QUICK DISCLAIMER: All views & OPINIONS expressed in Matt's Column are his own and the topics are that of his own choice. Comments are welcome below, however please make them relevant to the topic only.
I have always felt sorry for Little Chef and I cannot put my finger on it as to why. It has always seemed to struggle with its perception, it never looks entirely inviting and always looks to be somewhat stuck in the 90's and in need of a good scrub! Yes, chef Heston Blumenthal tried his best in 2008 and revamped a few of the restaurants for the sake of a TV Documentary but it seemed to a waste of effort and decent furniture. For me and many others I cannot get the vision of cheap plastic tables and chairs, full fatty breakfasts and cold and greasy eggs out of my mind... all overpriced and with the belief that you would only go there in a dire emergency. Not even the friendly looking fellow of the chef himself can swing my mindset.
The news that 67 of its restaurants are set to close really doesn't surprise me. Shall we even notice the motorway side chains have disappeared once gone... probably to be turned into yet another McDonald's. With the tragic loss of yet another 500-600 jobs, however it is just more bad news in this economic climate, yet you beg the question to just how it has survived for this long.
The remaining outlets are apparently trading well, which is something and at least it shall give bosses the chance to try and smarten the places up somewhat...
After writing this I feel I must try one, the experience of a truckers delight roadside cafe... sooner rather than later before they disappear altogether. If I want a greased up Breakfast and cannot find a Little Chef for love nor money, Blackpool is only a few miles away...
Comments