Pizza chains shift from high streets to fuel stops to catch commuters

From left: Express Kitchen Directors, Ayan Ali and Ahmed Ali and Vivo Energy’s Millicent Ndirangu during the launch of Papa John’s Kenya’s new outlet in Lavington, Nairobi, on January 28, 2026. [Bernard Orwongo, Standard]

Pizza brands and quick-service restaurants are increasingly abandoning traditional high-street locations in favor of fuel stops and commuter routes, betting that convenience will outweigh destination dining as traffic congestion worsens.