Azzurri Group, the ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, Boojum and Zizzi owner, has lined up a first leisure park site for US brand Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Azzurri Group is set to convert its ASK Italian site in Stevenage Leisure Park to the US brand, with an opening scheduled for October. Last month, Azzurri Group confirmed it will open the next two sites for Dave’s Hot Chicken, in Birmingham and Manchester, as it kicks off national expansion plans for the brand.
It was revealed by Propel last July that the US brand had signed a franchise agreement with Azzurri Group to open 60 locations across the UK and Ireland. The Steve Holmes-led Azzurri Group opened in the former Fratelli La Bufala site in London’s Shaftesbury Avenue for the UK debut of Dave’s Hot Chicken last December.
In May Azzurri Group announced that it was set to convert its ASK Italian in Birmingham’s New Street for the second Dave’s Hot Chicken in the UK and follow that with an opening in Manchester’s The Printworks scheme.
The 102-cover Birmingham restaurant will open this month, with the 139-cover Manchester venue launching in August. The opening in London marked the 250th location for Dave’s Hot Chicken.
With three young children, including one with special needs, home life is as full-on as his workday: “It’s a challenge, but I’ve built a trusted team that makes it all possible.”
Stephen makes the most of his free time with his family saying: “I love taking the caravan out with my partner and kids to explore the UK.
We’ve discovered some incredible coastlines and enjoy simple pleasures, like traditional fish and chips by the seaside, which always tastes better fresh and salty from the sea air.”
Despite the brand’s increasing national presence and a string of industry awards, Hopper remains grounded in his mission to make business ownership more accessible. He’s especially proud of the impact Plan Burrito has had on its franchisees.
He said: “When someone tells me that owning a franchise has changed their life, that they finally feel in control of their future, that’s the most rewarding part of all of this.”
Reflecting on his journey, Hopper offers one piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “You don’t need experience. What you need is belief, persistence, and a lot of elbow grease.”
