Taco Bell Expands Across UK with New M4 and M5 Restaurants, Creating 600 Jobs
The US fast-food chain Taco Bell, renowned for its Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos and burritos, is set to open a series of new restaurants along the M4 and M5 corridors in the UK. This expansion is part of a broader growth strategy that will also see outlets established in the South West of England, Wales, and the Midlands.
Major Investment and Job Creation
Franchise operator Campana, a part of the SYMBRO Group, has secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support this initiative. The £20 million investment programme is expected to create approximately 600 new jobs and increase revenue by between 50 and 60 percent as the business continues to expand its footprint.
David Morgan, finance director at Campana, commented on the brand's success: "Since opening our first Taco Bell six years ago, and with every additional new restaurant opening since, we've consistently seen strong demand for this much-loved brand, bringing craveable, Mexican-inspired flavours and unbeatable value to a new generation of UK consumers."
Expansion Plans and Locations
Campana currently operates 23 Taco Bell locations across South West England, Wales, and the Midlands. The next phase of growth will focus on opening around 12 new restaurants annually, with six sites scheduled to launch in the coming months. This ambitious rollout aims to build a portfolio of more than 50 Taco Bell sites in the UK by 2029.
The expansion will target further locations in Wales, the South West, along the M4 and M5 corridors, and additional areas in and around the Midlands. HSBC UK has also provided Campana with a revolving credit facility, ensuring access to capital as new locations are secured and construction progresses.
Industry Support and Resilience
Paul Lane, relationship director at HSBC UK, highlighted the opportunity within the UK's hospitality sector: "Campana has built a strong Taco Bell franchise business since opening its first location, and its ambitious rollout plans highlight the opportunity within the UK's hospitality sector, despite ongoing pressures."
He added: "The quick-service restaurant market continues to show resilience, with franchising offering a scalable and effective route to growth. Against this backdrop, the business' clear expansion strategy and proven track record made a compelling case to support this significant funding package and its next phase of growth."
SYMBRO Group, which owns and operates 60 quick-service restaurant franchises across the UK and the Netherlands, including brands like Subway and Starbucks, is backing this expansion. This move underscores the growing demand for fast-food options in the UK and the strategic importance of key transport corridors like the M4 and M5 for retail growth.
