Chaiiwala taps Lote Global for global expansion

The quick-service restaurant brand is targeting 500 restaurants.

Indian street food quick-service restaurant brand Chaiiwala has announced its partnership with investment firm Lote Global for its international expansion.

Lote Global Investments is a leading Shariah-compliant investment firm with a strategic emphasis on Private Equity and Real Estate. The company has its origins in a prominent international family enterprise and has established a robust portfolio of signature investments known for their strong ethics, performance, and longevity.

Chaiiwalla said it is targeting 500 restaurants across both domestic and international, targeting key growth markets including the USA, Canada, and the Middle East.

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To facilitate this planned global expansion, Chaiiwala is committed to enhancing its operational capabilities, supply chain facilities and digital experiences in the chosen markets. It currently has a portfolio of 90 stores across the world with plans to hit 100 by year-end including new openings in the UAE and Canada.

Established in 2015 in Leicester, Chaiiwala offers a fusion of authentic Indian street food with a Western twist. The menu showcases breakfast, lunch, dessert and all-day items with signature products such as Karak Chaii, Caramel Chaii, English-Ish Breakfast, Masala Chips and Karachi Bun Kebab.

The brand utilises various formats for its stores such as High Street locations, small kiosks, and retail park units. Chaiiwala also introduced a drive-thru business in the UK, serving Indian street food with the opening of its Bolton store last year.

Muhummed Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer at Chaiiwala, expressed his excitement about the partnership and its potential impact on the Indian street food market.

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According to Ibrahim, Lote Global’s extensive experience and knowledge in their key target markets will be invaluable to their plans.

"We are pleased to welcome Lote Global to the team as we solidify our position as the leading Indian street food business and shape the Chaiiwala brand for its next global chapter. We have already laid the groundwork for our expansion in these crucial markets and have confidence that our partners will help us seize the significant global opportunity that lies ahead, he said.

Chaiiwala were advised by KPMG (CF and Tax), Freeths (Legals) and GT (VDD) whilst  Lote Global was advised by PwC (Financial DD and Tax DD), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), OC&C (Commercial DD), Cross8 (Corporate DD) and Al Maqasid (Shariah DD) as part of the deal.

Founded in 2015 in Leicester, Chaiiwala is renowned for offering authentic, handcrafted Indian street food with a Western fusion, including its signature Karak Chai. Since its inception, Chaiiwala has rapidly expanded and established itself as a premier destination for Indian food enthusiasts, uniting people over their shared love for the perfect cup of chai and the unmistakable flavours of Indian street food.