A fast food chain renowned for its fish and chips is to open a string of branches across the Black Country in a move which could create more than 100 jobs, it was announced today.
Birmingham-based Big Johns, which currently runs 15 food outlets across the city, is starting its expansion bid by opening a branch at a prominent spot in West Bromwich in the next few weeks. Bosses say this will be followed by a £2 million investment in up to 20 outlets in places such as Wolverhampton, Wednesbury, Dudley and Walsall.
The takeaway firm is well-known for its fish and chips but also serves up other treats such as burgers, kebabs, and peri peri chicken. It is also noted for its giant 20-inch pizzas.
Company director Bob Saddiq, who runs the firm with his brother John, said: “The West Bromwich branch is the first stepping stone into the Black Country.
“We are eventually looking at opening 20 in places such as Walsall, Wednesbury, Dudley and Wolverhampton. Each Big Johns can typically create up to 20 jobs. This move is part of our expansion plan for the Midlands.”
The restaurant in West Bromwich will be on the site of the former Burger King in Dudley Street, which has lain empty for three years and had fallen into a state of disrepair.
Work is now well under way on the site’s revamp and it is hoped that Big Johns will be welcoming customers by the first or second week of September.
The Sandwell branch will be one of only three in the chain to boast a drive-through.
Mr Saddiq added: “The site in West Bromwich was disused and we hope people driving past will be able to see the difference in it. We provide great value meals which are reasonably priced.”
As well as the new West Bromwich branch another is set to be opened on the A41 Soho Road in Birmingham around the same time.
The chain was launched in 1995.
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