I could be that often coffee shops take over old chicken shops given the size and locations.<p>In London I have observed that gentrification often stems from students living in a cheap area, they make it cool with lots of bars, pubs, events etc.<p>This attracts graduates, who are typically DINKYs, they then add to the available cash in the area and start buying property. Eventually they have kids and the area becomes more mature and expensive.<p>The area next on the tube&#x2F;train line is typically next to get gentrified by the graduates: Clapham -&gt; Balham&#x2F;Clapham Junction, East Dulwich -&gt; Peckham&#x2F;Brockley&#x2F;Forest Hill, Shorditch -&gt; Dalston&#x2F;Hakney, whilst new students pick new areas, influenced by cheap rent.