The figures, published in KERB’s latest Impact Report, reflect a growth of 18.9% year-on-year which, according to the business, was driven by access to consistent trading opportunities, shared infrastructure and business support.
This comes as the wider hospitality sector faces sustained pressure from rising rents, labour costs and VAT, as well as limited policy support.
The report also highlights £3.2m created in social value derived through KERB+, its non-profit arm focused on delivering targeted programmes that support individuals into employment and entrepreneurship.
Over the past year, these programmes generated £2.1m in social value, with participants receiving more than 2,000 hours of free training and support.
Of the 41 individuals who took part in Coaching for Work, 59% progressed into paid employment, contributing to a broader model that returns £4.16 in social value for every £1 invested.
A central part of this work is KERB’s partnership with The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN) through the Food Power incubator.
Since 2021, the programme has supported the launch of more than 37 refugee-led food businesses, generating £753,000 in social value.
Over the past year, KERB has also expanded its portfolio of fixed sites, opening three new venues in 2025 and creating 17 additional full-time trading spaces. The business now operates 38 permanent, year-round trading spots across London and Berlin.
Looking ahead, KERB plans to expand both its fixed-site and events portfolio alongside scaling its inKERBator programme, with new cohorts of emerging food businesses set to join over the coming year.
“It has been well documented that opening a permanent brick-and-mortar site is becoming prohibitively expensive for many hospitality founders,” says Simon Mitchell, CEO of KERB.
“What we’re seeing is a growing demand for models that allow businesses to start smaller and scale.
“The data from our Impact Report reflects that shift, with independent traders generating sustained growth within a more flexible, lower-risk environment.
“Independent hospitality can thrive, but it needs infrastructure that reflects how the sector operates today.
“At a time when rising costs and access to capital remain significant barriers, the KERB model is enabling independent businesses to grow revenue, test concepts and expand more sustainably.”
Founded in 2012, KERB has grown from a street food collective into a multi-faceted hospitality operator spanning food halls, events, and business incubation. Its portfolio now includes venues such as Seven Dials Market, Corner Corner, and KERB Sports Bar.