As revealed by BigHospitality’s sister title MCA in August, the Active Partners-backed concept will open at a former Costa site in Upper Street, a larger restaurant than its Baker Street original.
Co-founder David Wolanski says he and Carl Clarke continue to tweak the concept after its debut, with new dry-rub wings being trialled after the original sticky versions were too messy for a fast food environment.
“CHIK’N is a completely different model from Chick ‘n’ Sours. We’ve got loads of young kids who’ve never worked in a restaurant before, training them up, systems and processes putting into place – we’re constantly evolving as we go,” says Wolanski.
“Every day we’re looking to evolve those more and more to get things perfect.
The Islington site will differ from the first because of the “completely different demographic,” of the area, says Wolanski. “It’s a lot more residential, and of an more evening, drinking area, so it will be a bit of a different model.”
The first CHIK’N opened on London’s Baker Street in July this year and was billed as a guilt-free, ethically-minded chicken shop serving free range chicken and paying staff in excess of the London living wage. Speaking before the launch, Wolanski said: We want to change the culture that’s in quicker service restaurants at the moment.”
The restaurant was forced to temporarily close just a few days after opening due to its popularity.
Clarke and Wolanski say they have built the CHIK’N brand for expansion across London as well as in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. They are also on the lookout for a third Chick ‘n’ Sours site.