Wimpy announces plan to reopen Ashford branch in Tufton Street this summer after year-long delays

A fast-food chain has dispelled rumours it will not return to a Kent town centre after suffering further delays to reopen the branch.

Wimpy shut its Ashford store in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down after 30 years in charge.

It was on track to trade again from its Tufton Street site at the start of 2024, but delays meant this was pushed back until later in the year.

Further “unforeseen circumstances” shortly before Christmas meant the branch's reopening was once more halted - leading to fears the unit would remain empty permanently.

However, the fast food company, famed for its popular Bender in a Bun, says it will return to Ashford this summer after a year of delays - albeit an exact date is yet to be confirmed.

A Wimpy spokesperson said: “The Wimpy team is actively working alongside a new franchisee with a view to reopening Wimpy Ashford at the earliest opportunity.

"While we cannot commit to a firm timetable, we very much hope that our loyal fans won’t have to wait too long before they can once again enjoy a trip to their local Wimpy.

"The franchisee is in negotiation with the landlords and this is taking longer than expected, but we hope to be open in the summer."

Ashford residents previously told of their excitement to have the burger chain back.

The anticipation of the reopening also led to a sticker being placed on the store’s window saying: “We want our Wimpy back… this is an emergency.”

The chain, the first to serve hamburger-based meals in the UK, was once the fast food restaurant of choice among many in the country.

But with newer fast-food chains arriving on the scene, its diner numbers dwindled – though it has maintained some dedicated fans over the years.

It was founded in Indiana, USA in 1934 but Wimpy did not arrive in this country until 1954 when the first Wimpy Bar opened at Lyon’s Corner House in London.

Today, it has more than 60 restaurants across the UK, including five others in Kent in Dartford, Sittingbourne, Strood, Tonbridge and Maidstone.

The company also undertook a £300,000 investment into Maidstone’s Gabriel’s Hill branch in December.

It remained closed for almost six months while the refurb was underway.

Its reopening saw the arrival of new booths sporting the diner’s iconic red, and fresh coffee, shake and ice cream machines.