THE iconic Harry Ramsden fish and chip restaurant chain has been sold in a multi million pound deal - to one of Britan's largest poultry processing companies.
Ranjit Boparan, who owns the 2 Sisters Food Group and who is a chicken products supplier with a turnover of about £750 million, immediately announced today that he plans to expand the 36-strong chain to a further 100 UK sites over the next few years. The deal is thought to be worth around £20-million.
Two years ago Fishupdate.com revealed that the previous owners Select Service Partners (SSP) the railway station and airport catering group, had decided to put the busines up for sale because it did not fit in with its other operations. The only surprise is that it took so long to complete.
The sale includes the celebrated restaurant in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, where Harry Ramsden launched the business in 1928 from a small striped wooden hut beside a tram stop.
Three years later he struck a deal with two Grimsby fish merchants and built a fish and chip 'palace', complete with fitted carpets, oak panelled walls and large chandeliers, which served nearly a million customers a year including many well known celebrities appearing at the nearby West Yorkshire night clubs. It was also a big favourite with two prime ministers, Harold Wilson and Margaret Thatcher and it remains the largest fish and chip shop in the world. Since those early days it has had several owners including Associated Fisheries.
Last year Mr Boparan, bought four FishWorks restaurants from the administrators. He was born and raised in Wolverhampton and began working in a meat shop as boy. Today, his poultry business supplies major supermarkets like Marks and Spencer.
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