Amusements cafe operator taking over former KFC unit in resort

The former KFC unit in Blackpool town centre is to be taken over by the team who provide hot food refreshments in a nearby amusements arcade.

Cafe Coast is currently part of Blackpool Amusements on the Promenade, in the former Woolworth Building near to Blackpool Tower.

The operators were seeking permission from Blackpool Counci to expand business operations by taking over the nearby KFC premises on Bank Hey Street – now Cabinet members have given the proposals the greeen light.

The proposals were to let 39 Bank Hey Street, Blackpool to Café Coast boss David McDonald, in line with terms agreed.

The premises have been empty for the past six months, after being vacated by the Greedy Pig fast food chain. Prior to that the unit was occupied by KFC.

Blackpool Promenade will continue to host the origInal Cafe Coast which has been running there for several years.

A report stated: “Following the closure of the KFC Restaurant, the head tenant sublet the unit to the “Greedy Pig” fast food restaurant who failed to provide vacant possession and remained in occupation, without a lease, after the end of the head and subleases.

“Subsequently the unit was repossessed and has been empty while a new occupier has been found.

“The proposed tenant has requested a modest rent-free period while he carries out improvement works and fit out. “

Councillors were faced with two options – to secure a tenant on terms favourable to the Council, to a local operator with a growing business both in Blackpool and another seaside resort.

An alternative option was to leave the site vacant, pending identification of alternative use through marketing via an agent – however this would incur fees to the Council if a tenant was found and loss of income and holding costs in the interim whilst the unit remained vacant.

Documents stated: “The Cabinet Member, Cllr Mark Smith, agreed the recommendation as outlined above ,namely to let 39 Bank Hey Street to David McDonald of Café Coast.

“To secure a tenant on terms favourable to the Council, to a local operator with a growing business both in Blackpool and another seaside resort.

“To achieve market rent income for the Council for the duration of the lease, for a highly visible unit which is currently vacant. “