We started in Dubai with a very specific vision: to build an East London-style community chicken shop that didn’t rely on industrial shortcuts. We stripped out the hormones, the antibiotics, and the preservatives, and brought proper, unapologetic fried chicken to the GCC and beyond.
Now, we are taking it back to the source. BonBird’s UK expansion is officially in motion. We have signed a landmark franchise agreement with City Restaurants Group to drop 50 locations across the United Kingdom over the next five years.
BONBIRD’S UK EXPANSION: OUR BIGGEST DROP YET
This isn’t a slow, cautious rollout. This is officially the largest franchise agreement ever signed by a homegrown UAE quick-service restaurant. We spent over a year locking in this deal—working alongside franchise consultancy Presman & Colard—to ensure we had the absolute best foundation to scale aggressively.
We are coming out swinging. The first five UK venues are already slated to roll out within the first year of the agreement.
For our Founder and CEO, Steve Flawith, this move hits on a personal level:
“Bringing BonBird to the UK is a proud moment for myself and everyone at Yolk Brands; it’s a bit like a homecoming 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.”
UPGRADING THE FAST FOOD SCENE
The British fast-food market is notoriously crowded, but we aren’t changing the playbook to fit in. The UK is getting the exact same “All Bird, No Bull” standard that put us on the map.
City Restaurants Group CEO Omair Ali knows exactly why this partnership is going to shake things up:
“At City Restaurants Group, we look for brands that stand out in a crowded market, and BonBird’s emphasis on fresh, premium chicken truly 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.”
Get ready, Britain. The standard is about to change.