New restaurant likely to launch in Barrow in spring
Last updated at 17:28, Wednesday, 19 December 2012
A WELL-KNOWN restaurant chain has announced plans to open an outlet in Barrow.
Frankie and Benny’s, the Italian American chain, has more than 200 restaurants across the UK and has posted recruitment adverts for a store manager in Barrow.
It is believed the restaurant will open in the Hindpool Road area but the Restaurant Group, which owns the popular chain, has said it is unable to confirm the exact site.
Rumours are circulating on Facebook that suggest the existing Blockbuster store at the Hindpool Road Retail Park could be the location.
The restaurant is expected to open in the second quarter of 2013 with the Restaurant Group suggesting the store could open in April or May, following recruitment.
Fabien Dore, recruitment manager for The Restaurant Group which owns Frankie and Benny’s, said: “It is about 90 per cent certain that a new Frankie and Benny’s will be opening in Barrow.
“It should be in the second quarter, so around April or May next year.
“We are recruiting early because managers need to train as staff members for around four months, and we are aware it could be quite hard to recruit in the local area.”
Rob Rollings, who owns the Custom House in Abbey Road, welcomed the news as “healthy competition”.
He said: “I don’t think there are enough eateries in Barrow and a Frankie and Benny’s would give a broader range.
“As far as we’re concerned, we would view it as healthy competition and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Becky Parramint, marketing manager for Frankie and Benny’s, added: “We are actually unable to confirm any details surrounding this unit at present as it remains unconfirmed.”
Staff at the Blockbuster store were unable to comment on its future and the company which handles Blockbuster’s press queries said it could not confirm or deny speculation on the store’s future.
First published at 16:18, Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
I agree that there aren't enough good places to eat (and that do a good variety of foods on the menu) in Barrow, I've never been to a Frankie & Bennys so I'll look forward to giving it a try (especially since Pizza Hut seem to have gone on a campaign to change everything good about their food by making it more spicy or more garlicy).
Natalie, we had a Burger King but they sadly pulled out years ago. I doubt they'll come back.View all 8 comments on this article
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It's a good restaurant chain to take kids to, but that's about the limit of the place...
Posted by Matt on 23 December 2012 at 15:59