Swiss QSR platform acquires majority stake in Chopstix to drive expansion in UK and new European markets: Switzerland quick service restaurant platform QSRP has acquired a majority stake in Chopstix, the fast-growing, quick service restaurant (QSR) brand, for an undisclosed sum to drive expansion in the UK and new European markets. Founded in 2014, QSRP has a presence in seven main countries, with a portfolio of more than 1,240 restaurants, including 144 virtual kitchens. It started out as Burger King’s master franchisee for Italy before also taking on the fast-food brand’s territories in Belgium and Luxembourg in 2016. That same year, it acquired Belgian better burger brand Quick, followed by further acquisitions, in 2018, of French taco brand O’Taco and Nordsee, a seafood restaurant brand with branches in Germany and Austria. Chopstix Group, founded in London in 2002, operates more than 150 sites across its Chopstix, Yangtze and Chozen Noodle brands. The collaboration aims to “leverage QSRP’s extensive industry expertise, operational capabilities, and strategic resources to support Chopstix in its next phase of growth”. It will also enable Chopstix to “accelerate its expansion plans, enhance its digital and delivery capabilities and introduce new menu innovations”. It comes after Propel revealed exclusively last month that Chopstix was set to make its debut in Europe – with an opening at Bucharest Henri Coandă International airport in Romania – and is in a “very strong position to explore opportunities in new markets”. Chopstix co-founder Menashe Sadik said: “This partnership will enable us to scale our business and to drive the Chopstix experience to new markets in Europe. We look forward to partnering with the team at QSRP and delivering long-term growth and success for both our businesses.” Fellow co-founder Sam Ella added: “When we started Chopstix 20 years ago, it was with one store, and with family values at its heart. It’s how we have always run the business, and we look forward to driving that ethos further as we launch Chopstix in new markets, across Europe.” Alessandro Preda, group chief executive at QSRP, said: “Chopstix has demonstrated exceptional growth and a strong consumer following in the UK market. This investment is a testament to our confidence in Chopstix’s potential to become a leading QSR player across Europe. Together, we will work to elevate the Chopstix brand and bring its offering to a wider audience. This agreement also marks the entrance of QSRP into the dynamic UK market.” 

NTIA calls on home secretary to re-evaluate security business licensing amid fears that Martyn’s Law is being ‘undermined’: The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has called on the home secretary to re-evaluate security business licensing amid fears that Martyn’s Law is being “undermined”. Martyn’s Law, otherwise known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, is named after Martyn Hett, who was one of 22 people murdered in the Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017. The new law was laid out before parliament last month but could be undermined from the start, the NTIA has warned. It said recent individual licensing data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act showed the current regulatory framework for private security is more than 20 years old and “no longer fit for purpose”. Among its findings were that between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2023, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) granted licenses to a significant number of individuals who had not been residents in the UK for five years prior to applying, and whose five-year histories could not be adequately checked. Moreover, a large number of licences were granted where the regulator could not complete a criminal record check in the countries previously resided. The NTIA said private security is the only regulated sector where businesses “can operate out of sight of the regulator”. It said a lack of real control over standards or vetting “present a fundamental void in our counter-terror strategy and is a significant risk to public safety”. Private security suppliers being able to operate under the radar in this manner does not align with the objectives of Martyn’s Law, the industry body said. “We urge the home secretary to intervene as a matter of urgency,” NTIA chief executive Michael Kill added. “The current system of individual licensing for security operatives is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. The private security sector plays a vital role in safeguarding our communities. It is time we provide it with the necessary tools and oversight to operate with the utmost integrity and efficiency.”