Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) has said Slim Chickens UK is “primed for rapid growth”, with a pipeline of 50 sites across the UK, Ireland and Europe confirmed for 2026, including three new drive-thrus opening in the first quarter.
BRG, which currently operates circa 75 sites under the US brand, said it had invested the past 18 months in laying the groundwork for sustainable expansion – developing product specifications, establishing supplier partnerships and building scalable infrastructure.
BRG said test drive-thru sites in Ireland and Berlin have been instrumental in refining the model, “ensuring a smooth transition into continental Europe”.
Propel understands the three new drive-thrus will open in Sheffield, Teesside and Chester. BRG said from next year, Slim Chickens will partner with “world-class operators” to launch in Germany, France, Poland and Spain, marking a “significant milestone in its international journey”. At the same time, BRG said its Giraffe brand “continues to thrive in the international travel sector”.
BRG said: “With a strong airport presence already established, the next phase of growth includes imminent openings in Tenerife and Edinburgh, followed by an ambitious pipeline of 30 new global sites over the next four years.
Working alongside leading international airport partners, Giraffe is extending its reach and cementing its position as a trusted global name in travel dining, bringing vibrant, family-friendly experiences to millions of passengers worldwide.” BRG said its success is powered by its people and partnerships.
Earlier this year, the group was recognised with a The Sunday Times Best Places To Work accolade. Satnam Leihal, chief executive of BRG, said: “While we are still in the foothills of the brands’ potential, we are moving Slim Chickens into Europe with confidence, supported by a strong pipeline and world-class partnerships.
At the same time, Giraffe is extending its global airport footprint, building on its reputation as an international success. The strength of our people, the calibre of our partners and our dedication to operational excellence are what set BRG apart and they are the foundation for our continued growth.”
It comes as the parent company of Slim Chickens UK, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Carluccio’s posted turnover of £125m for the year to the end of 2024 (2023: £96.2m).
During the year, the company acquired 23 Carluccio’s sites. The system sales represent the sum of all sales made by both franchised and corporate stores to consumers in the UK, Europe, UAE and Asia of £266m.
