International franchise brands continue to view the UK as a significant growth market, with Miami-founded Coyo Taco confirming plans to open its first London site this summer.
The launch marks the beginning of a wider rollout led by Kuvi Hospitality, which has secured exclusive franchise and development rights for Coyo Taco across the UK, Ireland and GCC. The long-term plan is to scale the brand to more than 50 locations across the UK and Ireland.
The first UK site will open at Orchard Place, SW1, with two further UK locations planned before the end of 2026.
A Fresh Fast-Casual Concept Entering the UK Market
Coyo Taco was founded in Miami’s Wynwood district in 2016 and has since developed a strong following across US and international markets. Its operating model is centred around fresh preparation, hand-pressed tortillas, made-to-order guacamole and a dual-format approach combining fast-casual dining with a late-night bar offer.
This combination of fresh food, strong brand identity and experience-led dining is particularly relevant in the UK market, where consumers continue to seek quality, convenience and distinctive hospitality experiences.
For franchise investors and operators, the move is significant because it reflects continued appetite for branded fast-casual concepts with clear positioning and scalable formats.
London as a Launchpad
London remains one of the most competitive dining markets in the world, but it also offers a powerful platform for international hospitality brands.
Coyo Taco’s first UK site will be located in Orchard Place, SW1, a mixed-use development with strong footfall, local residents, workers and tourist traffic. The location is expected to support all-day trading, helped by proximity to Victoria, Whitehall and key central London destinations.
For overseas brands entering the UK, London often acts as both a test market and a credibility marker. Successful entry into the capital can provide the foundation for broader regional expansion.
The Power of Local Franchise Partners
The planned rollout also highlights the importance of experienced local franchise partners.
Kuvi Hospitality’s role is not simply to open sites, but to build the infrastructure required to scale the brand across multiple regions. This includes site acquisition, supply chain development, operational delivery and local market execution.
For international brands, this approach offers a route to expansion that combines global brand strength with local expertise.
For UK operators, it demonstrates how multi-site franchise agreements can create significant growth opportunities when supported by the right operational platform.
Market Implications
Coyo Taco’s UK launch reflects a wider trend in franchising: international brands are still actively targeting the UK and Ireland as attractive growth markets.
Despite cost pressures across hospitality, the right concepts continue to attract investment, particularly where they offer:
- Clear brand differentiation
- Strong consumer appeal
- Proven operating systems
- Multi-site growth potential
- Experienced franchise partners
The fast-casual market remains competitive, but brands that combine quality, theatre, speed and strong identity are well positioned to capture consumer attention.
Coyo Taco’s rollout will be one to watch as the brand looks to move from London launch to nationwide presence.
Looking Ahead
The planned 50+ site pipeline suggests continued confidence in the UK and Ireland hospitality market.
For the wider franchise sector, the story reinforces an important message: international expansion through franchising remains active, ambitious and highly strategic.
As more overseas brands look to enter the UK, experienced franchise partners and disciplined rollout plans will become increasingly important in determining which concepts scale successfully.