, there’s changes we can all make that will have an impact. 

To help your American burger franchise cater to sustainable practices, consider:

• Sourcing food from local suppliers
• Taking steps to cut food waste such as preparing food closer to its serving or maintaining smaller inventories 
• Using recyclable, edible or soluble packaging 
• Delivering via bicycle, hybrid or electric vehicles 

3. Vegan and vegetarian options

Catering to diverse food tastes is essential in the modern industry. Vegetarian buyers have a range of options to choose from in most places these days, so if you’re not offering something better than a sliced and diced orange, you can expect to wave goodbye to potential customers. 

Veggie burgers are hugely popular and with as many as 14% of Brits already following a meat-free diet [Finder], it’s time to tap into this growing dietary trend. 

4. Remote working

Remote working isn’t just for offices. A growing number of restaurants are wondering why they need to pay the high overheads, rents and fees associated with a fixed premises, when you could just as easily rent yourself a kitchen and still reach your customers from there. 

Whether you want to run a hybrid model or an entirely ‘ghost’ kitchen-style business, don’t be afraid to push the boat out. Do you really need everything that comes with a fixed restaurant location, or could you just as easily make it work by delivery alone?

Tap into these trends and make the most of the exciting burger sector

Trends help you get ahead and stay ahead of the competition - and in the world of business, nothing matters more. Tap into some of the above four trends and you’ll be well on your way to eking out a slice of the lucrative QSR sector for yourself. 

But if it’s not to be - don’t worry. Franchising is about helping you achieve everything you want to achieve in business. So whether you’d rather look at franchising options elsewhere or just want to learn more about franchising in general, have a look at the UK franchise directory for a complete list of franchises in the UK.