Chopstix set to create 1,000 jobs amid further expansion

Chopstix Group, the UK’s largest Asian quick service restaurant group, plans to open 30 new stores this year, creating almost 1,000 new jobs in the process. 

The group’s expansion has been fuelled by record revenues, with system sales forecast to hit over £65m by the end of FY23, an increase of over 40% compared to FY22.

The group kicked off 2023 with the acquisition of competitor, Chozen Noodle, comprising 27 sites. 

Sam Elia, Chopstix co-founder said: “In recent years, we have focused heavily on perfecting our back of house processes, which has really supported rapid and effective expansion in footprint, particularly through the franchise model.

“There is significant momentum behind the company, with the acquisition of Chozen and many new sites in the pipeline we are very confident about the year ahead and beyond.” 

Established in Camden Market in 2002 by entrepreneurs Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, Chopstix celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. The group reported its busiest ever year of openings in 2022, when it launched 26 new restaurants, including a first ever holiday park location at Haven’s Craig Tara Park in Scotland. 

In addition to new store growth, like-for-like system sales are projected to be up by more than 22% in FY23 compared to FY22.

A growing proportion of sales during FY22 also came via the CHOPSTIX app, which launched during the summer and has already received over 150,000 downloads. 

Jon Lake, managing director, said: “We expect 2023 to be a momentous year for Chopstix Group. We are already the largest Asian-inspired QSR brand in the UK, and with the effectiveness of the business and the breadth of appeal our dishes boast, we’re confident that the business can continue to expand at pace and become a true household name in the next few years.”