Exclusive – Yolk Brands signs 50-site franchise deal to bring chicken brand BonBird to UK: Dubai multi-brand operator Yolk Brands has signed a franchise agreement with City Restaurants Group, operator of the Afrikana brand, to launch BonBird, its fried chicken brand, into the UK. The deal marks the UAE’s largest franchise agreement by a homegrown quick service restaurant group to date. Under the agreement the two companies plan to open 50 BonBird locations across the UK over the next five years, introducing the brand to Europe for the first time. Launched in 2023 by UK national Steve Flawith, founder and chief executive of Yolk Brands, BonBird is known for its east London-style community chicken shop vibe, “All bird, no bull” ethos, and “uncompromising commitment to premium, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and preservative-free fried chicken”. BonBird currently operates sites across three countries in the Middle East and Asia, and the company said its foray into the UK marks the next stage of its global expansion. The agreement will see the rapidly growing City Restaurants Group – operator of brands such as Afrikana and Mowchi—manage and develop BonBird’s UK footprint. Over the next five years, City Restaurants Group aims to open 50 BonBird outlets across key cities and regions, with the first five rolling out within the first year. Yolk Brands also operates gourmet burger concept Pickl, gourmet deli and cafe brand 1796 and speciality coffee roaster SouthPour. Flawith said: “Bringing BonBird to the UK is a proud moment for myself and everyone at Yolk Brands; it's a bit like a home-coming for me in many ways. We’ve always believed in the global potential of the brand and this moment validates that vision. In City Restaurants Group we know we’ve found the perfect partner to share in our passion for amazing fresh fried chicken. This is just the beginning and I can’t wait to fulfil our vision for this amazing concept.” Omair Ali, chief executive of City Restaurants Group, said: “At City Restaurants Group, we look for brands that stand out in a crowded market, and BonBird’s emphasis on fresh, premium chicken sets it apart. We’re delighted to have secured such a beloved Dubai-born brand like BonBird and we’re confident it will become a must-try destination for fried chicken lovers across the UK.” The agreement was facilitated by Presman & Colard, the franchise consultancy “This transaction took us more than a year to complete, but it now stands as one of the largest development schedules we have signed globally,” said Richard Kay, chief executive of Presman & Colard. “That’s a testament to the brand’s extraordinary growth potential.” Propel’s highly anticipated International Brands report, featuring the 100 leading international brands in UK hospitality, launches this month and is available to pre-order now. This in-depth report explores company histories, leadership structures, site numbers and turnover figures – an essential tool for industry professionals navigating the UK hospitality market. The top 100 will include expanding brands from markets such as the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The guide will be sent out as two files – an introductory PDF featuring deep dives into international brands from Propel’s writers, and a fully searchable Excel sheet for easy access to key data. The analysis includes Matteo Frigeri, founder of Seeds Consulting, on the challenges of recruiting the right UK franchisee, Michael Ingemann, director of Think Hospitality, on why European brands chose the UK for expansion, and Meaningful Vision founder Maria Vanifatova examining the UK market for quick service restaurant operators. The International Brands report will be available from 9am on Friday, 28 March for £595 plus VAT, with existing Premium Club members able to purchase at a discounted rate of £395 plus VAT. Premium Club members will receive it free on Friday, 9 May at 9am. Pre-order your copy today by emailing: kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com.