Thunderbird launches first site outside London following Parkdean Resorts franchise deal
The first site under the deal launched last week at Parkdean Resorts’ park in Camber Sands, Sussex, with a second due to open at Trecco Bay in south Wales before the end of the month. The plan is to then roll out the offer across additional parks over the coming year.
Under the agreement, Parkdean Resorts will oversee the full management of the sites, but it will be a 'collaborative process' with all employees undergoing a full Thunderbird induction at its London sites.
Each location will offer a menu of classic Thunderbird dishes, including the WingFest winning Chipuffalo wings; and Thunderbun burger featuring a deep-fried chicken breast, lettuce, pickles and house-made burger sauce.
It comes as Thunderbird announces further growth of its dark kitchen estate.
The Trispan-backed chain has launched a new delivery kitchen in Streatham, which will join its Food Stars delivery kitchens in Battersea and Shoreditch.
“It’s a busy time for us as we last week opened our first franchise with Parkdean Resorts at Camber Sands, and we’re very excited to be expanding our London delivery radius with this new kitchen,” says CEO Paul Gilchrist, who joined Thunderbird at the tail end of 2019.
Last month it was revealed that Thunderbird is planning a clutch of bricks and mortar openings following a recent 'relaunch' of the brand.
Four new locations are understood to be in the pipeline, all of which are expected to open before the end of the year.
Thunderbird's restaurant portfolio currently includes sites in Charing Cross and The O2, as well as a unit at Pergola Paddington.
