Wagamama pulls plans for Telford’s Southwater but Coal Grill & Bar steps in
JAPANESE dining chain Wagamama has pulled out of plans to open a new outlet at Telford’s £250m Southwater development.
As long ago as October 2012 it was understood the company would be moving into the new development.
However, Telford & Wrekin Council has issued a press release stating the company will now not be moving in.
No reason for the withdrawal has been given.
In its statement, the council said: “We are obviously disappointed that Wagamama has decided not to open a restaurant in the new Southwater development.
“We initially announced Wagamama with their agreement along with the other restaurants and leisure facilities and up until very recently we believed they would still be opening.”
However, the council said it had already secured a deal which would see cocktail bar, Coal Grill and Bar opening in to the unit that Wagamama was due to occupy.
“We feel that Coal Grill and Bar will increase the diversity of the Southwater offer and we are sure they will be warmly received by the public of Telford,” added the council.
Bella Italia, Pizza Express, Harvester, Mimosa and Zizzi have all already opened at the centre, which also boasts an 11-screen IMAX Cineworld and an 85-bedroom Premier Inn.
As well as Coal Grill and Bar, restaurants still to open include Nando’s, Chimichanga, Wildwood and Hungry Horse.
The Telford outlet will be Coal Grill and Bar’s ninth restaurant in the UK. The new restaurant is expected to open mid November and will be the company’s third opening in the UK this year.
The company is investing more than £700,000 in the new facility, which will cater for 100 diners. The signature cocktail bar will be located at the front of the 3,500 sq ft restaurant, which overlooks a lake and adjoining park.
John Gater, CEO of Coal Grill & Bar said: “We consider our locations carefully when opening a new restaurant. The location of our latest restaurant opening in Telford provides us with the perfect mix of shopping and leisure facilities.
“We have experienced great success in opening in locations with the combination of the two which provides a platform for trading across the day. We have a further six restaurants due to open in 2015 taking the total number of units to 16.”
