Portuguese chicken chain expanding across UK
Liverpool-based The Know Group recently acquired Portuguese fast casual chain Piri-Piri Express, for an undisclosed sum, with a view to expanding the restaurant across the UK via a franchise model.
The most recent opening saw the chain welcomed to Smithdown Road in Allerton, now its flagship outlet.
Founder Paulo Alves said: “It’s incredible to witness the growth my company is currently undergoing, having started out over 10 years ago armed with my mother’s piri-piri recipe and little idea what the future held.
“Now, with three restaurants open and more due to come, it’s a very exciting time for the business.
“The Smithdown Road branch will act as a training site for franchisees, where we’ll teach our immaculate standards and customer service.
“I’m grateful that both The Know Group and the people of Liverpool have such belief in my vision.”
The Smithdown Road restaurant opened with a total brand refresh, unveiling a new logo, new menu and new uniforms.
This is set to be rolled out across the existing Aintree and Maghull sites imminently, and will set the tone for each new opening going forward.
Steven Hesketh, chief executive of The Know Group, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired Piri-Piri Express earlier this year, and have absolute faith in the brand’s potential.
“The recent opening in Allerton brought a raft of new jobs to the area, and we’re looking forward to continuing the growth throughout the North West and on a national scale.
“The authenticity of the food is what makes the restaurant so unique – Paulo makes all the sauces, marinades and seasonings himself from scratch, and we’re keen to keep that at the heart of the offering, regardless of how many franchises open.”
The Know Group is itself undergoing a period of rapid expansion, now boasting in its collection The Richmond Hotel, two Love Thy Neighbour restaurants in Liverpool and Chorlton, The Townhouse Hotel and 1699 Brasserie in Chester, and the recently-opened quirky “poshtel” Sleep Eat Love in Hatton Gardens.
Its growth is set to continue throughout 2018/19, with plans to open a hospitality training academy in a landmark Merseyside site which will aim to upskill young adults and equip them with vital tools to land jobs and apprenticeships in the industry.
