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Chicken Cottage has surpassed its own expansion targets having opened its 67th UK store in Camden – with two more branches set to open before the end of the year.
The UK-based QSR business, which has marked its 30th anniversary this year, had set a target of reaching at least 66 stores operating in the UK.
Chicken Cottage celebrated the landmark opening on November 11 with a high-profile delegation from its Malaysian owners Terengannu Inc (TI Group) cutting the ribbon with Chicken Cottage CEO Greg Milne.
Milne was joined by the High Commissioner of Malaysia, YBhg Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, TI Group chairman YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri bin Mokhtar and TI Group President and Group Chief Executive Officer YBrs Encik Burhanuddin Hilmi bin Mohamed.
The presence of the top-level delegation in Camden was recognition of the achievements made by the company particularly given the tough trading conditions for the food and hospitality sector.
Milne said: “The opening of the Camden store demonstrates Chicken Cottage’s resilience and forward momentum, even as much of the UK’s hospitality sector faces significant cutbacks and closures.
“While others are scaling back, Chicken Cottage is confidently expanding, firming its position as a trusted, household brand with a loyal customer base. This growth signals the company’s strong foundations, adaptability, and commitment to delivering quality experiences across the UK.
“It reflects Chicken Cottage’s vision to not only persevere but thrive in challenging times, meeting the ongoing demand for our beloved, community-focused brand.”
He added: “The attendance of the High Commissioner plus senior executives from TI Group demonstrates the deep respect and partnership we value, and we are truly privileged to have their support as we mark this new chapter. Their presence highlights the shared vision and commitment to excellence that drive our success and inspire us as we move forward.”
Chicken Cottage, which was the first UK QSR to introduce halal chicken in grilled and fried varieties at its Wembley branch, has undergone significant changes since Milne was appointed two years ago.
Under his watch the Croydon-based operation has overhauled the brand with a fresh in-store design which is currently being rolled out to outlets across the UK, it has introduced in-store digital kiosks and also created a consumer-focused mobile app.
Camden is the 10th UK store to open in 2024 joining Carnoustie, Hemel Hempstead, Hounslow East, Northwood Hills, Houghton Regis, Chiswick, Holloway Road, Aylesbury and Borough High Street. Chicken Cottage will also be opening stores in Oban and Brixton before the end of the year, with the latter under the same franchisee as Camden.
The Camden and Brixton stores will be owned by Nigerian businessman Mohammed Adebola Sheidu, who is executive chairman of Brains & Hammers, one of Nigeria’s largest real estate companies.
Explaining his decision to become a franchisee in Chicken Cottage, Sheidu said: “We saw growth in the franchise compared to others that were saturated. Camden is a busy area, with plenty of tourists and an active local community, so there’s a lot of potential market. This is also why we will be opening a second store in Brixton, which also has a thriving music scene.”