UK. The UK’s leading Indian street-food café chain Chaiiwala today unveiled its first airport venue at London Luton Airport.
The opening of Chaiiwala, which has over 100 stores globally (including 89 in the UK, 14 in Canada and three in Dubai), is part of an expansion plan targeting major travel hubs.
Established in 2015 in Leicester, Chaiiwala has built a strong following for its fusion of authentic Indian street food with a Western twist.
The 1,500sq ft, 30-seat venue is located on the site of the former Crêpe Affaire concession. It provides all-day dining options as well as a selection of a grab-and-go items for consumption at the airport or inflight.
The store – which has created 40 new jobs – features the full Chaiiwala menu, along with additional treats and snack options.
Signature items include Karak Chaii, Caramel Chaii, English-Ish Breakfast, Masala Chips and the Karachi Bun Kebab.
As part of its launch at London Luton Airport, Chaiiwala has introduced a ‘travel tiffin box’ for those passengers on the go.
With this first airport opening, Chaiiwala Chief Executive Officer Muhummed Ibrahim said he is excited to explore “a new territory for the brand and its fans”.
He added: “We are confident that our colourful and bursting-with-flavour menu items caters for all taste buds and will be a hit with new and existing customers.
“Our research has shown there is a growing desire for travellers to experience an alternative to the current offering available at airports and we aim to fill that gap and become an exciting addition to not only LLA but similar locations across the UK.
“Making our debut at an airport also matches our ambitions perfectly as a young dynamic brand giving our customers the Chaiiwala experience wherever they are.
“This new store will help Chaiiwala extend our footprint nationally and internationally and it is a major part of our strategic vision.”
Chaiiwala deploys various formats for its stores such as high street locations, small kiosks and retail park units and has a target to accelerate its domestic and international expansion to 500 stores over the next ten years. Its current growth focus is in markets including the USA, Canada and the Middle East.
The brand recently made history for opening the UK’s first drive-through business serving Indian street food in Bolton.
Our President Dermot Davitt recently visited London Luton to report on the airport’s fast-evolving commercial offer. Read the article here. 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
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