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Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has announced plans to expand beyond 1,000 locations by franchising with hotel partners.
JD Wetherspoon is specifically targeting hoteliers across the UK, noting that as hotel operators seek to maximise profits and utilise space, developing bars and restaurants can be seen as risky in the current climate, with even “top-performing” hotels facing underperforming food and drink outlets.
As a result, through this new opportunity, Wetherspoon franchise partners can convert existing spaces into “cost-effective” bar and restaurant locations.
Partners will also have support from the pub company’s design teams, access to its supply chain, training, and marketing resources, and benefit from its “tried and trusted skills in running successful hospitality businesses”.
In addition to hoteliers, enquiries are welcome from other sectors, with franchises already operating in a range of locations.
The first Wetherspoon franchised pub opened in January 2022 in Hull University’s student union, followed by a second at Newcastle University in September 2023, and third at Haven’s Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey, North Yorkshire, in March 2024.
The company expects to open a further five franchise pubs in the second half of this financial year.
To support its franchise search, Wetherspoon will be joined by Christie and Co at the International Franchise Show at Excel London on 11 and 12 April.
Simon Chaplin, senior director at Christie and Co, said: “We are delighted to be assisting such a powerful brand as Wetherspoon in using this route to expand.
“We have considerable hospitality expertise across the UK which, combined with our work in franchising, should help us secure a number of new Wetherspoon franchisees in the coming months, with several conversations already underway.”
