Harry Ramsden’s, the iconic fish and chips brand, will begin its expansion in Yorkshire next month, as it looks to open three sites in the county before the end of the year.
The company, which last year said it had agreements in place to open 140 sites over the next 10 years and recently recorded a 9.7% increase in annual like-for-like sales, is to return to the roots of its founder with the opening of a brand new outlet tin Shipley next month.
In partnership with Vikesh and Dimple Patel of JVP Ventures who in late 2013 became the first franchisees signed by the company, post-acquisition, as part of an ambitious growth strategy, it will also open sites in Huddersfield and Sheffield.
Located in the Shipley’s Wrose Road, the new outlet will take the form of a ‘traditional local’ and the purpose built unit, which extends to 1,000sq ft, will bring with it 10 full and part time jobs. F
Vikesh Patel said: “First and foremost, to be able to bring Harry’s name back to his roots is really exciting for us. We have spent a great deal of time and effort in identifying and securing suitable sites however that process has been made slightly easier since both Dimple and myself were born and brought up in Yorkshire. Time and taste move on and whilst I think comparisons will be inevitable, our new Harry Ramsden’s outlets will reflect the brand’s evolution and we are looking to the future with great confidence.”
Joe Teixeira, chief executive of Harry Ramsden’s, said: “It has always been a dearly held ambition to bring the Harry Ramsden’s name back to Yorkshire so I am delighted that we are able to announce the opening of Shipley. It effectively represents deserved financial investment in the brand and more importantly, secures Harry Ramsden’s legacy, locally. As we continue to successfully move forward, we still embrace the heritage and values of Harry Ramsden himself and this approach is allowing us to actively re-engage with customers of old as well as introducing Harry’s to a whole new generation, as our performance underlines.’’
