Burger King to open Whiteley restaurant
By Connor Steel
BURGER KING have announced that it will open a new restaurant within Whiteley Shopping Centre later this year, bringing up to forty new jobs and further adding another fast-food option within the Gosport / Fareham region following closures of popular franchise stores either side of the recent Covid-19 pandemic.
The franchise, famous for its flame grilled burgers, will join rivals Five Guys in offering both sit-in and take-away services; whilst also offering stiff competition to larger restaurant chains in the shopping centre such as the Harvester for shoppers and indeed visitors to Whiteley particularly during the cost of living crisis.
It will be a welcome boost for lovers of Burger King in Gosport and Fareham, who previously had to travel to Havant for their fix. This comes as the branch in Gosport High Street was transformed into a KFC, whilst the store in Fareham Town Centre was closed following the implementation of 2020 lockdown rules.
No updates have been provided about the exact location of the restaurant with its address simply labelled as being ‘Whiteley Way’ on documentation. But it will offer jobseekers a chance to apply for jobs, with up to 40 already taking applications for a range of part time and full time vacancies via the accessible link here.
Opportunities created cover five managerial roles within the branch, including one senior assistant manager, two assistant managers and two shift managers. Another 35 restaurant crew members are also being widely advertised spanning both front of house and kitchen roles with more likely to be released pending demand.
The successful applicants to join the team will be eligible for a variety of staff perks; which is likely to include flexible hours, free meals at work fifty percent off food / drink amongst others. Hourly pay will range from £8 to £11 depending on staff grade with more information on the individual job descriptions.
Jeremy Wright, people director of Burger King, said: “During what has been a very challenging few years for many businesses, we are delighted to be creating new job and career opportunities in the area, and look forward to welcoming 40 new starters into the Burger King family, at our new Whiteley restaurant.”
He concluded his statement following the announcement on Wednesday (August 3) by adding: “We continue to be bold and ambitious in our growth plans across both locations and job opportunities.” However he did not say when the store would open or further details on whether longer serving hours will be needed.
PICTURED BY ALAMY: Whopper meal is popular for visitors to Burger King, which will open in Whiteley.