PizzaExpress is proving that there’s still plenty of appetite for the high-street classics. In its latest financial update, the iconic pizzeria brand revealed a major bounce back, posting a 5% surge in like-for-like UK sales for the first quarter of 2026 (the 13 weeks ending March 29).
The group brought in £112 million in total sales for Q1, up from £108 million during the same period last year. Even better news for the business: its underlying profits (adjusted EBITDA) jumped an impressive 30% to £12 million.
This strong start builds on a transformative 2025. While total revenue for last year remained flat at £440 million due to the ongoing squeeze on consumer spending, PizzaExpress still managed to grow its full-year profits by 6.3% to £53 million. A successful debt refinancing deal last May also helped steady the ship, slashing corporate debt to £280 million and extending loan maturities to 2029.
PizzaExpress CEO Paula MacKenzie credited the growth to a strategy of relentless innovation and meeting customers wherever they happen to be.
“The positive momentum we have seen in Q1 of 2026 has been exciting and rewarding,” MacKenzie said. “Our teams remain laser-focused on realising the full potential of the PizzaExpress brand across our restaurant, delivery, and retail channels.”
To keep up with changing dining habits, the brand has been experimenting heavily outside of its traditional sit-down model:
Mac & Wings: In March, the company used its customer insights to launch a brand-new, delivery-only comfort food concept nationwide.
PizzaExpress Brixton: The brand is rolling out smaller, quick-service digital hubs. The new Brixton location features self-ordering kiosks designed for speed and convenience.
App Loyalty: The PizzaExpress Club app hit a massive milestone, clocking over 4 million members following a major “Loyalty 2.0” overhaul last year.
Supermarket Dominance: Its grocery line remains the UK’s number-one chilled pizza brand, boosted by a premium “Specials” range launched in Sainsbury’s.
Even with the push toward digital and delivery, PizzaExpress hasn’t given up on brick-and-mortar. It opened seven new UK restaurants and two in Hong Kong last year, alongside expanding its international footprint with 12 new franchise sites across India, Saudi Arabia, and Southeast Asia.
As the brand celebrates its 60th year, its mix of nostalgia, digital upgrades, and menu experimentation seems to be exactly what’s needed to outperform a fiercely competitive casual dining market.
Souce: retailtimes
