Greggs: A British Bakery Chain with a Rich History and Expanding Future
In the first quarter of 2025, a survey conducted by Statista in April 2025 to find the most popular Fast food brand in the United Kingdom revealed that Greggs led the rankings with a favourable opinion rate of 70 per cent among the British public. Following Greggs, J D Wetherspoon, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Domino’s also scored highly among the top five restaurant brands consumers favour. That was a huge leap for Greggs.
Greggs, the iconic British bakery chain, has become a household name across the UK, known for its array of delicious baked goods, from savory sausage rolls to sweet pastries and sandwiches. Established in 1939 by John Gregg, the company has grown into one of the largest fast food chains in the country, with over 2,500 locations and a growing presence in convenience and drive-through markets.
Let’s explore the fascinating history of Greggs, its expansion into the “food on the go” sector, the impact of COVID-19, its dedication to ethical practices, and much more. Read on to discover how Greggs has become a beloved British institution and a key player in the evolving fast food industry. And voted as Most popular Fast Food brands in the United Kingdom in 1st quarter of 2025, according to Statista.
The Birth of Greggs: From Humble Beginnings to Bakery Giant
Greggs was founded by John Gregg in 1939, with its first shop opening on Gosforth High Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. The company was initially a small bakery business, specialising in quality baked goods. However, it wasn’t until 1951 that Greggs officially became a business entity under the name Greggs Bakeries Limited. The chain was driven by the ambition of John Gregg to provide affordable, high-quality baked goods to the masses.
Tragedy struck in 1964 when John Gregg passed away, and his son Ian took over the company, supported by his brother Colin. This marked the beginning of a new era for Greggs, which would soon expand rapidly across the UK.
Greggs’ Expansion: From Local Baker to Nationwide Presence
The 1970s saw significant growth for Greggs, including the acquisition of several regional bakeries, including Rutherglen in Glasgow, Thurston’s in Leeds, and several other bakeries in London and Kent. These acquisitions allowed Greggs to expand its reach, and by 1968, the company opened its first major factory on Christon Road in Gosforth, Newcastle, to keep up with the growing demand for its products.
In the 1990s, Greggs acquired the Bakers Oven chain from Allied Bakeries in 1994, further consolidating its position in the market. Over the next decade, Greggs rebranded its various regional bakery chains as Greggs and continued to build its brand identity on a national scale. By 2011, Greggs had opened its 1,500th location in York, symbolising its widespread success.
The Shift to “Food on the Go”: A New Era for Greggs
In 2013, Greggs made a strategic decision to shift its focus from traditional bakery goods to “food on the go,” recognising that a significant portion of its customers were seeking quick, easy, and portable food options. This shift came after Greggs conducted market research and found that 80% of its sales were driven by fast-food style offerings such as sausage rolls, sandwiches, and pastries. To accommodate these changes, many Greggs locations started opening earlier and closing later to cater to commuters. The company’s breakfast menu was also expanded, and items like bread and scones were phased out in favor of more portable options.
This move toward convenience proved to be successful, and Greggs solidified its reputation as a go-to choice for quick, affordable meals. Additionally, the introduction of a mobile app, “Greggs Rewards,” in 2014 further connected the brand with its loyal customers, offering a digital loyalty program to encourage repeat visits.
Greggs in the Modern Age: Drive-Throughs and 24-Hour Locations
In recent years, Greggs has continued to innovate, pushing boundaries in the fast food and convenience sectors. One of the most notable changes came in 2017, when the company opened its first drive-through location in Salford, at the Irlam Gateway Service Station. The success of this first venture led to the opening of more drive-through outlets across the UK in cities like Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Bradford, and Newcastle. In fact, some of these drive-through locations are even being trialed as 24-hour outlets to accommodate customers at any time of day or night.
Greggs’ move into 24-hour openings has not been without its challenges. In 2023, a dispute arose over a Greggs location in Leicester Square, where Westminster Council initially denied the company an overnight license. However, after appealing the decision, Greggs was granted permission for late-night openings. The company is now pushing for similar licenses in other cities, including Liverpool and Canterbury, as it continues to diversify its offerings.
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Impact of COVID-19 on Greggs
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide, and Greggs was no exception. In March 2020, Greggs temporarily closed all of its locations in response to the lockdown measures, furloughing many of its employees. The company then carried out a trial reopening of 20 stores in Newcastle with enhanced safety measures, which helped the company assess the situation.
As the pandemic continued, Greggs adapted by implementing safety measures such as perspex screens, social distancing markers, and reduced trading hours. The company also introduced a reduced menu to streamline operations. By July 2020, Greggs had successfully reopened its shops and reintroduced many items to the menu.
However, the financial impact of the pandemic led to job cuts, with Greggs announcing the loss of 820 positions due to decreased sales during the lockdown.
Greggs’ Commitment to Ethical Practices
Greggs has made significant strides in recent years to improve its sustainability and ethical practices. In 2022, the company signed the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC), which focuses on the ethical treatment and slaughter of farmed chickens. As of 2024, 86.6% of Greggs’ chickens were reared with a stocking density of 30kg per square meter or less, with the goal of reaching 100% by 2025.
This move is part of Greggs’ broader commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting animal welfare. The company has also invested in more sustainable sourcing practices and has been working on improving the sustainability of its packaging.
Greggs’ Product Range: A Wide Selection of Delicious Offerings
Greggs is known for its diverse and tasty product offerings. While the company initially gained popularity with its classic sausage rolls and pastries, it has since expanded its menu to include a variety of items for different tastes and dietary preferences. Today, Greggs offers a range of savory products such as sandwiches, bakes, and pasties, as well as sweet treats like doughnuts and vanilla slices.
One of the standout products in recent years has been the introduction of the vegan sausage roll in 2019, which became an instant hit with plant-based eaters and carnivores alike. Other notable products include the vegan steak bake, bacon rolls, croissants, and a variety of soups.
Marketing and Publicity: Greggs’ Relationship with Its Customers
Greggs has built a strong relationship with its customers through its lighthearted and engaging marketing campaigns. One example of this was the company’s quick and humorous response to a viral image in 2014, where an altered version of the Greggs logo was circulating on Google with a parody slogan referring to the company’s customers as “scum.” Greggs responded with wit on social media, tweeting to Google and offering doughnuts to fix the issue. The response was praised as a textbook example of crisis management on Twitter.
In addition, Greggs has also created a strong online presence, offering a mobile app for customer loyalty and creating partnerships, such as the limited-edition clothing line “Greggs X Primark,” which saw huge demand.
Greggs’ Future: Innovation and Continued Growth
Looking to the future, Greggs shows no signs of slowing down. The company has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate, whether through the opening of its drive-through locations, the introduction of new menu items, or its efforts to become more sustainable. With a growing number of locations, increased brand awareness, and an expanding product line, Greggs is positioned for continued success.
The company’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to quality have solidified its place as one of the UK’s most beloved fast-food brands. As Greggs moves forward, its focus on convenience, sustainability, and ethical practices will likely keep it at the forefront of the competitive bakery and fast-food industry.
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Conclusion: Why Greggs Is More Than Just a Bakery
Gregg’s voted the Most Popular Fast Food Brands In The UK 2025. Greggs’ incredible growth and popularity can be attributed to a combination of high-quality products, strategic market shifts, and a strong connection with its customers. From humble beginnings as a small bakery in Newcastle to a nationwide chain with over 2,500 locations, Greggs has successfully adapted to meet the changing needs of its customers. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ethical practices, Greggs is poised to remain a key player in the fast food industry for years to come.
FAQ’s
Why Do British People Love Greggs?
There are several reasons why Greggs has become a beloved brand in the UK. First and foremost, it offers affordable, quick, and tasty food options, perfect for busy people on the go. Greggs’ menu is diverse, offering everything from classic sausage rolls to sandwiches, pastries, and vegan options, ensuring it is available for individuals with diverse preferences and dietary requirements. This affordability ensures that customers always feel they are getting value for their money.
Greggs is popular because it focuses on convenience. The bakery chain has extended hours and drive-through locations, making it an excellent choice for busy customers. Greggs also offers plant-based options, helping it keep up with modern food trends. Its use of high-quality ingredients and good value for money add to its appeal. The friendly and relatable marketing also strengthens its connection with customers, making Greggs a household name in Britain.
Are Greggs in the USA?
Currently, Greggs does not have any locations in the USA. This bakery chain operates mainly in the UK, where it has over 2,500 shops. Although Greggs has opened some stores in other countries like the UAE, most of its business is still in the UK and a few other places.The brand has often expressed interest in international expansion, but the focus has remained on consolidating its position in the UK before venturing into more global markets.
Can Muslims Eat at Greggs?
Greggs offers a variety of products, including vegan and vegetarian options, which makes it easier for Muslims to find suitable meals. However, some of Greggs’ items, such as sausage rolls and pastries, may contain pork or other non-halal ingredients. Therefore, Muslims should carefully check the ingredients or choose Greggs’ halal-friendly or vegetarian options, like the popular vegan sausage roll, which is free from animal products. Greggs aims to offer various food options to meet different dietary needs. This approach helps everyone feel respected and included.
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