Jobs on the menu at Barrow’s newest diner
Last updated at 16:44, Thursday, 03 January 2013
UP to 40 jobs will be created in Barrow after the opening of a popular restaurant chain was confirmed.
Italian-American diner chain Frankie and Benny’s announced yesterday that it will be opening on the site of Blockbusters, in Hindpool Retail Park.
Blockbusters shut down on New Year’s Day, but job advertisements for a store manager and deputy manager at Frankie and Benny’s have been online for several weeks.
Becky Parramint, marketing manager for The Restaurant Group, which owns Frankie and Benny’s, said the restaurant is expected to open in April or May, creating between 35-40 full and part-time positions.
The company will not need planning permission to change the retail unit into a restaurant, as the relevant consent is in place, but they are applying for planning for changes to the elevations and an external seating area.
A spokeswoman for Frankie and Benny’s said: “Our restaurant will bring a little bit of New York to the heart of Barrow, and we look forward to serving the area’s residents and visitors.
“We know we offer the right mix of fun with a warm and friendly atmosphere which appeals to families and couples alike. We will add a fantastic meal to a great day or night out.”
County councillor for Hindpool, Anne Burns, said: “I absolutely welcome the jobs, but I’m sorry that Blockbusters is going. I do wonder whether it is the right place for a restaurant but I expect they will have done their research. If they think they can come to Barrow and be successful, we will happily work with anyone creating jobs, as long as they are clean and tidy for the residents around the retail park.”
On Monday December 31, a staff member at the Barrow Blockbusters said: “The Ulverston shop is too small to take us all on, there’s quite a few of us. We don’t know what will happen; we haven’t been spoken to about it yet.”
Blockbusters press office refused to comment on the closure of the Barrow store, and it is uncertain whether any staff members will be offered alternative employment.
First published at 16:13, Thursday, 03 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Frankie n Bennys are Brilliant, I will be there, was in the Morcambe restaurant last sat, Excellent food & atmosphere, just a pity they're opening it in Barrow instead of Ulverston......next to the new Sainsburys could of been good. !
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I think as a treat 26 pound for two courses isn't all that bad especially if its worth it. As for 'people in barrow' not being able to afford it at least it will keep out the riff raff and it might actually keep it a pleasant place to eat out. I'm looking forward to it opening and glad it will bring jobs to Barrow.
Posted by Lauren on 7 January 2013 at 17:50