An empty unit left behind by Ask Italian could see yet another chicken shop taking over
Birmingham’s “Chicken Quarter”, featuring Popeyes, KFC and Wing Stop in a row(Image: Kirsty Bosley)
It’s become an inside joke among Brummies that watched as a flurry of chicken shops opened on the top end of New Street over the last year or two.
The ‘Chicken Quarter’ is a name locals have given to the run of restaurants that includes Nando’s, Wing Stop, Popeyes and KFC on our busiest street.
Now there’s a chance we could see the most viral of the chicken chains taking over where Ask Italian was before it closed this week.
Read more: Huge restaurant closes after more than 10 years in Birmingham saying ‘we hope you’ve enjoyed’
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While it’s purely speculation at this stage (one might say we’re winging it, taking our breast guess, thighing it on or simply pulling your leg ), we’re starting to hear rumblings that Usher’s favourite chicken chain, Dave’s Hot Chicken, could be taking over.
It’s just a rumour, but one based in some educated guesses.
For a start, Dave’s announced last year that it would be expanding into the UK, growing its presence on the British high street.
Furthermore, the Azzurri Group, the firm behind Ask Italian, also looks after what it says is the ‘world famous, mind-blowing’ fried chicken brand.
Could it be that Ask is moving out and Dave is moving in? We’ve contacted the brand and Azzurri Group to ask the question and we’ll update you when we know for sure either way.
Azzurri Group also takes care of Boojum, which opened right in the heart of the Chicken Quarter on the tail end of 2025.
That restaurant appears to be enjoying great success, with frequent queues out the door for their burritos and bowls. It offers, in case you were wondering, a chicken option.
Dave’s Hot Chicken is currently up and running in London, serving its Nashville-style flavours in the West End.
It offers a sauce so hot, you have to sign a waiver before you eat it, among other dishes.
It’s a brand that started out in Los Angeles and it’s grown from strength-to-strength, achieving significant success on social media.
What do you think? Is this the missing piece that the Chicken Quarter is missing? If not, what else would you like to see in that Ask Italian space?
Let us know in the comment section below!