Investment brings Southern Fried Chicken franchise to Wolverhampton

Vince Worley and Michael Webster, both directors in Wolverhampton-based indoor playground Go Kidz Go and joint owners of the Fun 4 Kidz nursery on Moseley Road, have bought into the fast food brand following its recent success in eight other regions in the UK.

The duo chose to invest in SFC after identifying a niche in the market for a drive through restaurant on the busy Bilston Road which sees around 15,000 passers-by a day.

They invested in SFC following a major brand revamp after its managing director's appearance on Channel 4's Undercover Boss in 2012.

The new franchise, which officially opened on January 28 after starting trading at Christmas, is SFC's first drive-through, ahead of the concept being rolled out across other regions in the UK.

With the food and leisure industry growing from strength to strength despite the recession, the entrepreneurs also saw the up-and-coming British brand as a solid employer for the region.

The brand also stood out from its competitors by preparing all its food freshly on the premises and not using reconstituted chicken meat in any of its products.

"We are delighted to take on SFC as we are confident that our current business experience will compliment this new venture.

"Quality, quick service restaurants are a booming industry, which makes SFC a great employer for the Wolverhampton region," said Mr Worley.

The restaurant has already created 20 jobs for the region, with plans to take on more staff in the near future.

Andrew Withers, managing director of SFC, said: "We are delighted that Vince and Michael have chosen to invest in the new SFC drive-through concept.

"They are one of the first few to tap into the revived brand and recognise its potential.

"We have great plans to grow the business and aim to become one of the leading quick service restaurant brands in the UK over the next five years."