PizzaExpress today announces its first ever foray into the motorway service network, via an exciting new partnership with leading motorway service operator Welcome Break.
The first restaurant opening to culminate from the partnership will be at the operator’s Oxford M40 (Junction 8A) site this October, which will create 40 jobs for the area. It will mark the first PizzaExpress restaurant on a motorway service network.
The 88 seater restaurant will offer table service to both hotel guests and motorway service visitors, and will be open for 11 hours per day (11am – 10pm), 364 days a year. With the full menu on offer, guests can fully expect to enjoy the delicious food and top quality service that they have come to expect from the restaurant brand.
Rod Mckie, Chief Executive of Welcome Break, Service StationsRichard Hodgson, CEO, 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.”