BonBird

About BonBird

BonBird is a premium fried chicken restaurant brand founded in Dubai in 2023 by British entrepreneur Steve Flawith, founder and chief executive of Yolk Brands.

Inspired by the atmosphere and community spirit of traditional East London chicken shops, BonBird combines a familiar quick-service restaurant concept with premium ingredients, contemporary branding and a commitment to freshly prepared food.

Operating under its distinctive “all bird, no bull” philosophy, BonBird focuses on delivering high-quality fried chicken made without added hormones, antibiotics or preservatives, according to the brand’s stated product standards.

The concept was developed by Yolk Brands, the Dubai-based hospitality group behind several established food and beverage businesses, including gourmet burger brand Pickl, café and deli concept 1796 and speciality coffee brand SouthPour.

Since launching in 2023, BonBird has expanded beyond the United Arab Emirates, establishing a presence in international markets including Pakistan and Qatar.

In March 2025, Yolk Brands announced a major UK franchise development agreement with City Restaurants Group, the hospitality operator behind the Afrikana restaurant brand.

Under the agreement, City Restaurants Group secured the opportunity to introduce BonBird to the United Kingdom and develop a network of 50 restaurants over five years.

The partnership represents a significant milestone for BonBird, marking the brand’s planned entry into Europe and supporting its ambition to become an internationally recognised fried chicken restaurant concept.

City Restaurants Group is responsible for managing and developing BonBird’s UK expansion programme, with an initial target of five restaurants during the first year.

In March 2026, the brand was reported to be developing its UK property pipeline, with proposed restaurant locations in Peckham and Kentish Town in London and discussions concerning a further site in Brixton.

BonBird’s restaurant concept combines premium fried chicken, bold branding and an accessible quick-service format designed to appeal to customers seeking fresh, convenient and high-quality food.

The brand continues to pursue international franchise opportunities through Yolk Brands, offering prospective development partners the opportunity to explore available territories through its franchise enquiry process.

With the backing of an established international hospitality group and a UK development partner experienced in restaurant expansion, BonBird is positioned to pursue further growth in the competitive fried chicken market.

Why franchise with BonBird

• ✓Established premium fried chicken brand founded in Dubai in 2023
• ✓Backed by Yolk Brands, an experienced international hospitality group
• ✓Founded by British entrepreneur Steve Flawith
• ✓Distinctive East London-inspired chicken shop concept
• ✓Recognisable “all bird, no bull” brand identity
• ✓Focus on premium, freshly prepared fried chicken
• ✓International presence across the Middle East and Asia
• ✓Major UK development partnership with City Restaurants Group
• ✓Ambitious expansion programme targeting 50 UK restaurants
• ✓Contemporary branding designed for modern quick-service dining
• ✓International franchise development opportunities in selected markets
• ✓Opportunity to participate in the growth of an emerging global restaurant brand

Investment breakdown

Management service fee	On request
Marketing contribution	On request
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

BonBird operates a premium fried chicken quick-service restaurant concept designed to combine efficient food preparation with contemporary restaurant branding and an accessible customer experience.

The brand’s format is suitable for commercial locations capable of supporting takeaway, collection and potentially delivery-led operations.

Potential restaurant locations may include busy high streets, urban neighbourhoods, retail developments and other areas with strong demand for convenient, high-quality food.

Properties should provide suitable space for commercial kitchen equipment, food preparation, refrigeration, storage and customer service facilities.

Appropriate ventilation, extraction, utilities and compliance with local food safety requirements will be essential.

The specific property size, layout, seating requirements and technical specifications have not been disclosed in the supplied information.

All proposed locations are expected to be subject to assessment and approval by the relevant franchise development partner to ensure compliance with BonBird’s operational and brand standards.

For UK development, property selection and restaurant rollout are being managed by City Restaurants Group under its agreement with Yolk Brands.

Training and support

BonBird’s franchise development is supported by Yolk Brands, the international hospitality group responsible for creating and expanding the concept.

The brand benefits from the group’s experience in developing restaurant concepts, establishing international partnerships and managing food and beverage operations across multiple markets.

Franchise partners are expected to receive guidance on BonBird’s brand standards, menu specifications, food preparation methods and operational requirements as part of the franchise development process.

The company’s established restaurant concept provides a foundation for maintaining consistency in food quality, customer experience and brand presentation.

In the United Kingdom, City Restaurants Group is responsible for managing BonBird’s development programme, drawing on its experience operating and expanding restaurant businesses.

Specific details regarding initial training duration, restaurant opening assistance, marketing support, supply chain arrangements and ongoing operational guidance have not been publicly confirmed in the supplied information.

Prospective franchise partners should request the full franchise support package directly from Yolk Brands or the relevant territory development partner.

Operational requirements

BonBird franchise partners are expected to operate their restaurants in accordance with the brand’s established food quality standards, operating procedures and customer service expectations.

The concept focuses on freshly prepared premium fried chicken, requiring consistent attention to ingredient quality, food preparation, kitchen operations and product presentation.

Daily restaurant responsibilities are likely to include supervising food preparation, managing employees, maintaining stock levels, monitoring financial performance and ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.

Operators must maintain the brand’s distinctive customer experience, contemporary restaurant presentation and commitment to product consistency.

Franchise partners are expected to follow approved recipes, operational systems and supplier requirements established by the franchisor.

Development partners responsible for multiple locations must demonstrate the organisational and financial capacity to manage restaurant openings, recruit operational teams and maintain consistent standards across their network.

In the United Kingdom, City Restaurants Group has committed to an ambitious restaurant development programme targeting 50 BonBird locations over five years.

The company places particular emphasis on maintaining the brand’s premium positioning while delivering the speed and convenience associated with modern quick-service restaurants.

Experience required

BonBird’s international franchise expansion is aimed at business operators and development partners interested in introducing a premium quick-service restaurant concept to new markets.

Experience in hospitality, restaurant operations, foodservice franchising or multi-site business development is likely to be beneficial, particularly for applicants seeking regional or national development rights.

Prospective franchise partners should demonstrate strong commercial awareness, operational management capabilities and an understanding of their chosen local market.

Applicants must possess the financial resources required to establish and operate restaurants in accordance with BonBird’s brand standards.

Experience in property development, restaurant site selection, staff recruitment and multi-unit operations may be particularly valuable for larger franchise development agreements.

BonBird’s UK expansion is being undertaken by City Restaurants Group, an established restaurant operator with experience developing hospitality brands.

Specific minimum experience requirements, financial qualifications and territory development commitments for new franchise applicants have not been disclosed in the supplied information.

Interested parties should contact the franchisor to confirm the eligibility requirements for their preferred market.

Territory availability