Member Article

Restaurateur expands venture to Tyne and Wear creating 10 jobs

Retail entrepreneur Graham Kennedy, who invested more than £750k in three flagship fish and chip takeaway and restaurants in Durham, has expanded his empire into Tyne & Wear.

Graham Kennedy, owner of Bells, has launched a fourth outlet in the multi-million pound Teal Farm development in Washington.

Chartered surveying firm Bradley Hall helped Graham to strike a deal to lease a 1,250 sq ft unit from landlord Hellens Developments. Situated near the Sainsbury’s Local store, it is ideally placed to service the Teal Farm village and business park.

Graham has invested £200k in a major refurbishment of the premises to bring it in line with the contemporary, upmarket style of his other three eateries.

Now he hopes to create ten jobs at the Washington takeaway, which has now opened its doors.

Bradley Hall acted on behalf of Graham in the acquisition of the unit and @Retail acted on behalf of the landlord Hellens Developments.

Graham has spent almost 30 years serving fish and chips to hungry customers. He launched his first shop at Pittington before buying Bells in Gilesgate, Durham. Three years ago he opened another outlet in Market Place after Bradley Hall helped him secure a deal to buy the former Bimbi’s restaurant from Eastwood Fisheries, which had fallen into administration. Bradley Hall then assisted him in the launch of his outlet on North Road, Durham.

Graham said: “We are delighted to expand our business into Washington.

“The property provides a superb platform for us to showcase our tried and tested brand with a quality product and I have no doubt that the takeaway will be as successful and popular as our Durham outlets.

“Location is vital to the success of any venture and the premises that Bradley Hall has managed to secure for us are in areas of high footfall with the potential to attract passing trade.”

Director of Bradley Hall, Peter Bartley, said: “I have acted for Graham in all of his recent acquisitions and I am quite passionate about his drive and knowledge of his product and business.

“The opening of this unit adds to his existing substantial business and will allow people further north of the region to sample what I believe to be the best fish and chips in the North.”

Director of Hellens Developments, Gavin Cordwell Smith, said: “I always thought that the property would suit such a use and I am delighted that Graham has chosen to incorporate his unique brand and quality product within this unit.

“It will only enhance our Teal Farm development as well as providing a much-needed facility to the local businesses and residents in Washington.”

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