Hotcha, the fast-growing Bristol-based Chinese takeaway chain, is to open its 10th outlet as it races towards its ambitious target of 150 across the UK within the next five years.
The firm was launched just over two years ago by young entrepreneur James Liang. Its first five branches were in and around Bristol but it has increasing moved into West towns including Weston-super-Mare, Yate and Swindon. 
The latest branch will open in Stroud in May. Fitting out of the unit in the town’s Merrywalks Centre is due to start shortly.
Hotcha is investing close to £150,000 in the new store, which will create around 10 jobs. The Stroud opening will be swiftly followed with other outlets along the M4 corridor over the coming months.
Mr Liang, pictured, said: “These are seriously exciting times for Hotcha, and opening our 10th store will be a launch pad for a successful 2014. We have ambitious growth plans and aim to be the number one takeaway chain in the UK in the next few years.”
Merrywalks Centre owner Bill Wrather added: “Hotcha will provide an exciting food proposition for the centre and will really complement our cinema and bowling outlets. The takeaway company is expanding fast, but this will be its inaugural restaurant in Gloucestershire so it’s fantastic first for Stroud.”
Hotcha’s turnover is now more than £1.5m. Its ninth outlet, in Yate, set a new record for the business during its opening week by serving more than 1,500 customers over seven days.
Hotcha positions itself as a ‘healthy’ alternative to the standard Chinese takeaway meal. It makes some of the UK’s favourite Chinese dishes with freshly prepared ingredients from its central kitchen in Ashton Vale, Bristol.
