Paul UK is targeting further expansion in the southeast of England having announced Zaf Holdings Limited (ZHL) as its newest franchise partner.
ZHL will open 10 stores over the next five years, bringing the Paul brand to key locations in the area with the first store 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, of which it holds the exclusive rights to develop 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 and is currently chairman of the Pizza Hut UK Franchise Council.
Commenting on the partnership, Paul CEO Julia Powell said the business was delighted to welcome Jivraj. “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,” Powell said.
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.”
Paul currently operates 32 stores trading under the Paul and Paul Le Café brand in and around London from which it serves ‘authentic French products made from premium natural ingredients’.
Franchising forms a key part of its growth strategy. Its first franchise partners – father and son hospitality duo Graham and Matthew Allan – took over the business’ Oxford store in 2022 and opened a location in Reading earlier this year as part of a plan to open 10 sites over the next decade.
Improving product quality, store refurbishments, and reducing costs have been on the agenda for the wider business over the past year after Paul UK posted a loss after tax of £863k for the year ended 31 December 2023.
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