The Times reports that the Richard Caring-owned group is actively seeking international franchise partners in the Middle East, as well as India and southeast Asia.
Bill’s believes there is a gap in the market for a ‘very accessible, family-friendly, value-led offer’ in the Middle East for people looking to have a ‘great experience but at a reasonable price point’.
Tom James, managing director at Bill’s, said that places such as Dubai and Riyadh ‘look like strong opening locations for us’.
James and his team are also looking at India, where he believes there is a ‘growing market for breakfast and brunch, which we’ve been incredibly successful at doing’.
Bill’s announced its return to the expansion trail last year with openings in Milton Keynes and Street, Somerset.
Further expansion is planned in 2025 with the group exploring several growth opportunities including new sites in the UK.
The next chapter of brand growth
It comes as Bills, which currently operates a 47-strong estate, reports a ‘remarkable turnaround’ in sales, guest metrics and EBITDA over the past 24 months.
Group EBITDA has doubled to £11.2m in FY24 from £5.5m in FY2022 on a like-for-like basis.
Caring appointed James as managing director of Bill’s in October 2022 with a clear brief to reinvigorate the brand.
In the intervening years, James has worked on improving the guest experience, building a new leadership team, and introducing a new menu.
The group also credits a host of new technologies across all areas of the business as being a key feature in the turnaround.
“Bill’s always had enormous potential and we are seeing that being realised with record sales numbers and a best in class dining experience while offering incredible value to the Bill’s guest,” says Caring.
“Strong profits always lead to opportunities, and I am excited for what is next for the business.”
A core part of Bill’s growth ambitions will see the grop enter the delivery market across all locations for the first time in spring 2025 having signed an exclusive partnership with Deliveroo.
“We have laid the foundations to build a very robust and exciting business for the future,” says James.
“These results, despite the challenging trading environment, show how popular the brand is.
“Both of our new sites in Milton Keynes and Street are trading well ahead of expectations and I’m incredibly proud of what the teams have achieved.
“We are ready for the next chapter of brand growth.”
Bill’s full year results are due to be published on Companies House later this year.