Fish and Chips chain Harry Ramsden's set for expansion under new owner

20th January 2010, 11:22am

As fish and chips celebrate their 150th birthday, Harry Ramsden's has today been acquired by a food and restaurant entrepreneur in a deal that will create jobs, provide a springboard for expansion and crucially revitalise the brand.

The deal comes less than a year after the new owner, Ranjit Boparan of Boparan Ventures Limited, rescued the flagging Fishworks restaurant chain, and turning the business into a success under CEO Marija Simovic and her team. And, this new acquisition comes with ambitious plans to take Britain's longest established restaurant chain to a whole new level of success.

Boparan explained more about the new ownership: "Harry Ramsden's is a great British institution and we want to put it back on the map by focusing on the fundamental basics of superb service, exceptional value and, most importantly, the very best tasting fish and chips you can buy.

"And, we're planning to open a further 100 locations within the next five years and expect to create around 600 new jobs, taking care to ensure that customers are guaranteed the same consistent quality at every single store."

Founded in 1928, there are currently 36 restaurants and takeaways within the Harry Ramsden business including the largest fish and chip shop in the world in Guiseley, Leeds.

At 43, Ranjit Boparan is one of the UK's most successful self-made young entrepreneurs, owning a number of businesses in the food sector, responsible for over 6,000 employees worldwide and combined annual sales approaching £1 billion.

Related Articles:

• 30 Nov 2011 - Harry Ramsden’s says closure of first ever branch a "tough decision"
• 28 Jul 2010 - Harry Ramsden's boss goes undercover on TV show in bid to turn around the company's fortune
• 28 Jul 2010 - Harry Ramsden's boss goes undercover on TV show in bid to turn around the company's fortune

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