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Chaiiwala is set to launch a new drive-thru location at Grimshaw Retail Park in Blackburn, marking the brand’s second such opening within the last six months.
The Blackburn site is the fourth location for franchisees Arif and Yakub, who have been partners with the brand since 2017.
The opening follows a 18-year period of diversification for the Leicester-founded company, which has recently expanded into airport locations and motorway service containers.
Founded in 2015, Chaiiwala currently operates more than 100 cafes across the UK. The brand specialises in Karak chai and Indian street food, including breakfast roti wraps and Bombay bowls.
The company has stated a long-term goal of reaching 500 global locations within the next decade.
The new drive-thru is intended to target high-traffic, on-the-go consumers and strengthens the brand’s existing presence across Lancashire.
The expansion forms part of a wider strategic shift to make the menu accessible across different dayparts and purchase occasions.
Sohail Ali, co-founder of Chaiiwala, said: “Blackburn is an important town for us. Our new drive-thru will enable us to deepen our connection with local consumers and create new opportunities and occasions for them to enjoy chai or our Indian street food on-the-go.
“It is also the fourth location of our franchisees Arif and Yakub. This location – their first drive-thru – will present another opportunity for them to grow with us, while supporting our UK expansion strategy.”
