Iconic US fast food chain is finally coming to UK – as flagship location is revealed

AN iconic Miami taco chain loved by celebs is about to spice up Britain’s streets and is set to rival the likes of Wahaca.

The US brand plans to land its flagship London location in early 2026, aiming to ignite a new wave for US taco culture on this side of the pond.

Coyo Taco, the Miami-born Mexican street food brand known for its fresh, flavour-packed tacos, exotic salsas, and inspired “speakeasy” vibe, has signed a UK franchise deal with Kuvi Hospitality.

Founded in 2015 in Miami’s artsy Wynwood district by Alan Drummond, Sven Vogtland and chef Scott Linquist, Coyo Taco has built quite the fan club.

Loved by celebs

Among its celebrity admirers are Will Smith, David Beckham and even Barack Obama, who once famously left a 100 per cent tip after dining there.

With 11 eateries already scattered across the globe, from the US to Panama, Portugal, Colombia and the Dominican Republic, Coyo Taco is gearing up for a UK debut that promises authenticity, energy and vibrancy.

Kuvi Hospitality, the investment firm bringing it to Britain, is co-led by Shereen Ritchie, who is a hospitality heavyweight and former managing director at Leon.

Ritchie, now at the helm of this launch, confidently predicts the brand’s “freshness, speakeasy feel and Mexican roots” will win over Londoners and beyond.

“Coyo Taco is more than a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience,” Ritchie told Restaurant Online.

“Soulful, fun and full of energy, it stands out from anything else in the UK market.”

New rival

Wahaca has long reigned as the UK’s best-known Mexican street food chain, with roots dating back to 2007 and a reputation for vibrant décor, sustainable values and creative dishes.

But Coyo Taco’s arrival signals a bold new twist for taco lovers.

Sven Vogtland, co-founder of Coyo Taco, praised Kuvi’s ambition and strength of investment, signalling that this will be more than a single arrival, it’s a launchpad for nationwide expansion.

US fast food chains expand into the UK

Dave’s Hot Chicken is just one of a number of US fast food chains opening branches across the UK.

The burger joint Wendy’s is already a hit in the US with over 6,000 restaurants.

Now the chain that “blows McDonald’s out of the water” has plans to open 400 locations.

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, which are designed to maximise the amount of meat in every bite.

Major US fast food chain Chick-fil-A is opening branches across the UK this year too.

The Sun exclusively revealed the exact locations of their first five permanent UK restaurants.

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.

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.

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.