35 years after being separated into individual shops, a prominent building in Ryde is to be amalgamated as French Franks eyes up an expansion of its popular deli.
The property at the top of Union Street, in St Thomas’ Square, was once the Pack and Culliford department store but was separated into 2 individual shops in 1989.
Now, the owners of French Franks – which began trading in Ryde back in 2012 – have purchased the former Save the Children charity shop next door, with a view to utilising the space for additional seating.
Under plans submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, the popular sit-in and takeaway business looks to knock down a stud wall and expand its operations into the adjoining property, which has been sitting empty for 5 years. New glazing will be installed at the front, to remove the existing front door, and windows facing onto Church Lane will be uncovered.
The proposed alterations will not only bring an empty unit back into use but will provide much-needed additional seating for French Franks, allowing the business to continue thriving.
It’s said that French Franks’ trading activity, type of food and opening hours will be unaffected by the utilisation of additional space.
I so wish a Greggs Bakers would open on the island.
The last time I went to French Franks in Ryde was about
6 or 7 years ago.
I ordered 2 drinks and 2 Christmas Baguettes,
drinks were good, but the Baguettes were not.
Sausages were undercooked and they had run out of
stuffing, so they were hardly Christmas Baguettes
charged full price.
I have not been back, their loss is my gain.
Too many businesses have sloppy moments and
customers don’t forget their experiences.
Yawn