KFC rival confirms major UK expansion with new restaurants

 <i>(Image: Jam Press/ChicKing)</i>
(Image: Jam Press/ChicKing)
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A global fried chicken brand has announced major expansion plans for the UK.

ChicKing, established in Dubai in 2000, now operates more than 475 restaurants across more than 45 countries.

The franchisee behind the UK rollout has described Britain as one of its "most exciting" markets.

Asaad Tariq, master franchisee for ChicKing UK at Foodfixx, said: "For those who don't know us yet, ChicKing was born in Dubai in 2000."

Story from Jam Press (KFC Rival Expansion) Pictured: A general view of a ChicKing store. VIDEO: Fast-growing KFC rival reveals major UK expansion with new restaurants A fast-growing fried chicken chain is ramping up its UK expansion as it continues to grow its presence across Britain. ChicKing, which was founded in Dubai in 2000, now operates more than 475 restaurants in more than 45 countries and is looking to build on its growing success in the UK. The brand made its British debut in 2017 with its first restaurants in west London, opening sites in Acton and Marylebone. Since then, it has steadily expanded its footprint and now operates 24 restaurants across the UK, with bosses describing Britain as one of the brand's (Image: Jam Press/ChicKing)

ChicKing entered the UK in 2017, starting out in west London with locations in Acton and Marylebone.

Since then, it has grown steadily, with 24 outlets now operating across the country.

Mr Tariq said: "We're now in 45-plus countries with 475-plus outlets worldwide, and the UK is one of the most exciting chapters of that story.

"Why? Because the demand for premium halal quick service restaurants in Britain is massive, underserved and growing fast.

"We're not just opening restaurants – we're building a network of passionate, community-rooted franchise owners who are proud of what they serve and who they serve it to.

"And we are just getting started."

The next stage of ChicKing’s UK expansion will see six new restaurants open over six weeks, with each site launching every Saturday.

The first of the batch has already launched in Clarkston, with Sighthill set to follow.

Other locations planned include Hamilton, East Ham, Liverpool, and Stirling.

Mr Tariq said: "Last week, we opened in Clarkston.

"This Saturday, we open Sighthill.

"And then? One new ChicKing every Saturday for the next six weeks.

"Six openings. Six communities. Six new ChicKing families."

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