Boparan signs franchise deal to open five Slim Chickens sites

Boparan has signed a deal with a franchise partner to open its Slim Chickens brand in five new sites along the south coast.

The group, which operates Giraffe, Ed's Easy Diner and Carluccio's after its purchase of 31 sites out of administration last month, has entered an agreement with London-based JRK Restaurants.

Boparan has previously opened seven sites under the concept in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Kent in the past two years.

Judd Williams, Boparan's franchise director, said: "We are delighted to partner with JRK in what is a significant move for everyone associated with the Slim Chickens brand. As a result of this new signing, we have taken the first steps in our ambitious sub-franchise plans to fast-track the roll-out of Slim Chickens and introduce the brand to more towns and cities across the UK."

Karim Kassam, chairman of JRK added: "Slim Chickens is undoubtedly one of the most exciting new brands in the market and we are pleased to partner with BRG to increase Slim's presence across the UK. We have already secured our first Slim Chickens location and are on schedule to open within the next couple of weeks."

The first restaurant to open as part of the new agreement will be within Southampton's WestQuay shopping centre.