Indian street food brand to expand internationally
An Indian street food brand founded in Leicester has unveiled ambitious plans to open hundreds of new outlets and expand internationally.
Chaiiwala, which currently operates 62 sites across the country, has committed to open 60 new premises next year and intends to create 500 UK outlets overall.
The tea and casual dining chain also says it is looking to expand into the US, Canada, the Middle East and Europe after experiencing a period of rapid growth.
To facilitate its expansion plans, Chaiiwala has named Abdul Piranie and Simon Hooper as its new CFO and international business director.
Piranie brings more than 20 years’ experience in financial services to the firm, having previously worked with HSBC Bank and Global Payments, where he was the finance director of Europe.
Hooper has accumulated two decades’ worth of strategic growth experience, working with boards across the UK, the Middle East and Asia. He has held senior roles at Al Raya in Saudi Arabia, Geant Casino hypermarket group in Kuwait and Hypercity in India.
He said: “I was already a big fan of the food having lived, travelled and worked in India for many years. Chaiiwala is very nostalgic for myself and my family as we love the great food, chai and the vibrant environment.
“The Chaiiwala of London brand is innovative, fresh, fun, vibrant, energetic and cutting edge. When I met the founders I loved the energy, teamwork and vision for the company, and left the meeting excited that this was a brand I could see replicating its home success across global marketplaces.”
