Sam’s Chicken is making a return to the Isle of Wight, with a brand new takeaway set to open its doors on Upper St James’ Street in Newport.
The fast food brand, which previously operated in Ryde, is nearing completion of a new store at 79 St James’ Street – the former home of Island Photo Centre.
Planning permission for the site was first submitted in August 2024, with approval granted in January 2025. The application sought to convert the former retail premises into a hot food takeaway, with a revised shopfront and extraction ducting added to the rear of the building. Signage – which is now erected for all to see – was also approved as part of the final plans.
The new takeaway is being brought to the county town by Mr Thambo Pirapagaran, who also owns and operates the Nisa store on Upton Road in Ryde.
Once open, the Newport branch is expected to employ 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. Opening hours are likely to be 08:00-22:00 daily, with extended hours until 23:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Sam’s Chicken first arrived on the Isle of Wight in 2015, launching in Ryde’s Union Street. At the time, the London-centric chain was promoted as offering a “’resh taste’ with a wide-ranging halal menu that had proven popular in mainland towns and cities. However, the Ryde store later faced scrutiny following a poor food hygiene rating and eventually rebranded as Ryde Fried Chicken.
Despite the brand disappearing from Ryde, Sam’s Chicken now appears set to re-establish its presence on the Isle of Wight through this new Newport location.
An official opening date has not yet been confirmed, but the fit-out is understood to be in its final stages.
2300hrs on a Sunday?
They should have plenty of spare time to keep it clean this time.
I bet the rating will be poor after a few months.
Many businesses start off well, then they get
sloppy.
And you never start off well,you start moaning and end up whining”it’s written in the starts”!.still always Chubbies in Regent Street.
They were not the original proprietor ‘s so save your thoughts until it’s up and running !.The shop in Upton has a five star rating so I guess it will be on par!.