Caprinos reaches 130 restaurants as founders Khalil Rehman and Gul Nawaz expand their multi-brand portfolio with Zinglet’s third outlet.
UK-based pizza franchise Caprinos Pizza has opened its 130th restaurant in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, as co-founders Khalil Rehman and Gul Nawaz continue expanding their quick-service restaurant portfolio with the opening of a third outlet for their hot chicken concept, Zinglet.
The latest Caprinos restaurant is located at 26 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil. Alongside the milestone opening, the founders have launched Zinglet’s third restaurant at 26 High Street in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, marking another step in the development of the relatively new sister brand.
The two openings underline the founders’ strategy of building a multi-brand restaurant business, using Caprinos’ established franchise network as the foundation while developing Zinglet as a separate growth opportunity.
Founded by Rehman and Nawaz in 2014, Caprinos has grown from a single pizza business into a network of more than 130 locations, with operations spanning the UK and international markets including Ireland and Pakistan. The business has made franchising its principal expansion model, with approximately 25-30 franchise partners operating across its network.
The brand has also been attracting experienced multi-unit operators, while maintaining a selective approach to franchise recruitment. Its franchise model is designed to support entrepreneurs entering the pizza and takeaway market through an established brand, operating systems and a recognised menu proposition.
Rehman said: “Our 130th Caprinos is now open in Merthyr Tydfil, alongside our third Zinglet in Irthlingborough. Two businesses at different stages of their journey, and so much to look forward to. Thank you to our brilliant teams, franchise partners and everyone who came out to support both openings.”
Caprinos has been recording strong growth. The business reported 14% like-for-like sales growth in 2025 and opened 17 new UK restaurants during the year, alongside its expansion into Ireland.
International development is now becoming a bigger part of its strategy. In June 2026, Caprinos signed a five-year master franchise agreement with Farhat Faheem to develop 50 locations across Spain. The agreement covers both Caprinos and Zinglet, with Barcelona selected as the initial launch market.
More recently, in October 2026, the company signed a franchise development agreement with a consortium of local partners to open at least 30 restaurants across Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia over the next five years. The consortium includes an existing Caprinos UK franchisee, bringing operational experience from the brand’s domestic network into its Middle Eastern expansion.
The company has set its sights on reaching 200 locations globally by 2030.
Meanwhile, Zinglet represents the founders’ move into the increasingly competitive fried chicken segment. Launched in May 2026, the halal chicken concept offers hot chicken, hand-breaded chicken, wings and buttermilk fried chicken, alongside loaded fries, onion rings and milkshakes.
Its first restaurant opened in Birkenhead, Merseyside, followed by a second location in Macclesfield, Cheshire. The Irthlingborough opening takes the brand to three restaurants.
With Caprinos continuing to build its international franchise footprint and Zinglet beginning to establish its presence, the founders are positioning the business for growth across multiple food categories and markets.
