Popular vegan fried chicken brand to launch Bristol restaurant

From bristolpost.co.uk

Really Happy Chicken has earned rave reviews in Brighton after launching there last year

A vegan fried chicken brand which has got off to a flying start is eyeing up a move to Bristol.

Really Happy Chicken launched in Brighton in August last year and proved to be an instant hit, enabling it to move to a larger home just six months later.

Not content with expanding in the seaside city in which it was founded, it has now unveiled plans to open a Bristol site in the coming months, as well as a further five restaurants across the UK by the end of 2021.

Really Happy Chicken founder Owais Amiri is visiting Bristol this week to a view a number of properties he's lined up, and hopes to be up and running "within the next six to eight weeks".

While Bristol is home to a wealth of fantastic plant-based restaurants, Owais is confident his soaring business can make a flap in the city.

"I absolutely love Bristol and can't wait to launch there - we were Brighton's darling when we opened here and we hope to be Bristol's darling too," said the 36-year-old, who has been vegan for four years.

The 'Really PB&J Burger' from Really Happy Chicken (Image: Really Happy Chicken)

"I see a lot of similarities between Bristol and Brighton, including the fact both have a really strong vegan community.

"Given the sheer number of vegans in Bristol, I think it's an eco-system in which all plant-based restaurants can thrive alongside each other.

"And ultimately more vegan options across the city will lead to an increasing number of people choosing to become vegan, so the more the merrier, I say."

Owais' inaugural restaurant has earned rave reviews for its "delicious and very reasonably priced" food, with options including burgers, wings and mini bites made from seitan - a popular chicken substitute - which is made on site.

Other options on the menu include mac 'n' cheese made using a vegan substitute, sides including tater tots, chips and slaw and a range of vegan desserts.

Really Happy Chicken, which is inspired by KFC and Southern American fast food, quickly became one of the most popular restaurants on Deliveroo in Brighton after its launch and will also be available for delivery when it launches here.

Customers will be able to dine in at the restaurant once coronavirus restrictions are eased.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/popular-vegan-fried-chicken-brand-5091277