A restaurant chain has submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council for a new branch on New Street. Chopstix, a noodle bar with an existing venue on Bull Street, seeks to transform 64 New Street into a new outlet with a completely new frontage.
New Life for Empty Shop
If approved, the site will bring a new food vendor to the location left vacant when Boojum closed last year. Boojum, a burrito restaurant, operated for only a year on the busy street after taking over from Second Cup Coffee, which shut at the end of 2024.
Chopstix operates numerous venues across the country, including at service stations like Hopwood Services and Butlins sites. BirminghamLive has contacted the brand to clarify whether this will be an additional Birmingham site or a relocation from Bull Street. However, a move would surprise locals given that the Bull Street branch recently underwent a refurbishment.
Consultation Period
A consultation period is now open, allowing the public and neighbors to comment on the application. The consultation opened on June 2 and will close on July 2. The full planning application can be viewed on the Birmingham City Council planning portal using reference code 2026/01535/PA.
If the new Chopstix opens, it will join New Street food chains including Japanese restaurant Yakinori and numerous chicken outlets in the so-called Chicken Quarter, such as KFC, Wing Stop, Nando's, Popeyes, and Dave's Hot Chicken. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
