Popular high street chain to open 100 new stores by the end of the year

The chain is pressing ahead with plans to open more than 100 new stores before the end of 2026, after the high street favourite already launched 34 new locations

11:08, 31 Jul 2026Updated 17:59, 31 Jul 2026

Greggs is pushing ahead with one of its most ambitious periods of growth, unveiling plans to open more than 100 new locations before the end of 2026 — while pledging that customers will not face any further price increases this year.

The beloved bakery chain, which already operates 2,773 shops across the UK, said it intends to open between 100 and 110 stores this calendar year, having scaled back its original target of 120. It has already launched 34 new sites in 2026, helping to drive a 7.2% increase in sales to £1.1billion in the first half of the year.

The openings form part of a sweeping long-term expansion drive that aims to add 800 new locations across the country, eventually growing the chain’s total estate to 3,500 UK sites.

Greggs to launch new ‘Greggs Express’ shops

Among the most eye-catching developments is the launch of Greggs Express — a new self-service format offering food and drinks, with 10 trial sites set to open within petrol stations before the year is out.

More than half of the chain’s new store openings in the first half of 2026 have been in non-traditional locations, including petrol forecourts, supermarkets, retail parks, hospitals and university campuses.

Greggs also made history in early 2026 with its first ever international opening, at Tenerife South Airport, in partnership with franchise partner Lagardère Travel Retail. According to This Is Money, the chain intends to expand further into “major transport hubs”, reports the Express.

Chief executive Roisin Currie said the business remains firmly focused on expanding its reach while making it easier and more convenient for customers to buy food on the go.

Revamped summer menu

A revamped summer menu has also helped draw in new customers, featuring additions such as a blueberry matcha iced latte alongside a new range of salads — launched just in time for the UK heatwave.

However, Currie acknowledged that wider economic pressures remain a concern. She said: “The volatility of the Middle East and the impact on energy prices probably plays into what may happen towards the back end of this year and into 2027.”

Despite those uncertainties, the chief executive moved to reassure shoppers that the price rises seen in May — which affected breakfast deals, lunch options and other popular menu items — will not be repeated.

She said: “Our prices are in a good place and we will now be working hard to protect the consumer and making sure that we can offer that value throughout the rest of the year.”

Price increase of Greggs sausage rolls

According to data from Greggs Menu Prices’ Greggs Sausage Roll Inflation Tracker, the price of a sausage roll has increased by 50p since 2016. Ten years ago, you’d be able to buy a sausage roll for just 85p.

At the beginning of 2022, the cost reached £1, before rising £1.05, then £1.10 and £1.15 through multiple rapid hikes during that same year. Since then, the price has increased incrementally, reaching £1.20 in January 2023.

The price of a Greggs sausage roll is now between £1.30 to £1.40, depending on location, in 2026. You’ll also pay a premium at an airport, forking out £1.85 for the savoury bake.