A MAJOR bank has announced it’s offering free cash for switching accounts just in time to give your balance a boost for Christmas.

It’s also giving account holders a £50 interest-free overdraft buffer to ease burden at what can be an expensive time.

1

Nationwide Building Society has launched a new offer of £175 to switch to its FlexDirect, FlexPlus or FlexAccount current accounts.

In order to get the free money, you must switch through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).

Banks often offer incentives like free cash to attract new customers.

Until recently several bank switch bonuses were up for grabs, but were pulled in the past few weeks.

But that could be set to change as Nationwide is the second bank to bring one back.

Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts Compare, said: “The £175 free-cash perk is a joint-market leading sum with First Direct, so it will be interesting to see if any other providers launch a switching incentive to compete for business in the weeks ahead.

“The FlexDirect (account) will pay up to £5 per month in cashback, but this is not diluted by any account management fee, which is a plus.”

The lender is also set to launch a £50 interest-free overdraft buffer in November, with the exact date to be confirmed closer to the time.

The buffer will apply to overdrafts on the lender’s three main current accounts, which are the FlexPlus, FlexDirect and the FlexAccount.

It’s worth noting that the FlexPlus account does charge a monthly fee in return for benefits such as insurance and breakdown cover. 

Springall says Nationwide’s £50 interest-free buffer could also be useful to some people as the Christmas shopping season draws nearer.

She says: “This safety net can make a difference for those who might overspend by a small amount.”

Springall suggested that, in general, current account holders should weigh up the benefits they use as well as the charges for using their account “to see if it’s working hard enough”.

The FlexDirect account gives the holder 5% credit interest on balances up to £1,500 for the first 12 months.

This account also offers an interest-free overdraft for the first 12 months.

Those who open a new FlexDirect account will still get the 5% credit interest rate, and will also receive 1% cashback for the first 12 months on debit card purchases, capped at £5 per month.

For new FlexDirect account openings, the previous interest-free overdraft offer will be withdrawn.

But if you are an existing customer who is benefiting from an interest-free overdraft offer then don’t worry, this will continue until the end of their 12-month period.

We’ve asked Nationwide if there’s a minimum amount you need to pay in to the accounts to qualify for the bonus and will update when we hear back.

While the £175 might look enticing, it is important to consider all aspects of a bank account when planning to change.

So for starters, it is important to look at what  fees and charges are associated with an account.

There is no account fee on the FlexDirect or FlexAccount current accounts. 

The FlexPlus account fee is currently £13, it will increase to £18 per month from December.

You should consider account opening fees, transaction fees, monthly maintenance fees, any overdraft changes and fees if you plan on spending abroad.

Account management, in terms of your preference for online or in a branch, and eligibility criteria, such as a good credit score, should also be looked at.

Finally incentives and mobile banking are two more important considerations when choosing whether to change accounts. 

How to switch bank accounts?

Switching bank accounts in the UK, in the vast majority of cases, can be done using the CASS to move your money and close your old account.

The first step to setting up a new account is done by contacting your chosen bank or building society to open an account. 

This can be done by applying online, in branch, by phone, or via the lender’s app.

Step two involves your chosen lender checking your eligibility for an account, and to switch using the CASS.

Following this, you need to select the date you want your old account to close and your new account to open.

You will be required to provide information about yourself and your finances, and present a form of photo ID.

The bank will check your credit report to verify your identity and assess the risk of lending money to you.

Lastly, it is just a case of counting down the days until the switch is complete, with the minimum being seven working days.

What other banks are offering bonus switches?

Right now, options are quite limited with only one other major lender offering incentives to switch. 

But don’t fret, lenders often introduce these incentives from time to time, so simply stay on the lookout if you have a particular bank or building society you want to switch to.

FirstDirect are currently offering £175 to customers who choose to make the switch.

To be eligible for the bonus you cannot have had any account with First Direct in the past, and you can’t have opened a current account with HSBC since January 2018.

If this is you, then all you need to do is open the account in app, and switch in an account from a different bank including two direct debits or standing orders within 45 days.

You will also need to pay in £1,000 and make five or more debit card payments within 45 days.

The £175 is paid by the 20th of the following month after you meet the switch bonus criteria.

What is an overdraft and how does it work?

The ins and outs of an overdraft are simple enough to understand, for starters there are two types.

These are arranged and unarranged. An arranged overdraft is a pre-arranged limit that you agree with your bank, while an unarranged overdraft occurs when you go overdrawn without an arranged overdraft.

You will usually be charged interest for using an overdraft, but some providers offer an interest-free amount. This is common with student accounts.

If you manage an arranged overdraft well it is unlikely to have any impact on your credit score.

But, if you do not pay it off regularly, have payments declined, or use the unarranged overdraft, it is likely to have a negative impact.

You should also know that if you do not pay your overdraft off in time, your bank may turn your account over to a collection agency.

A MAJOR bank is set to discontinue credit card services for all customers in a matter of days, The Sun can reveal.

Cahoot, a subsidiary of Santander, will stop offering credit card services for all customers next week.

1

Cahoot ceased offering new credit cards to customers back in 2006.

However, over 1,000 existing customers are still using these credit cards today.

Many more may still have a Cahoot card knocking around.

All these credit cards will stop working from September 30.

This means you will no longer be able to pay for goods or services in-store or online with the card.

Customers will need to find another credit card provider to continue to make purchases in this way.

A spokesperson for Cahoot told The Sun: “Following a review of our product range, we have made the decision to close the cahoot credit card account from September 30, 2024.

“We have written to Cahoot credit card customers to outline the options available to them, including transferring to a Santander Everyday No Balance Transfer Fee Credit Card as a replacement.”

If you still have an outstanding balance on your card after this date, you can continue to make repayments as usual – there’s no time limit on repaying the debt.

Once you’ve repaid your balance in full and it’s at £0, Cahoot will then close your account and write to you to confirm this. 

You won’t be forced to pay off your debt in full.

The bank says that all repayment options will continue to be available to affected customers.

Your statement will continue to show the minimum repayment amount required each month.

You must pay the minimum payment on or before your payment due date.

The minimum payment is the highest of:

• The full credit card balance if it is less than £5
• Any arrears payable, plus the greater of 2.5% of the credit card balance or £5

Remember, if you only make the minimum payment, it will take longer and cost you more to clear your balance.

This is because interest is added to your outstanding bill.

Martyn James, consumer rights expert, says: “If you’ve got a big debt on your credit card, you might be worried about paying off the bill now the Cahoot card is being withdrawn.

“However, in situations like this, the business should allow you to keep paying off the debt by the minimum payment.

“If you’re in financial difficulties, they should set up a payment plan at a rate you can afford – and not charge excessive interest.”

Santander says that customers who actively use the Cahoot credit card can apply for a replacement credit card with Santander and complete a balance transfer.

However, Cahoot will also allow customers to transfer their existing credit card debt onto a new credit card with a different bank.

This means those who can’t afford to pay off their balance in full could transfer it to an interest-free balance transfer credit card.

These cards allow customers to temporarily stop paying interest for up to 29 months for a small processing fee of 2-4%.

If you want to pay your debt down completely, you should avoid spending extra money on these cards.

With HSBC‘s market-leading offer, customers can stop paying interest for 29 months, with a 3.49% transfer fee.

Those with less-than-perfect credit scores might be eligible for a 16-month Virgin Money card with a 3% transfer fee.

Those with poor credit scores could be eligible for Fluid’s nine-month interest-free balance transfer card, which also charges a 3% transfer fee.

FIND THE BEST CREDIT CARD DEALS

You should always use an eligibility calculator before applying. That’s because every credit card application leaves a mark on your credit file and can affect your credit score.

To assess all the available cards, visit price comparison websites like MoneySavingExpert’s Cheap Credit Club or Compare the Market.

Once you run your details through an eligibility calculator and you’ve been shown that you’re likely to be accepted, make a formal application.

To do this, you will need to provide your name, address and email address as well as details of your income so a provider can assess your eligibility.

You will also need to provide details of how much money you want to transfer to the new card, but you can often do this after you have been accepted.

If your application is approved, you will need to transfer the balance within a set period, usually around 60 or 90 days.

Your old balance will then be cleared and you can start making interest-free repayments on your new card.

MCDONALD’S has revealed an all-new item, which will delight lovers of its breakfast menu.

The fast-food giant will soon start selling mini hashbrowns across its 1,300 plus sites in the UK.

1

The fried snack is expected to land in stores on October 16.

McDonald’s already sells larger hashbrowns as part of its regular breakfast menu which is available from 6am-11am.

These cost £1.19 and contain 127 calories.

However, these new treats will come in a bigger portion but will be smaller in size, with a five-piece single portion costing £1.49.

Meanwhile, the 15-piece sharebox will set customers back £2.99.

It is not yet clear if the hashbrowns will become a permanent menu item or will only be available for a limited period of time.

In 2022, the home of the Golden Arches added mini potato waffles to its morning menu but they were axed the following year.

At the time, fans said they tasted better than its hashbrowns.

The full list of McDonald’s breakfast menu items includes:

• Mighty McMuffin – £ 5.19
• Egg & Cheese McMuffin – £ 2.39
• Breakfast Wrap – £ 4.99
• Bacon Roll – £ 3.19
• Breakfast Roll – £ 3.39
• Cheesy Bacon Flatbread -£ 1.49
• Bacon & Egg McMuffin -£ 2.79
• Double Bacon & Egg McMuffin – £ 3.19
• Sausage & Egg McMuffin – £ 2.79
• Double Sausage & Egg McMuffin -£ 3.19
• Muffin with Jam -£ 1.49
• Hash Brown -£ 1.19
• Pancakes & Syrup – £ 3.49
• Pancakes & Sausage with Syrup -£ 3.99
• Porridge -£ 1.99

However, it is important to note some of these menu items might not be available at your local McDonald’s.

Changes at McDonald’s

News of a new menu item comes just one week after Maccies teased the return of its McRib.

A test notification for the boneless pork burger was sent out on the McDonald’s rewards app, sending customers into a frenzy.

When asked if the McRib is coming back, a spokesperson said: “McDonald’s is always looking to innovate with new and exciting menu items, as well as bringing back the fan favourites.

“If you’re keen to be the first to receive more info from McDonald’s stay tuned.”

The McRib was first added to the main UK McDonald’s menu in 1981 but was taken off just four years later.

All you need to know about McDonald’s

HERE’S all the crucial information about McDonald’s you’ve always wanted to know…

The burger, which comes with a boneless pork patty covered in barbecue sauce and topped with onions and pickles, has made temporary reappearances since.

What else is new at McDonald’s?

McDonald’s regularly shakes up its menu to make way for new items.

Earlier this month, the fast food chain shook up its menu to coincide with the launch of McDonald’s monopoly. 

To participate in the game you must collect stickers that represent train stations or colour-coordinated streets. 

If you are curious about how the game works and what prizes you can win, read our article here. 

To mark the return of its sticker peeling game McDonald’s has brought back a number of fan-favourites

These include:

• Mozzarella Dippers 
• Philly Cheese Stack.
• Chicken Big Mac, 
• Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry 
• Twix Chocolate McFlurry
• Twix Latte 

If you are keen to try any of these new menu items you will need to act quickly as they are set to be pulled from restaurants in about three weeks.

How to save money at McDonald’s

Did you know that you can end up being charged more based just on the McDonald’s you choose to eat at? 

The Sun previously found that a Big Mac meal can be 30p cheaper at restaurants which are two miles away from each other. 

Another way to cut back spending at McDonald’s is by ordering from the Savers menu or by taking advantage of its ‘3 for £3’ deal when it lands in stores. 

It is also worth bearing in mind that McDonald’s offers a discount on your next order if you fill out a survey online after visiting its stores. 

These can be found on the back of any receipt you get at McDonald’s.

MILLIONS of hard-up households will receive a key energy bill discount worth £150 starting in just days and it’s available even if you’re not on the state pension or get pension credit.

The Warm Home Discount (WHD) is a £150 cut to your electricity or gas bill and is applied by your energy supplier once a year.

1

In most cases those who qualify will receive the reduction automatically and do not need to apply.

If you live in England and Wales you will be eligible if you get the guaranteed credit element of pension credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.

The scheme could provide a lifeline to millions this winter after the Government last month cut the number of households that will receive Winter Fuel Payments.

The scheme is administered by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which will contact households who qualify for the discount by post between October and December.

These letters will let customers know that they are eligible for the discount and when the deduction will be applied.

If you think you are eligible for the scheme but have not received a letter by early January then you should check your energy account to see if it has been credited by £150.

If you have not been sent the cash then you should contact the Warm Home Discount helpline.

The phone number will be available via the Government’s website from next month.

You have until February 28, 2025 to contact the helpline depending on what qualifying criteria you meet.

But it is best to call before this date to make sure you do not miss out on the payment.

What is the Warm Home Discount?

The Warm Home Discount is usually applied between October and March as credit on your account, but this will depend on how you pay for the energy you use.

Usually the £150 is deducted from your electricity bill but if you have a dual fuel tariff then you can also get the money off your gas bill.

If you have a credit meter, your Warm Home Discount will be credited directly to your account.

Once it has been applied it will show on your next bill.

If you are a prepayment meter customer you will receive the voucher in the post with instructions on how to redeem it at your local Post Office.

If you are eligible then your energy supplier will apply the discount to your bill by March 31, 2025.

How do I qualify for it?

To qualify for the credit, households in England and Wales must fall into one of two categories – “core group 1” and “core group 2”.

Core group 1 is for customers who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and will be identified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Meanwhile, core group 2 is made up of households who receive certain means-tested benefits or tax credits and have a “high energy cost score”.

This is based on the type, age and size of your property and is assessed by the Government.

The benefits that put you in core group 2 are: 

• Housing Benefit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• The “Savings Credit” part of Pension Credit and Universal Credit

If you were not claiming any of these benefits on August 11, 2024 then you will not be entitled to the payment.

You may also be eligible if your household income falls below a certain threshold and you get tax credits.

If you do not fall into these groups then you need to apply directly via your energy supplier.

When will I receive the discount?

The dates that you will receive the reduction will depend on your energy supplier and when it is notified that you are eligible.

Ovo Energy will aim to pay the discount by the end of December or within six weeks of being told by the government which customers are eligible at the beginning of October.

But a select number of customers could be paid between January and the end of March if it takes longer to confirm that they qualify.

British Gas and Scottish Power have said that they will make all payments by March 31, 2025 at the latest.

EDF said that it will try to provide customers with their rebate by February 28, 2025.

All payments will be made by the end of March 2025.

What other help is available?

If you do not qualify for the Warm Home Discount then you may be able to get help with your bills through the Household Support Fund.

Last month the fund was extended to next spring and a further £421 million was added to the pot, which has been shared between councils in England.

It is up to each council how they allocate their portion, which means that how much you get and whether you are eligible will depend on where you live.

If you are on benefits, have a low income or are classed as vulnerable then you are likely to receive the help.

Contact your local council to see what help is on offer.

There is a tool on the Government’s website to help you find which council area you fall under.

You may also be able to get a grant on your energy bills if you are in debt.

Several energy firms including British Gas, Octopus Energy and Ovo offer up to £2,000 to help customers.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

A SWANKY new £3.5 million Wetherspoons pub has opened in a town perhaps too posh to handle it – as locals warn punters they “better behave”.

The discount boozer chain’s latest branch – The Grand Assembly in Marlow, near High Wycombe – is welcoming its first customers today.

13

13

Advertisement

13

13

The name – apparently an attempt to ingratiate itself with wary naysayers – was settled upon after a few false starts, including The Brass Thimble.

It’s a nod to the assemblies held by the upper social classes in the nearby Market House building in centuries gone by.

The Sun headed down for the opening day.

The pub’s aptly named for the few punters who queued at 8am for the not-so grand opening – though it soon filled up inside.

MIXED RESPONSE

Outside there was something of a mixed response to the idea of a popular chain gracing the town’s streets.

Judy Evans said: “Marlow is a village so we don’t like the very big brands – we like the independents.

“The breakfast you’re going to get in the Wetherspoons is going to be like £2 but it’s the quality and it’s the local people you’re supporting.”

She pointed across the road to The Ship – believed to be the town’s oldest pub, built around 1412 – as an alternative because “we want to be supporting our locals”.

The Ship has survived bigger threats to its existence – namely The Plague and The Spanish Flu.

But it has itself modernised, including showing live sport and launching a ‘Cocktail Lab’ to help bring in the modern punters.

Sales manager, Judy, 50, went on to say that Marlow – neighboured by the likes of Maidenhead and Slough – is a “bit of a destination place”.

“We are a bit concerned that come Friday and Saturday nights we’re gonna get a lot more of those tourists coming in, other people coming into Marlow.”

She said that some Wetherspoons pub “don’t look so nice, it’s so big, so vast”, adding: “It will be interesting to know if it builds any kind of atmosphere.

“I’m worried about it affecting the local community, local businesses, local coffee shops. That’s my main concern.

“I’ve never been to one, I won’t be a regular, I’ll stick to The Ship.”

Retiree Hannah Wallis, said she worries the new pub will be “noisy and horrible at night time”.

“What sort of people are going to be there? I am just worried,” continued the 90-year-old.

“We will have to wait and see won’t we? Worried about a lot of louts and drunken men creating havoc and that sort of thing, that’s it.

“It’s just the sort of clientele it might attract.”

However, Hannah said she celebrates the idea of it being “more diverse”, adding: “Just so long they know how to behave themselves.”

13

13

Advertisement

13

Tony McHale, a former EastEnders writer, is a regular visitor to Marlow and said he is concerned about the pub attracting too many students into the quaint town.

“I don’t want this to be disparaging, I have used Wetherspoons, it’s used to being a student environment and Marlow isn’t a student sort of town,” he said.

“I think there are plenty of other places around in Wycombe that provide that type of hostelry, if that’s the word.

“It’s not a university town – I don’t think it’s an appropriate place.”

Tony, 74, wrote some of the BBC soap’s most explosive story lines between 1985 and 1999.

He was actually under the impression the new pub hadn’t opened.

“Oh, has it opened ugh – I thought it had been blocked!” he said.

“I think it’s a shame, you could put one in High Wycombe but not here.

“What I do think is a shame is here you have a lot of individual shops, stores, eateries and things like that, I think it’s great these places still exist when you go down most high streets.

“Here at least there’s a difference in choice but I don’t think this is necessary.”

Tony said locals “might be worried the rot might set in, if you start with Wetherspoons”.

“What happens next, a different sort of chain – it suddenly becomes like most city centres and most of them are dying.

“This seems to be thriving as it’s individual. It’s [got its] own identity. Okay, you’ve got The Ivy but they sort of blend in, they don’t stick out.

“I do think it will be a shame. Maybe we are prejudging it. Only time will tell. At least it’s not smack in the middle of the high street.”

Got a view on the new pub? Email charlotte.bend@thesun.co.uk

However, in contrast, Dean Kirby, who claims to have set up the first internet café in the UK, is keen to see how the new arrival does.

The entrepreneur, 60, said he is “always interested in concepts and how they work in the retail world”.

He went on to say there’s “a lot of snobbery” in the town but he thrives on the competition.

“I’ve been living in Marlow for 15 years, a lot of people think it’s going to bring it down.

“A lot of other retailers round here are sloppy, awful, that’s what it’s all about, the competition.

“There are a lot of retailers on this high street that need to buck their ideas up.”

Dean said the town is unique with a “dynamic of two high streets in one” with the daytime and night-time businesses.

“During the day it is very nice, gentrified and you feel safe. At night it’s a night time beast, late time opening.

“The Ship has a one o’clock licence now, Wetherspoons does too.”

He added: “Wetherspoons can’t drag it down, that’s there already. When you’ve had a skinful of wine or beer… it is what it is.”

STRIKING DECOR

Inside the pub, at the top of the High Street, is a mash up of historical town references, including a mirror display inspired by author Mary Shelley, who wrote classic novel Frankenstein while living there in 1817.

A smattering of middle-aged men were quickly munching on full English breakfasts, accompanied by a pint.

But there were also groups of young women, and couples on dates.

Many others – not brave enough to enter – marvelled through the rectangular windows.

With a strikingly bold carpet that clashes with a variety of chairs, the site has been adorned with Union Jacks and chandelier-like lamps.

The military theme has been joined with paddles on the walls, an old grandfather clock, white markings that resemble mountains on the mirrors and exposed brickwork.

With no music playing, the murmurs of first-time attendees could be heard, their whispers occasionally being defeated by the sound of cutlery against plates and ice from across the room.

The vast hall goes far back, and every nook and cranny has been built into.

With padded chairs below turquoise paint, bar stools facing a glass cabinet, as well as the main space filled with tables of four and the carpet ending within metres of the front entrance, the room seems confused.

One woman just walked past saying “it’s a bit of a tight squeeze” as she navigated through the rows of furniture.

Manager Rachel Turner is hopeful the refurbishment will win over the doubters.

“People seem more excited about it than anything else – after the build-up, I’m just looking forward to it being a normal pub,” she told Bucks Free Press.

Bar staff Ben and Callum, who live just down the road and have been busy training for the opening over the last few weeks, have a similar view.

Callum likened the hesitancy of some locals to accept the chain to Lidl’s replacement of Waitrose on Liston Road in 2022.

He said: “People think of Marlow as quite high echelon and they said, ‘Oh no, we don’t want that here’. But when they actually saw it for what it was, no one seemed to mind.”

A Wetherspoon spokesman told The Sun: “Wetherspoon is delighted to have opened in Marlow.

“Our pubs are popular across the UK and Ireland and we believe that this will be the case in our Marlow pub.

“Wetherspoon has shown its commitment to the town with its investment of £3.5 million and creation of 60 new jobs.

“The company’s pubs are well regarded and run to the highest of standards.”

13

13

13

Advertisement

13

13

13

A MAJOR US fast food chain has confirmed the exact locations of its first UK restaurants, The Sun can reveal.

American fast food giant Chick-fil-A is crossing the pond and bringing its beloved chicken sandwiches to our high streets next year.

1

The Sun can exclusively reveal the exact locations of their first five UK restaurants.

Chick-fil-A operates more than 3,000 sites across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

As part of its UK-wide expansion, the fast food chain has confirmed that it will open two restaurants in Belfast and single sites in Leeds, Liverpool, and London.

The sites will open over two years starting in 2025, and Chick-fil-A has now opened applications for those wishing to take on a franchise.

The brand’s initial expansion into the UK will create approximately 400 new jobs.

Anita Costello, chief international officer at Chick-fil-A, Inc, told The Sun: “Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to bringing Chick-fil-A’s delicious food and signature hospitality to Belfast, Leeds, Liverpool and London, and continuing our long-term investment in the U.K.

“From job creation to supporting local causes, we are excited about the positive impact our first restaurants will have in the communities they serve.”

We’ve already had a first taste of what will be on the menu when the first store opens next year.

Several signature items, including the chain’s most popular menu item, the original Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, nuggets, and waffle fries, will be venturing across the pond.

The brand’s expansion into the UK will also bring tasty but unfamiliar options not commonly available in the UK, including savoury biscuits and ranch-flavoured dipping sauces.

Chick-fil-A’s UK-based restaurants plan to serve chicken sourced from the UK and Ireland, along with 100% free-range eggs from welfare-certified farms.

For now, eager fans of the chain will need to hold tight to find out exactly what will be served in its UK restaurants.

Ahead of its high street launch, The Sun visited the company’s headquarters in Atlanta to find out what the fuss is all about.

Chick-fil-A is a family-run business that operates a franchise-style system.

Anyone can apply to operate a restaurant, and applications for potential franchisees wishing to open a UK restaurant are now open.

However, Chick-fil-A’s model differs from other fast food chains we know in the UK – like McDonald’s, KFC or Burger King – as franchisees don’t own the sites themselves.

Franchisees – or operators, as they are known – run the businesses daily, but Chick-fil-A owns the rest, including the brick-and-mortar site.

This means the company owns the actual restaurant, while the franchisee operates the business on their behalf, resulting in a smaller outlay and less risk for operators.

In the US, the initial franchise agreement costs just $10,000 (£7,932), while a McDonald’s franchise typically costs between £350k and £1,85 million in the UK.

Chick-fil-A also only lets its operators run up to three stores, and the majority of them only run a single location.

With other fast food chains, you can run several at once and even build a mini-empire, though that requires significant investment.

Like in the US, each UK restaurant will be able to participate in Chick-fil-A’s Shared Table programme.

This initiative redirects surplus food from Chick-fil-A restaurants to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks, and non-profits in need.

Joanna Symonds, head of UK operations, said: “We’ve always cared about the impact of our restaurants on the local communities that we serve, and we strive to positively impact areas throughout the UK”

US FAST FOOD EXPANSION INTO THE UK

Chick-fil-A is not the only US fast-food chain to have taken a leap across the pond in recent years.

In July, Dave’s Hot Chicken announced plans to open 60 restaurants across the UK and Ireland.

Popeyes entered the UK market in 2021 and has proved to be a hit with ravenous customers ever since.

In just 30 months, the brand opened over 38 restaurants across the UK.

It has plans to reach the 60-restaurant milestone by the end of 2024.

US burger chain Wendy’s, which already has 31 sites in the UK, will also cut the ribbon on eight new locations this year.

The chain returned to the UK high street in 2021 after a 20-year hiatus.

Wendy’s is most famous for its square-shaped hamburgers, designed to maximize the amount of meat in every bite.

Shake Shack, which started out as a hotdog cart, recently opened its first restaurant inside a UK train station.

Brits commuting in St. Pancras International Station can now grab their favourite burgers before jumping onto their train.

The new spot marks the fast food giant’s 16th location in the UK since it was launched in Covent Garden in 2013.

While most of Shake Shack’s UK sites are based in London, bosses have expanded into other locations in recent years, including Essex, Oxford, and Cardiff.

Shake Shack’s humble beginnings trace back to a New York hot dog cart helmed by Randy Garutti.

Wingstop currently operates 39 sites across the UK and will open 15 more in 2024.

Lemon Pepper Holdings, which runs the fast food chain’s UK portfolio, said the move would create up to 750 jobs.

The US hospitality brand said it is its biggest year of expansion since launching Wingstop in the UK six years ago.

Dunkin’ Donuts, which currently has 30 stores in the UK, hopes to open 30 new branches over the next couple of years as part of a major expansion plan.

Dunkin’ Donuts landed in the UK in St John’s in Liverpool in May 2016.

The chain is huge in the US, with almost 9,500 stores spread across the country.

It sells a range of doughnuts, other sweet treats, and hot and cold drinks.