Bringing More Local Flavour to the Dine-in Market

It’s not just the drive thru sector that remains strong. A recent report from Lumina Intelligence highlights the strength of the dine-in market, suggesting growth of 2.8% in 2024 in a sector expected to reach a total value of £99.4 bn by year-end.

On the ground, we are seeing a much richer picture emerging too. Not only are national multiple operators continuing to acquire selectively, but established local operators are increasingly important—particularly in regional towns and cities.

These smaller, newer operators often have an advantage. With clearly defined offers and established, loyal customer bases, they tend to understand the local demographic and respond to micro-trends more quickly. The way they drive their markets only benefits footfall and revenue.

In Telford, Willow Restaurants, part of the Paragon Group, has signed for a cinema-anchored town centre scheme – a sister restaurant for its Trentham original, which is set to open in September.

In Walsall, halal steakhouse Toros has opened on a cinema-anchored edge-of-centre scheme. The remaining two units are under offer to locally based operators focused on African and Indian cuisine.

Meanwhile, at another out-of-centre cinema-anchored leisure park in Rochester, we have secured Turkuaz, which focuses on modern Mediterranean cuisine.

More than ever, consumers are looking for authenticity and variety when they choose to eat out. More diverse influences from across the world are attractive, not only in areas with multicultural communities. Good local businesses with a clear offer that helps meet this demand in a way that benefits the entire sector.

Ultimately, the local distinctiveness we look for in urban design and development can also be reflected in leasing strategies if investors can be more flexible in their requirements and look wider as they bring space to the market.