The UK’s leading Asian QSR brand, Chopstix has announced a long-term agreement with Sparta Foods, with the franchisee laying out a bold strategy of growth which will bring a development pipeline of 25 stores over the coming years.
The franchisee, which already has significant experience operating multi-unit QSR businesses, opened its first Chopstix store in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire in July of this year and will next take the noodle brand to Warrington, opening its second store before the end of the year.
Working closely with Chopstix Franchise Director, Aaron Moore-Saxton, Sparta Foods LTD plans to concentrate its portfolio of stores in the North-West of England and North Wales as market mapping undertaken by Chopstix has indicated sizeable scope for brand growth across these regions.
Established in Camden Market in 2002 by entrepreneurs Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, Chopstix celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and is currently undergoing a busy period of expansion, with franchising considered a vital mechanic in Chopstix achieving its lofty growth targets.
The group has already launched a new partnership with leading UK holiday park operator, Haven this year, adding to existing franchisees which include Welcome Break and Applegreen.
Under the agreement, Sparta Foods LTD will oversee the full management of the sites, with all employees undergoing an extensive Chopstix induction. After the successful launch of its first site in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, the franchisee is fully embedded in the Chopstix brand ethos and well equipped to extend this to all future stores.
Saeed Muhammad, MD of Sparta Foods, said, “Chopstix is one of the fastest growing QSR brands in the country and it’s a great addition to our portfolio. We’re looking forward to working with Aaron and the team to develop the brand and open new sites across the North West and North Wales.”
Aaron Moore-Saxton, Chopstix Franchise Director, said, “The qualities we look for in a new franchisee partner – local knowledge, a proven track record in the QSR space, and an impressive business proposal – Sparta Foods LTD has in abundance.
'Most importantly, however, the vision the Sparta Foods team has for the brand aligns perfectly with our own. It’s so encouraging to see the confidence our franchise partners have in Chopstix, as it shows the huge potential of our brand.
'We have no doubt Sparta Foods will make a huge success of the first two sites they operate and look forward to supporting the team as they grow towards their target of 25 locations.”
In 2022, Chopstix plans to open at least 12 new stores, through a mix of directly owned and operated stores (equity stores), and also in concert with partners, building on its successful and established franchise operation.