Chicken Cottage Spreads Its Wings: Hits 2025 Expansion Target Ahead of Schedule

Chicken Cottage has announced that it has achieved its 2025 target of opening ten new locations — and with one quarter still remaining in the year, the brand shows no signs of slowing down.

The Croydon-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain, which now boasts around 70 outlets, described the past year as “productive” and revealed plans to open several additional sites before the year ends. The expansion underscores the company’s resurgence as a dominant force in the halal fried and grilled chicken market.

Leadership Strengthening and Strategic Growth

The business has bolstered its leadership structure with two senior promotions. Tom Corcoran has been elevated from Group Head of Operations to Chief Operating Officer, while Rahim Naggay steps into the role of Group Operations Manager. Chicken Cottage stated that these appointments reflect the leadership team’s contribution to the brand’s renewed energy and operational success.

Corcoran expressed pride in his new role, noting that the business has “brought fresh ideas and new ways of working” that have strengthened communication and collaboration with franchisees — a key factor in the company’s recent success. “This is just the start,” he said, pledging to continue adding value for Chicken Cottage’s franchise partners.

Innovation Through the ‘Store-in-Store’ Model

Beyond expanding its footprint, Chicken Cottage has been redefining its operational approach. One of its most notable innovations is the introduction of a ‘store-in-store’ concept, with branches now opening within local convenience stores such as Spar and Premier. The brand is the first in its sector to adopt this model, positioning itself to tap into new customer bases and high-footfall retail environments.

Sadaf Kazi, Head of Franchise Development, highlighted the milestone: “Our target was to open 10 stores across the year, but we reached that with a full quarter to spare. We’re now well on track to exceed that goal with more openings scheduled before year-end — and an already strong pipeline for 2026.”

International Expansion and Future Prospects

Chicken Cottage’s ambitions extend far beyond the UK. Building on its established presence in Kenya, the brand has expanded into Pakistan, where three franchise stores are already operating and a fourth is due to open by year-end. Further developments are underway in the UAE and Iraq, signalling the company’s growing international appeal.

As Chicken Cottage enters the final quarter of 2025, its forward momentum reflects a business reinvigorated by innovation, leadership, and franchise collaboration. From convenience store partnerships to global franchise ventures, the company is positioning itself for sustained growth and market leadership well into 2026.