PizzaExpress to open its first motorway services restaurant

Casual dining chain PizzaExpress is to open its first restaurant in a motorway services station, following a partnership with motorway services operator Welcome Break.

The new restaurant will open at Welcome Break's Oxford M40 (Junction 8A) site this October.

Richard Hodgson, CEO of PizzaExpress, commented: “We are always keeping our fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing wants and needs of our customers; however, the challenge with entering the motorway service network has been to find a partner where we can ensure that the food and in-restaurant quality for which we are renowned is replicated. We are confident that Welcome Break is the perfect partner to help us make this transition.”

Welcome Break, CEO, Rod McKie, said: “I am very excited about this partnership with PizzaExpress, it further strengthens the extensive portfolio of leading brands and choice we offer our customers. I am confident they will welcome the addition of one of the UK’s most popular and much loved restaurant brands to Welcome Break.

In recent years we have witnessed a growing trend with our customers, both business and leisure, to spend more time at our service stations and to be able to enjoy a dining experience comparable to that on the high street. I am delighted that PizzaExpress will be able to offer that experience to our customers. Our joint aim is to open many more Pizza Express restaurants across our motorway amenities.”

Welcome Break has 27 sites across the UK and has partnered with salad bar brands Tossed, which has five sites in its estate, as well as Harry Ramsden's, which has 18 sites. It opened the first Ed's Easy Diner in a motorway service station, at South Mimms.

It also operates 22 Days Inn branches and seven Ramada hotels.

PizzaExpress has 600 sites internationally.

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