The Chaiiwala Indian street food cafe concept has hosted a series of US pop-up events in Houston, Texas, ahead of its official US launch this year, with the business claiming 2026 will be “a big one” for the brand in North America.
The company, founded in Leicester in 2015 by Sohail Ali, currently operates 115 sites across the UK, 23 in Canada, with a handful in Dubai, has a strategy to scale up to 500 global locations in the coming decade. This involves significantly expanding its footprint in the UK and Canada with its existing multi-site franchisees, and exploring new international markets – including the US, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Chaiiwala said it used its pop-ups as an opportunity to introduce local consumers and prospective franchisees to its “much-loved dishes”.
Chaiiwala is exploring local partnership and franchise opportunities, with the company’s existing operations in Canada “making the US a natural step” for the business.
Over the next 12 months, Chaiiwala is aiming to strengthen its global footprint with new stores both in the UK and abroad. This will build on a successful 2025 for Chaiiwala, which saw the group open multiple new stores in a variety of new formats and location types.
Nazibur Rahman, country manager US & Canada at Chaiiwala, said: “2026 is going to be a big year for Chaiiwala in North America. With 23 stores in Canada, the US is a natural next step for the business, and we have identified multiple opportunities across different states with proven operators who recognise the demand for our authentic street food-style menu and Karak chaii. Our recent pop-up was a first taster for consumers in Houston – a city that we believe has great potential for Chaiiwala in the short-term – and a total success. Now, we are focused on continuing our conversations with local partners and franchisees and bringing our high-quality, authentic menu to the market with a permanent fixture.”
Author: George Shaw
Former BBC journalist and founder and CEO of an award-winning London advertising and PR company for 20 years, providing restaurant consultancy services. Spent a decade as the director of communications of the Asian Catering Federation in the UK and lead judge for its various restaurant and chef awards programmes. Now returned to journalism, specialising in food and travel and currently the Editor-in-Chief for Taste London, Taste Asia, the Good Curry Guide and CEO of International Culinary Guides.