Takeaway restaurant brand Pepe’s Piri Piri has expanded its UK footprint by opening its third location in Watford town, according to a report by the Watford Observer.

Located on St Albans Road, Watford, the new location is also the company’s 173rd restaurant in the UK.

According to the news agency, Pepe’s Piri Piri’s three locations in the town are operated by individual franchisees.

The fast-food brand is known for its flame-grilled chicken.

It opened its Whippendell Road shop in Watford in 2007 before expanding across the UK and opening another restaurant on Watford High Street.

With the addition of the new location, the restaurant brand is said to have created more than 60 jobs in the town so far.

The news agency quoted Pepe’s Piri Piri franchising head Matt Hart as saying: “It’s hard to believe that it was just back in 2007 that we opened the first Pepe’s Piri Piri in Watford. The third store on St Albans Road, Watford, now puts us at 173 stores across the UK.

“That’s on top of the expanding number of stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“We’re proud to be able to offer exciting franchise opportunities that can turn someone’s dream of owning and running their own business into a reality and we’re looking forward to the success that we know the newest store in Watford will have.”

The takeaway restaurant brand submitted plans for its third Watford location in December 2022.