Granada to shift site of Rock Island Diner franchise

Granada Hospitality is proposing to move the site of its first Rock Island Diner franchise, which opened at Tamworth services on the M42 last July.

The move, which has yet to be approved by the board of directors, would take the diner from its original position beyond the main service area, to a new site within the main complex.

Local sources suggested the change of site was designed to boost disappointing business. However, a spokeswoman for Granada said it was needed to expand capacity from 50 to 90 seats.

She denied suggestions that the concept, which is franchised from the Pelican Group, had not taken off. "You don't plan on expanding an operation unless it's working," she told Caterer.

Next week, Granada will unveil two further concepts, The Coffee Bar, which is being tested at Leigh Delamere on the M4, and a retail outlet called The Shop, opening at Chieveley, also on the M4. Both will be rolled out nationally if they prove successful.

The company is also to test three Ladbrokes betting shops, which will open at Tamworth on the M42 and Toddington North and South, on the M1, in time for the Grand National on 8 April. If successful, the concept will appear nationwide.