The Bok Shop eyes double-digit portfolio expansion

The Bok Shop, a Brighton-based fried chicken and vegan chicken restaurant group, has announced plans to open 10 sites across the UK over the next two years.

Founded in 2017, the group expanded its portfolio a year later with the addition of a 90-cover restaurant in Eastbourne.

Despite the constraints of the pandemic, 2020 revenues at the firm reportedly “surged” following success from delivery platforms, including the group’s ‘cluck and collect’ app.

Having secured £1.2m funding from a private equity group, The Bok Shop intends to open the 10 new establishments, which will range from 30-100 cover restaurants to takeaway and delivery sites, within the next 24 months.

Harry Cody-Owen, from Bruce Gillingham Pollard, who is acting on behalf of The Bok Shop, said: “The Bok Shop will be one of the next generation of restaurants to emerge from the pandemic as a success and I am delighted to be involved in the roll out. 

“They have a great team and a proven model, so if you have any  sites in high footfall areas that are around 2,500 sq ft then get in touch.” 

Included in the extended portfolio will be a 100-cover site in Southampton’s West Quay that is set to be operational in Summer 2021.

Jamie O’Mara, co-founder of the group, said that while it has been a “hard slog filled with failures and success[es], amplified by the pandemic,” the group has achieved growth both as individuals and as a company.

He added: “We feel there is a gap in the market for a quality chicken inspired offer like ours, what Honest Burger has done to burgers, or Pizza Pilgrims has done with Pizza. We want to do that for chicken. 

“We’ve lived and breathed The Bok Shop and  the hospitality industry since opening the doors on East Street in 2017 and we can’t wait to share the  journey.”