Two new restaurants are due to open in the former Frankie & Benny’s site at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport, creating 40 new jobs.
Kaspa’s Doner & Gyros and Kaspa’s Desserts will breathe new life into the 369 sq m unit which has been vacant since Frankie & Benny’s closed at the onset of the Covid pandemic in March 2020.
It is understood that Kaspa’s is due open this year as a dessert restaurant in part of the former Frankie & Benny’s.
The Kaspa’s doner & gyros restaurant is scheduled to open until next year, as a separate business in the other part of Frankie & Benny’s.
The Kaspa’s opening hours would be 11am-10pm seven days a week with 20 full-time and 20 part-time members of staff.
It is further good news for the bustling retail park, which saw the new Coastline Crossfit gym and the Wareing Brothers cafe opening earlier this summer.
Building work is currently taking place on creating Southport’s first Starbucks drive-through cafe at Ocean Plaza Leisure, which will see the creation of 20 new jobs when it opens this autumn.
Planning permission has also been granted for work to start on a new Victorian-style train station terminal for the Southport Pleasureland Miniature Railway, with a fish & chip café and an ice cream parlour, creating 10 new jobs.
Read More: New Coastline Crossfit gym officially opens at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport
Kaspa’s is a national chain which operates 104 sites across the UK, with 13 in the North of England, including Preston, Liverpool, Blackburn and Blackpool.
The firm was founded in Croydon in south London in 2012.
Fadi Alkhanshali, of Benfaz Limited, has submitted a planning application to Sefton Council for the subdivision of the former Frankie & Benny’s restaurant into two units, the change of use of one of the subdivided units into a mixed restaurant and hot food takeaway, including a new shop front entrance, the installation of HVAC equipment and associated signage.
The former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
On its website, the firm says: “Kaspa’s are a chain of exciting new dessert houses that offer the world’s favourite hot and cold desserts under one roof.
“Our menu boasts a mouthwatering selection of ice creams, gelatos, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, smoothies and sundaes.
“Our parlours will change the way you view dessert.
“At Kaspas Desserts, our mission is to create an environment where enjoying authentic desserts with family, friends and loved ones is an unforgettable experience. We strive to continuously provide our guests with irresistible products and unrivalled customer service.”
The Frankie and Benny’s at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport closed its doors for good on Friday, 20th March 2020.
A spokesperson for the firm said at the time: “The casual dining market is facing various headwinds, such as increased property costs, which has impacted certain sites within our leisure portfolio.
“In light of this backdrop, we took the difficult decision to close the Frankie and Benny’s site in Ocean Plaza, Southport.
“However, we are pleased that the majority of staff at this site were redeployed to neighbouring sites”.
The new additions will add to the vibrant leisure and hospitality offering already at Ocean Plaza Leisure, which includes Vue Cinema – currently screening movies including Barbie and Oppenheimer – plus Tenpin bowling, Playtown children’s centre, Roberto’s Italian restaurant, Everlast Gym, Nando’s restaurant, Subway sandwich shop and Evans Cycles.
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
