Wetherspoon has announced plans to launch 15 new pubs in collaboration with the popular fish and chips chain, Papas. The first pub, named The Hykeham Manor, is scheduled to open in Gateway Park, Lincoln, on October 1. Following this, three more pubs are set to open in Annitsford, Northumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Co Durham, and Emersons Green in Bristol during October and November.
Under a franchise agreement with The Papas Group, which is known for operating Papa’s Fish and Chips and Wendy’s restaurants, Wetherspoon will oversee the operation of these new pubs. Michael Barron, Wetherspoon’s commercial director, expressed excitement about the partnership and hinted at the possibility of more franchise agreements in the future.
Andrew Papas, director of the Papas Group, also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of the new pubs in local communities. The partnership aims at revitalizing and reinvesting in community spaces, creating job opportunities, and providing exceptional service in welcoming environments.
This partnership follows Wetherspoon’s previous collaboration with Haven, resulting in five franchised sites, including a Wetherspoon pub at Primrose Valley. Haven has invested £6.7 million in expanding the new pubs. Apart from this, Wetherspoon has existing franchise agreements with Newcastle and Hull Universities, as well as Thompson Holdings, operating a pub in the Isle of Man.
In other news, a Wetherspoon customer’s complaint led to the reinstatement of a menu item. Following a letter from customer Adam Gale about the removal of tuna jacket potato from the menu at his local Wetherspoon, Tim Martin, the pub chain’s boss, promptly reinstated the item. Mr. Martin humorously acknowledged the oversight and ensured that the tuna option was back on the menu as requested.