Food chain to set up a £1million HQ on Teesside

Sandwich chain, Fatso's is aiming to create more than 100 new jobs through an expansion plan, setting up headquarters at Billingham.

Fatso's has become a favourite in the North East since opening its first store in Stokesley in 2003.

The philosophy of good food at a price that people can afford proved an instant hit with busy foodies, and they now employ over 150 people at their stores across Teesside and the North East, along with shops in both Leeds and Manchester City Centres.

Now, not content to rest on their laurels, the company is looking to create a sister business to run alongside Fatso’s, developing a new brand which will offer a wide range of hot, healthy and gluten free menu choices to keep up to speed with the ever evolving food-to-go market.

The new plans, due to be considered within weeks by Stockton Borough Council, would see a formerly derelict garage site near Tesco’s Billingham superstore on Leeholme Road brought back to life as a new company HQ.

It will include areas for staff training, new product development and a brand new retail area at the front of the building.

Fatso’s Managing Director Rocky Andrews, said: “We’re very much looking to build on what we’ve achieved so far by adding further strings to our bow, while continuing to expand. We’re a local family-run company who have operated businesses within the area for over 30 years, and we are very passionate about Teesside.

“We already have our main distribution base in Stockton, and this new site in Billingham is absolutely perfect for our venture.

“Not only would it keep us right at the heart of Teesside, it would also bring a formerly derelict site smack bang into life again with a long-term sustainable future."

He said initially, the new HQ will create up to 10 new full-time jobs, plus another five part-time staff. Looking further ahead, the firm believes it can create over 100 new jobs across Teesside within the next three years.

Mr Andrews said: "It all means we can confidently maintain and grow our business for years to come, as well as expanding our support and trade with many of our local suppliers.

“If our plans are approved by Stockton Borough Council in March we expect to be up and running by Autumn 2016.

“We’re very confident about Teesside, so we’ve decided to put our money where our mouths are.”