If you thought the UK had enough chicken shops, think again, because another chain is going to be setting up shop.
Dubai-based BonBird is looking to open 50 new locations across the UK over the next five years, after signing a franchise agreement between Yolk Brands (which owns BonBird) and City Restaurants Group.
Founded in 2023, BonBird’s goal is to ‘make chicken great again’, and the brand’s website describes it as a ‘community chicken shop where everyone can grab a bite and share a bucket with family and friends’.
The chain currently has six sites across the UAE, Qatar and Pakistan, but is exploring expansion and franchisee opportunities across Europe and Asia as well.
The menu has everything you’d expect from a chicken joint, including bone-in chicken pieces, chicken tenders, chicken burgers, sandwiches and wraps. All of these come in five spice levels, which range from Lemon Pepper to XXX Hot.
For those who want something a little different there are also smaller snack-a-wraps, rice bowls and a selection of sides and drinks.
Burger flavours include the BBQ Chicken, Classic Chicken, Korean Chicken and Good Good Chicken, all of which can be paired with Ck’n Salt Fries, Spicy Fries, Angry Buffalo Fries, BBQ Beans, Mac & Three Cheese, Mash, Pickles, or Bread.
Online reviews for the brand are mixed, with some Reddit users claiming it’s ‘the best fried chicken in Dubai’, but others saying it’s ‘awful’ and ‘used to be good but fell off hard’.
This hasn’t stopped people getting excited about the UK launch though, with Instagram users admitting they ‘can’t wait’ to try the chicken. Before you get too excited though, it’s worth noting that no specific locations for the chain have been confirmed as of yet.
Speaking about the UK plans, Steve Glawith, the founder and CEO of Yolk Brands told Restaurant Online: ‘Bringing BonBird to the UK is a proud moment for myself and everyone at Yolk Brands.
‘We’ve always believed in the global potential of the brand and this moment validates that vision. In City Restaurants Group we know we’ve found the perfect partner to share in our passion for amazing fresh fried chicken. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to fulfil our vision for this amazing concept.’
As well as BonBird, Yolk Brands also owns a burger chain called Pickl, which is also in early talks to launch in the UK. So keep your eyes peeled for that one too.
While chicken lovers wait for a chance to try this new spot, there have been plenty of other openings to satiate their cravings of late…
Most recently Dave’s Hot Chicken – a chain specialising in Nashville Hot Chicken – opened in London so Brits can finally see why Drake and Samuel L. Jackson love it so much.
Canadian chain, MB Chicken (also known as Mary Brown’s), set up shop in London back in November, bringing fried chicken and a twist on poutine to the Big Smoke.
If that weren’t enough, Louisiana chicken chain, Popeyes, has been expanding across the UK, meaning more people are able to try its famous chicken sandwich.
And before BonBird lands here, America’s beloved Chick-fil-A will also be returning to the UK, with sites planned for London, Leeds, Liverpool and Belfast.
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