LONDON: Pakistan’s viral tea seller-turned-entrepreneur Arshad Khan has expanded his Café Chaiwala brand in Britain with the opening of a new branch in Sutton, South London.
The brand also plans to open four more outlets across the UK within the coming weeks as it seeks to expand its presence in the British market.
The Sutton branch was launched by British-Pakistani businessman Asif Khalique, the UK master franchise holder and director of Café Chaiwala Sutton Limited.
Khalique previously launched the brand’s Tooting branch with his brother Yousuf Khalique around three years ago.
The opening ceremony was attended by local community members, the mayor and deputy mayor, and representatives of the business community.
Four More Outlets Planned
Khalique said the brand plans to open additional branches in Norbury, Leyton and New Malden within weeks.
“We are planning a rapid expansion, with four further Café Chaiwala outlets expected to follow as part of efforts to establish the Pakistani café brand across more locations in Britain,” he said.
“There is a huge demand for the brand from all across the UK and Europe.”
Khalique said the Sutton branch had received a positive response from customers from different communities.
“Our aim is to make Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan a mainstream British brand with its roots and identity proudly connected to Pakistan,” he said.
From Viral Tea Seller to Entrepreneur
Arshad Khan rose to international fame in 2016 after photographer Javeria Ali captured his photograph while he was serving tea at a roadside stall in Islamabad.
His striking blue eyes and appearance attracted widespread attention on social media.
The viral photograph led to television appearances, modelling opportunities and eventually business ventures.
Khan later established the Café Chaiwala brand, which carries his name and image.
“I am extremely happy and proud to see Asif Khalique opening another Café Chaiwala Arshad Khan branch in Sutton and taking our brand forward across the UK,” Khan said.
He praised Khalique for his commitment and efforts to take the Pakistani café brand to an international audience.
“The opening in Sutton is another important step in our journey, and several more branches are on the way,” Khan added.
Brand Expands Across Britain
Khan opened his first UK branch in Ilford, East London, around four years ago.
Earlier this year, he ended the arrangement with the Ilford business owners over alleged contractual violations and awarded the UK master franchise rights to Khalique.
Khalique, who has business interests in London and Karachi, is now leading the brand’s wider expansion across Britain.
The latest openings are part of efforts to establish Café Chaiwala as a recognisable Pakistani-origin café brand in the UK while retaining its connection to Khan’s viral story.
