“This investment is about much more than creating a bigger café."
Chaiiwala has opened a new flagship branch in Leicester as the brand prepares for its next phase of UK expansion.
The 2,000 sq ft café has relocated from its existing Granby Street site and can accommodate up to 60 customers.
The new format is designed to provide a blueprint for future Chaiiwala openings and refurbishments across the UK.
It features self-service ordering kiosks, stadium-style bench seating designed for social dining and changes to how its signature chaii is presented.
Customers can order the full Chaiiwala menu, including Karak chai brewed on site using a seven-spice blend, breakfast roti wraps, Bombay Bowls and Wala Wraps.
The menu also includes newer additions such as The Wala Box, Family Platter and salad bowls, alongside desserts and cold drinks.
Founded in Leicester in 2015, Chaiiwala now operates more than 120 sites across the UK.
The Granby Street investment follows recent openings in Bristol and Woking, as well as the continued expansion of its partnership with Roadchef across UK motorway service areas.
Chaiiwala is targeting 500 locations globally over the next ten years, with plans spanning high street cafés, drive-thrus, travel hubs and other high-footfall formats.
Sohail Ali, Co-Founder of Chaiiwala, said: “Granby Street is an incredibly important café for Chaiiwala.
“Leicester is where our story began, so it is fitting that this site should become the flagship for our next stage of growth.
“This investment is about much more than creating a bigger café.
“It is about continuing to invest in our hometown and giving the Leicester community a more spacious and elevated environment where they can enjoy their Chaiiwala favourites.
“It also reflects how we are evolving every part of the Chaiiwala experience, from the way customers order and move through the space to how they sit, socialise and enjoy our chai.
“As we continue to grow in the UK and internationally, our cafés need to be efficient, scalable and unmistakably Chaiiwala and Granby Street brings those priorities together.”
It comes as Chaiiwala launches a new digital loyalty platform.
Chaiiwala Rewards lets customers earn stamps on eligible purchases and redeem free food and drinks.
The platform uses a digital stamp system, with customers earning one stamp per eligible purchase.
Rewards are unlocked at milestones between five and 15 stamps.
Rewards include Chaiiwala’s Karak Chaii, selected street food items, and Wala Wraps.
Customers who collect 15 stamps within a year will achieve “Chaii Legend” status, giving them access to free drink upgrades, selected toppings, and syrups.
Chaii Legend members can maintain their status by collecting five stamps each month.
