THE opening of a £750,000 KFC restaurant in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre has created 30 new jobs for Redditch.
The ‘finger lickin’ good’ chicken outlet sits alongside other big names including Nando’s and Prezzo Italian.
Leader of the Council, Coun Matt Dormer (Con, West) and the Mayor of Redditch, Juliet Brunner, were shown around the new premises by KFC staff on Monday, February 18.
The restaurant has paid homage to Redditch by hanging up Royal Enfield artwork on its walls and a ‘hello Redditch’ sign on its front window.
Ms Brunner, who cut the ribbon and announced it open for business, said: “I’m delighted to be here today and to congratulate all the staff, who are all Redditch-based, on their new job roles.”
KFC manager Asam Masood decided to work closely with JobCentre Plus in Redditch to ensure local people were at the top of the interview list.
“The staff at the JobCentre were fantastic and they really helped me find the best, local candidates possible,” said Asam.
“I can’t wait to get started and make this restaurant a real success.”
A cheque for £500 was also donated to the Redditch and Bromsgrove Parkinson’s Society group, which holds meetings at the Rocklands Social Club every Wednesday.
Over the years Mr Masood, who also oversees the KFC on Clews Road, has grown fond of the support group and says it ‘deserves every penny’.
Member of the group, Eileen Wilson, said: “I was shocked to find out we would be getting the money but I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say how grateful we are.”
Domonique Lippett, marketing manager at Kingfisher, said: “We’re excited to welcome KFC to the Kingfisher.
“Our food outlets are extremely popular with shoppers, who come here to spend time with their family and friends, and KFC is a brilliant addition for that.”
