UK bakery outlet Greggs is set to trial a new 24-hour drive-thru as part of expansion plans after reporting record high sales.
The chain, which already has nearly 2,330 shops, said there is a “clear opportunity” to have significantly more than 3,000 shops across the UK over time.
Roisin Currie, Greggs’ chief executive, said its growth strategy involves adding 150 new shops every year.
“We believe we have got enough momentum to continue with that target for the foreseeable future,” she said.
Greggs already opened a record 186 new shops this year, and closed 39, with new chains popping up in transport hubs like train stations and airports, retail parks and drive-thrus.
Customers are seeking out great quality and great value, and that’s exactly what we offer. It is just that easy way to fuel yourself when you’re on the go and you need to eat
This year it is set to trial a drive-thru that will be open 24 hours, although Ms Currie said the location has not yet been decided.
It comes as Greggs revealed its total sales hit a record high of £1.5 billion (€1.69 billion) last year, up by nearly a quarter on the previous year.
She added: “The vegan range continues to do well for us. I think for customers, even if they are not vegan, it is providing those choices that mean they can have a couple of meat-free days and enjoy products like our vegan baguette or vegan southern-fried goujons.”
