Chicken restaurant concept wings in

THE first of what could be chain of fried chicken restaurants is to open in Manchester later this month.

Called Yard and Coop, the buttermilk fried chicken concept, is being launched by experienced leisure sector professionals Carl Morris and Laura Morris (no relation), who are investing £300,000 in the venture.

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Based on Edge Street in the Northern Quarter,  the 12–cover restaurant is creating 35 jobs.

Carl Morris, is a former head of marketing at Tameside-based Revolution Bars Group, while Laura has worked in the sector for a number of years including a 10-year stint at Revolution too.

The pair believe there is a space in the market for a specialty chicken restaurant. The menu for Yard and Coop is based on varying cuts of well-sourced, buttermilk fried chicken available with a range of sauces, sides and dressings.  

Carl Morris said: “Following more than 30 years combined experience in the hospitality industry, we knew that we wanted to create a unique menu that will not only excite the Manchester diner, but allow us to pull together the best elements of casual dining concepts we have experienced around the world.  

“Throughout the transformation process of our Edge Street site it was essential that the bar and restaurant felt relaxed. That’s what Yard and Coop will be all about.”

The restaurant has been designed by local Northern Quarter firm GA Studio with exposed concrete, brushed metal and bespoke artwork. It will include a 12-metre long concrete bar.

Laura Morris added: “We want the diner to start with a drink in our bar, move to the restaurant area to have some great food, and finish with another drink in the bar, with them already planning their next visit.”