Paul UK unveils new franchise partner

French bakery and café chain Paul UK has announced Zaf Holdings Limited (ZHL) as its newest franchise partner in the UK. 

ZHL will open 10 stores over the next five years, bringing the Paul brand to key locations in the Southeast of England. The first store is targeted to open in 2025.

Established by Arif Jivraj in 2017, ZHL owns and operates food and restaurant brands including over 27 Pizza Hut UK delivery units as well as P F Chang’s in central London, holding the exclusive rights to develop the brand across the UK. 

Jivraj has over 35 years of industry experience, in addition to Pizza Hut and P F Chang’s, he has previously operated multiple brands including KFC, Starbucks and Subway. 

He has also served on many franchise boards, received multiple operational and franchise awards and is currently chairman of the Pizza Hut UK Franchise Council.

Paul currently operates 32 stores trading under the Paul and Paul Le Café brand in and around London and has a tradition of providing customers with “quality authentic” French products made from natural ingredients. Paul UK’s first franchise partner opened a store in Reading earlier this year.

Commenting on the partnership, Julia Powell, CEO of Paul, said: “We are delighted to welcome Arif and his team to the Paul family. His experience and knowledge will ensure the brand’s credentials and quality are maintained as we bring Paul to a wider customer base as stores are developed across the Southeast”.  

Jivraj added: “At Zaf Holdings, we firmly believe that choosing the right brand to partner with is a fundamental prerequisite for long-term successful growth. When you combine the quality of an international brand like Paul, with a franchisor team that is as authentic and passionate about its brand today as it was when it was first founded, you get magic! 

“We believe that with our expertise of operational excellence and Paul’s authentic and timeless brand we can provide the wand to the magic of Paul”.