Afrikana plots further expansion with six openings planned

The group will launch a restaurant in Ilford in June and follow this with outposts in Kingston in July; Holloway in August; and Hounslow in September.

Openings in Tooting and Reading are also planned.

Afrikana is led by Midlands-based entrepreneur Omair Ali, and stared life in 2018 with a restaurant in Aldridge.

The group, whose menu features a range of African-inspired dishes such as mutton and potato curry, jambalaya and grilled chicken in jerk sauce, now operates 15 sites across the country in cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leicester, London and Glasgow.

Ali is managing director of the group’s parent company, City Restaurants Group, whose portfolio also encompasses bubble tea brand Mowchi; and French taco concept Tacosmash, which launched its first London restaurant in Mile End earlier this month.

Alongside its confirmed expansion plans, Afrikana is actively seeking new franchise opportunities to further add to its openings pipeline with both national and international growth mooted.

The group offers four distinct franchise models: Afrikana Kiosk, Lil’ Afrikana, Afrikana, and Afrikana XL.

It’s current UK estate primarily consists of classic Afrikana restaurants, but also includes a handful of Lil’ Afrikana and Afrikana Kiosk sites.