POPULAR takeaway chain Hotcha – which claims to be the UK’s fastest growing Chinese takeaway chain – has opened a branch at the Merrywalks Centre in Stroud.
The company, which serves freshly-made Chinese dishes for collection or delivery, was founded three years ago and there are now nine outlets across the south west.
Residents were invited to the opening to enjoy a Chinese buffet.
The business, which is led by young entrepreneur James Liang, has invested £150,000 in the new store, which has created around 10 jobs.
Hotcha offers a simple menu which has a modern take on well-known traditional Chinese dishes, and has proved particularly popular with families, young professionals and students.
Stores are branded with a modern ‘street’ image and attract custom through multiple channels including online ordering, takeaway, delivery and dine in services.
The company has a policy of training its own chefs through a special academy rather than hiring experienced cooking staff. It recently added alcohol to its online and in-store offerings.
Mr Liang said: “The opening of this store marks the start of an exciting summer as we look to expand our footprint of company-owned stores into Cardiff and Bath." Hotcha is a fresh concept that offers people something different and we hope it will be as popular in Stroud as it has elsewhere.
“We have ambitious growth plans and recently launched a national franchise scheme which will take the brand into new regions and make Hotcha a household name throughout the UK.”
Bill Wrather, owner of the Merrywalks Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hotcha to Merrywalks. They have an ambition of being the UK’s first national Chinese takeaway company and it is great that Stroud is a part of that national growth strategy. They are perfectly positioned in Merrywalks to offer customers their freshly prepared meals as well as delivering directly to people’s doors. Hotcha is a fantastic addition to Merrywalks and we’re sure it will be very popular.”
Hotcha has established central systems which simplify the preparation and delivery of its menu.
All core ingredients for Hotcha – including meat, fish, marinades and sauces – are freshly prepared at its central-production facility in Bristol.
Ingredients are then sent to stores every week where they are used to prepare dishes in line with the company’s high standards, house recipes and presentation styles.
A central call centre has been developed to streamline ordering and payment processes, allowing stores to focus on fulfilling orders and delivering outstanding customer service.
Hotcha’s portfolio of company owned stores currently comprises Baldwin Street, Whiteladies Road, Gloucester Road, South Liberty Lane and Kingswood in Bristol, in addition to Keynsham, Yate, Swindon and now Stroud.
For updates and offers, Hotcha is asking people to like its Facebook page and follow HotchaUK on Twitter.
For further information, please contact Jack Showell jack.showell@jbp.co.uk on 0117 9073400