Asian restaurant brand, Chopstix, targets North West with ambitious growth target

Up to 25 new restaurants under the Chopstix brand are set to be launched across the North West and North Wales over coming years.

Shrewsbury-based Sparta Foods has sealed a long-term agreement with Asian QSR (quick service restaurant) brand, Chopstix.

Sparta will act as a franchisee of the brand, which was established in London’s Camden Marked in 2002 by entrepreneurs Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik.

Sparta already has significant experience operating multi-unit QSR businesses.

It opened its first Chopstix store in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire in July this year and will next take the noodle brand to Warrington, opening its second store before the end of the year.

Working closely with Chopstix franchise director, Aaron Moore-Saxton, Sparta plans to concentrate its portfolio of stores in the North West of England and North Wales as market mapping undertaken by Chopstix has indicated sizeable scope for brand growth across these regions.

Chopstix is currently undergoing a busy period of expansion, with franchising considered a vital means of Chopstix achieving its ambitious growth targets.

The group has already launched a new partnership with UK holiday park operator, Haven this year, adding to existing franchisees which include Welcome Break and Applegreen.

Under the agreement, Sparta Foods will oversee the full management of the sites, with all staff undergoing an extensive Chopstix induction.

Saeed Muhammad, managing director of Sparta Foods, said: “Chopstix is one of the fastest growing QSR brands in the country and it’s a great addition to our portfolio. We’re looking forward to working with Aaron and the team to develop the brand and open new sites across the North West and North Wales.”

Aaron Moore-Saxton, Chopstix franchise director, said: “The qualities we look for in a new franchisee partner – local knowledge, a proven track record in the QSR space, and an impressive business proposal – Sparta Foods LTD has in abundance.

“Most importantly, however, the vision the Sparta Foods team has for the brand aligns perfectly with our own.

“It’s so encouraging to see the confidence our franchise partners have in Chopstix, as it shows the huge potential of our brand. We have no doubt Sparta Foods will make a huge success of the first two sites they operate and look forward to supporting the team as they grow towards their target of 25 locations.”