Key Lekkerland bosses expect to roll out the group's revamped Key Store express format to 20 stores in the next three months.
The format, which launched last month at the group's supplier conference at the Belfry, West Midlands, allows stores as small as 500sq ft to sign up.
Managing director John Liptrot said the format had the potential to be offered by all five wholesale members, but rollout would start from the North East through WH & HM Young.