Loungers to launch new roadside dining restaurant
Loungers has acquired three sites, the first of which is set to open on the A38, south of Exeter, in February 2023. Further sites will reportedly open on the A303 near Honiton, and on the A38 near Saltash, in the spring
Nationwide operator of all-day café-bars and restaurants, Loungers, which also operates the Lounge and Cosy Club brands, has revealed its plans to launch a new roadside restaurant brand, Brightside.
According to the group, it sees “great potential in reinvigorating roadside dining in the UK, as it believes the sector has become “tired and uninspired”.
The news of the launch of this new concept comes as the group also recently announced its plans to accelerate its site roll-out programme, targeting 30 new openings in the current financial year and between 32 and 34 on an ongoing basis.
As a result, Loungers has acquired three sites, the first of which is set to open on the A38, south of Exeter, in February 2023. Further sites will reportedly open on the A303 near Honiton, and on the A38 near Saltash, in the spring.
It is reported that the group has plans to roll out Brightside to “all corners of the UK” in the coming years. Sites have been proposed predominantly on A-roads, and will supposedly focus on bringing “genuine” hospitality back to a sector that has been dominated by drive-thru concepts and quick service restaurants in recent years.
Brightside will offer a freshly cooked menu full of classic, comfort food-style dishes including an extensive brunch menu, burgers, pizzas, and kids’ menu, in “nostalgic” surroundings. The roadside restaurants will appeal to a broad range of customers including families, locals, and UK holidaymakers.
Loungers currently operates 175 Lounges and 35 Cosy Club venues around the UK.
Alex Reilly, founder and chairman of Loungers, said: “We’ve had the itch for a while now to create a roadside restaurant concept that’s fit-for-purpose in the 21-Century. For many people, the highlight of childhood road trips in days gone by was a stop at the likes of Little Chef.
“We believe there is a gap in the market for a fresh concept that gives customers the option to take a proper break and enjoy wholesome food and great hospitality, in a landscape that is currently dominated by drive-thru and QSR formats.”
He added: “Brightside will have a contemporary, welcoming, and warm feel, whilst also evoking nostalgia for a time when motoring in the UK was a more exciting experience. We want it to be an integral part of our customers’ journey-planning, and something both adults and children alike look forward to.”
