Multi-brand franchisee Alok Yadav has opens his fourth site with US brand Slim Chickens.
Yadav, who operates circa 60 Starbucks stores under his KBeverage business, launched KChicken in 2023 to take on a franchise of US brand Slim Chickens, which is being rolled out here by master franchisee Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG).
KChicken has opened Slim Chickens locations in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and Chichester, and has now launched in Walton on Thames in Surrey.
Yadav said. “We’re proud to announce the grand opening of our fourth Slim Chickens store, right in the heart of Walton on Thames. The opening was nothing short of amazing – the energy, the look of the store, and the overwhelming positive response have been phenomenal.
We’d also like to extend our gratitude to BRG for its unwavering support throughout this journey. Onwards and upwards – let’s keep building!”
KBeverage was founded in 2015 by Yadav, who arrived in the UK from India in 2007 speaking little English but taught himself by reading pizza menus at the Domino’s where he had a cleaning job.
Yadav went on to build portfolios with both Pizza Hut, which he has since sold, and Starbucks before returning to Domino’s in June 2023 to open his first franchise store with the company he started out with.
He opened his 60th Starbucks site in February and most recently opened a drive-thru in Cromwell Road, Wisbech last month.
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.”
