Hartlepool’s new Burger King fast food restaurant has got off to a busy start.

The new drive-thru outlet opened on Monday, March 2, at Tees Bay Retail Park, off Brenda Road.

It did not take long for customers to come through the doors and order their favourite burgers.

Alasdair Murdoch, CEO of Burger King UK, said: “We know the people of Hartlepool love the great-tasting food of Burger King, so we’ve listened to their requests and are very excited to bring all their favourites to their neighbourhood.

Burger King staff member Beth Renwick holding free Whopper vouchers outside of the new restaurant on Hartlepool's Tees Bay retail park. Picture by FRANK REID | JPIMedia Resell

placeholder image — Burger King staff member Beth Renwick holding free Whopper vouchers outside of the new restaurant on Hartlepool's Tees Bay retail park. Picture by FRANK REID | JPIMedia Resell

“Our home – of the Whopper! – is their home.”

It marks a return of the fast food giant to Hartlepool, almost five years since its restaurant on Anchor Retail Park closed.

The opening hours for the new restaurant are 8am-11pm. Burger King is giving away 1,000 free Whoppers during the restaurant’s opening week.

To claim yours, look out for team members who are handing out vouchers.

The opening day of the new Burger King restaurant Tees Bay Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID | JPIMedia Resell

Customers must download the Burger King app, scan the QR voucher code and head to the counter with their voucher and app to receive their trademark burger.

The restaurant has been built from scratch over the last few months as part of the retail park’s ongoing development and expansion.

It follows the building of a new Starbucks drive-thru coffee shop, a new Lidl and other new units.

And plans have been approved for a ‘box park’ comprising retail units made out of old shipping containers were granted planning permission last yer.