When it comes to quick-service restaurant (QSR) traffic, there’s a clear divide between the UK and France. While the British seem to favor a hearty breakfast, the French appear to have a penchant for late-night dining.
A recent analysis of QSR traffic in these countries by Meaningful Vision shows that the UK sees a significant surge in footfall during the early morning hours. Approximately 5% of all traffic occurs between 6 and 9 AM, suggesting that many Britons start their day with a quick bite. This trend is less pronounced in France, where only 3% of daily traffic falls within this time frame.
As the day progresses, the differences between the two countries become even more apparent. While the UK maintains a steady stream of QSR traffic throughout the day, France experiences a noticeable peak in the evening. Between 6 and 9 PM, French QSRs see a whopping 20% of their daily traffic, compared to just 14% in the UK.
Ireland, meanwhile, falls somewhere in between. While the Irish are more likely to grab a morning meal than the French, their evening traffic is also higher than that of the UK. Overall evening traffic after 6 p.m. in France is 60% higher than in the UK.
Maria Vanifatova, a Co-Founder of Meaningful Vision explains: “These findings suggest that cultural differences play a significant role in shaping QSR traffic patterns. While the British may be more inclined to start their day with a quick meal, the French seem to prefer a leisurely evening dining experience.”