The Maidstone opening strengthens the Asian quick-service restaurant brand’s presence in southeast England as multi-site franchise operator RTL Enterprises accelerates its expansion.
UK-based Asian quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand Chopstix has opened a new restaurant in Maidstone, Kent, through its long-standing franchise partnership with RTL Enterprises. The opening marks another step in the brand’s UK expansion strategy, which combines franchised and company-operated restaurants across high streets, shopping destinations and travel locations.
Located at 28 Week Street in Maidstone town centre, the restaurant opened on 19 October 2026. It follows RTL Enterprises’ recent opening in Ipswich and takes the franchise operator’s Chopstix portfolio to 16 locations.
The latest launch highlights the role of established multi-site franchise partners in expanding the brand’s footprint. RTL Enterprises has worked with Chopstix for more than four years, having opened its first restaurant with the brand in Romford. Its growing portfolio reflects Chopstix’s strategy of working with experienced operators to establish a presence in busy retail and high-street locations.
Rob King, CFO and Franchise Director at Chopstix, said: “Partnering with experienced, high-performing operators like RTL Enterprises is fundamental to our ambitious growth strategy. RTL Enterprises has delivered fantastic results across its existing estate, so expanding our presence with them, with this site in Maidstone, was a4 natural next step.”
He added: “Coming off the back of strong momentum, this opening demonstrates the strength of our franchise model as we continue our journey toward becoming Europe’s leading Asian QSR brand.”
Chopstix Builds Its UK Franchise Network
Founded in Camden Market in 2002 by entrepreneurs Sam Elia and Menashe Sadik, Chopstix has developed into a sizeable UK fast-food chain specialising in Asian-inspired dishes.
The company has continued to expand through a combination of company-owned restaurants and franchise partnerships. Its development strategy targets high-footfall locations, including town-centre high streets, shopping centres, food courts and motorway service areas.
In October 2024, European quick-service restaurant group QSRP acquired a majority stake in Chopstix, providing a new platform for the brand’s expansion. The investment has supported a broader growth strategy as the business seeks to strengthen its position in the UK and develop its presence in international markets.
Chopstix has also been expanding through travel-hub partnerships. In February 2026, the brand opened a restaurant at Roadchef’s Strensham South services on the M5, marking its first franchise location with the motorway service-area operator.
A Multi-Format Franchise Opportunity
Chopstix offers franchise development opportunities across several formats, including high-street restaurants, food-court units, kiosks and travel hubs. This flexibility allows the brand to pursue sites with different space requirements, customer flows and trading environments.
The approach also creates opportunities for experienced multi-unit operators to expand existing portfolios rather than build a network one location at a time. RTL Enterprises’ 16-site portfolio illustrates this model, with the latest opening following its expansion into Ipswich.
As competition intensifies in the UK’s fast-casual and quick-service restaurant markets, Chopstix is positioning its franchise network as a key driver of growth. Its focus on established operators, high-traffic locations and multiple restaurant formats provides the framework for further expansion.
The company has not announced specific future opening dates for RTL Enterprises. However, the latest launch reinforces the importance of franchise partnerships in Chopstix’s ambition to become a leading Asian quick-service restaurant operator across Europe.
