Glasgow hot chicken concept Lucky B’s has said it is aiming to grow to ten stores this year as it works towards a long term goal of 100-plus locations nationwide, and is putting the finishing touches to some international partnerships.
Lucky B’s, which currently has two stores in Glasgow, was founded in 2022 by Giancarlo Celino and Toni Dobrenko. Lucky B’s will make its debut in England this month when it opens at 53 Whitegate Drive in Blackpool on Sunday, 20 July.
The franchisee behind that site, Ross Fairbairn, has already secured a second site in England, at Canning Street Retail Park in Burnley. Fairbairn, who is also behind the 22-strong Subway franchisee Quick Serv, signed a 15-store franchise agreement with Lucky B’s last year.
Dobrenko, who also owns Toni’s Pizzeria in Glasgow’s Giffnock, told whichfranchise that Lucky B’s is aiming for ten UK stores by the end of 2025, with overseas expansion also on the horizon, and is stepping up its franchisee recruitment efforts.
He said: “We’re excited to be welcoming new franchisees into the Lucky B’s network. The interest has been incredible, not just from the UK, but from overseas too. We’re currently finalising some exciting international partnerships.”
Lucky B’s began franchising in 2024 as saw the potential to scale our business and reach new markets. We now want to strengthen our franchise network by partnering with experienced franchisees who can help scale operations efficiently. Our long-term goal, over five to ten years, is to reach 100-plus locations nationwide, ensuring brand presence across the UK.
We want to innovate our menu to include seasonal items, limited-time offers and healthier options to cater to a broader audience, and implement customer loyalty programmes and mobile app features to drive engagement and repeat business.
We want to launch targeted marketing campaigns to build brand awareness in new markets and focus on digital marketing strategies to reach a wider audience and drive online sales. By focusing on these strategic areas, Lucky B’s aims to grow significantly both domestically and eventually internationally.
The Lucky B’s franchise model offers options like stand-alone restaurants, food court kiosks and even mobile food trucks. In terms of products, Lucky B’s specialises in hot chicken dishes served with a variety of sides such as tenders, wings, waffle fries, slaw and mac and cheese.”
Co-founder Giancarlo Celino also operates three Catch Fish and Chips stores in Glasgow and earlier this year partnered with Hesham Mourad, director for Qatar and special projects at Gulf Franchise Group, to take the business into the UAE.
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.”
