City Restaurants Group, which operates the fast-growing casual dining brand Afrikana in the UK, has signed a franchise agreement with Yolk Brands to bring BonBird to the British market.
The group is plotting expansion across key cities and regions over the next five years, with plans to roll out the first five sites within the first 12 months.
“Bringing BonBird to the UK is a proud moment for myself and everyone at Yolk Brands,” says Steve Flawith, founder and CEO of Yolk Brands.
Flawith, who hails from the UK, launched BonBird in 2023.
The brand, which is inspired by East London-style community chicken shop concepts, serves a variety of bone-in and boneless options including fried chicken tenders, chicken burgers, melts and wraps that are available to order in five spice levels including ‘chicken salt’ and ‘XXX hot’.
BonBird currently operates six stores across the UAE, Qatar, and Pakistan. It is also actively exploring opportunities in European and Asian markets.
“We’ve always believed in the global potential of the brand and this moment validates that vision,” continues Flawith.
“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.”
The agreement between Yolk Brands and City Restaurants Group was facilitated by franchise consultancy Presman & Colard.
“This transaction took us over a year to complete, but it now stands as one of the largest development schedules we have signed globally,” says Richard Kay, CEO of Presman & Colard.
“That’s a testament to the brand’s extraordinary growth potential.”
Yolk Brand’s portfolio also includes burger concept Pickl, which is in early-stage discussions to come to the UK under a separate franchise agreement.