News: Frankie & Benny's planning to open in Rotherham

Plans have been submitted for a new Frankie & Benny's restaurant at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

British Land, the owners of the retail park have submitted plans for a 377 sq m building that would replace the exisitng management and toilet block in the centre of the park.

Styled as a fun 1950's Italian American style restaurant, Frankie and Benny's are open at over 189 locations across the UK.

They are operated by The Restaurant Group plc which operates over 380 restaurants and pub restaurants predominantly in leisure locations and airports. Its principal trading brands are Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Garfunkel's.

The Group is targeting 22 to 27 new openings during 2011.

If approved, the development would create 30 FTE jobs and the applicants state that the propsal would "provide modern facilities which will enchance the food and drinks provision at Parkgate and provide a high quality modern building in this prominent location. It will also result in significant investment in the town as well as employment, economic and other benefits."

The applicants also conclude that it would divert very little trade from Rotherham town centre.

Plans are also progressing for new outlets including Best Buy and Asda Living at Parkgate Shopping.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Ingenium Archial Ltd / British Land