Latest news with #Wimpy
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Beloved fast-food joint to reopen after two years as locals say they ‘missed nostalgic restaurant'
Locals celebrate return of iconic restaurant- but surprise delays nearly shut plans down for good BURGER RETURNS Beloved fast-food joint to reopen after two years as locals say they 'missed nostalgic restaurant' A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn't be happier to see it back. Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge. 3 The branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics Credit: Alamy 3 Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children Credit: Getty The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return. Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics. The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: 'Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe. 'We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.' News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery. Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children. One customer wrote: 'So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We've really missed it.' Another added: 'Ashford just hasn't been the same without it. It's not just the food, it's the memories that come with it.' Wimpy, once a major player on the UK's fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management. The Ashford branch's relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years. The new owners say they're committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience. Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting. Staff say they've been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved fast-food joint to reopen after two years as locals say they ‘missed nostalgic restaurant'
A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn't be happier to see it back. Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge. 3 3 The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return. Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics. The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: 'Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe. 'We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.' News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery. Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children. One customer wrote: 'So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We've really missed it.' Another added: 'Ashford just hasn't been the same without it. It's not just the food, it's the memories that come with it.' Wimpy, once a major player on the UK's fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management. The Ashford branch's relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years. The new owners say they're committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience. Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting. Staff say they've been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead. 3
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: TikToker's hilarious skit on Afrikaner refugees trying to order braai vleis in the US
TikToker Troy Sheperds has South Africans in stitches. Image: TikTok Popular content creator Troy Sheperds once again has South Africans in stitches with his latest viral skit. This time, he portrays an Afrikaner refugee trying to order 'braai vleis' at a restaurant in the United States. With over two million followers, Sheperds is known for his humorous takes on South African culture, and this sketch is no exception. Using his best Afrikaans accent, he brings to life a fictional scene in which a confused Afrikaner couple desperately tries to place an order at an American restaurant. In the skit, the character Jaku tells his wife Mariekie that he's desperately craving 'braai meat', only to discover it's nowhere to be found on the menu. He describes it as 'k*k,' while also complaining about the steep prices. When the American waiter approaches, Jaku tries to order in broken English but quickly slips into Afrikaans, convinced the waiter 'looks Afrikaans' and might understand him. Unsurprisingly, the waiter is completely baffled. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Mariekie urges her husband to speak English, prompting Jaku, who is clearly agitated, to snap back that she's been annoying him ever since they landed in America. This, however, doesn't stop him from speaking Afrikaans in yet another attempt to ask if the restaurant serves 'braai vleis.' The waiter, trying to help, points out the New York strip on the menu. While Jaku recognises it, he asks if they happen to have 'Bloemfontein koei' instead. Spotting other patrons' plates, he complains that the steak portions are tiny and that it's only enough to feed a cat. Frustrated by the prices, Jaku then declares that back home, he could get steak, eggs, and six wings at Wimpy for just R100. Still speaking mostly in Afrikaans, he ends his rant by telling the waiter he won't be paying the high prices because, simply put, he doesn't have any money. The sketch had fans rolling with laughter. Many took to the comments to say they surprisingly understood the mostly Afrikaans dialogue. 'What's funny is that I don't know Afrikaans but I can understand everything he is saying,' one viewer commented. Another added, 'Today I discovered I understand Afrikaans better than I thought!' The video also playfully references a real-life moment when a group of 49 so-called Afrikaner refugees arrived in the US, sparking jokes among South Africans about their future language struggles. IOL Entertainment Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Famous Brands delivers double-digit dividend growth despite ‘curtailed consumers'
Says there were 'some green shoots' for the 2025 financial year. The company declared a final dividend of 195 cents per share and said its financial performance for the year 'demonstrates resilience'. Picture: Supplied Leading JSE-listed food services franchisor Famous Brands delivered double-digit dividend and headline earnings per share (Heps) growth for the year ended 28 February 2025 on Monday, despite slower revenue growth of 3.2% to R8.3 billion. Last year (FY2024) revenue grew 8%, but the group said FY2025 saw 'economic headwinds in South Africa' which 'significantly curtailed consumer spending'. However, it also highlighted 'some green shoots'. Famous Brands reported a 14.2% jump in dividend per share, 12.6% increase in operating profit (to R914 million), and an 11.9% jump in Heps (to 520 cents) for FY2025, as it upped internal efficiencies and boosted its operating profit margin by 0.9 basis points to 11%. ALSO READ: Here's how you can make four burgers for R50 with retailer's new food deal The group, which counts 16 big brands like Wimpy, Steers and Turn n Tender as part of its quick service and restaurant chains, said 'curtailed spending' meant 'consumers prioritised essential spending and seek value for money. Competition remains fierce, with increasing advertising activity and a higher frequency and depth of value deals and promotions' during FY2025. 'The landscape favours franchised brands over independent restaurants,' the group noted. 'Other challenges include deteriorating infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and water supply and logistics sector issues. However, there were some green shoots for 2025, including the reduction in load shedding, improved consumer sentiment, rand stability, lower inflation and three interest rate cuts,' it added. The company's board declared a final dividend of 195 cents per share and said its financial performance for the year 'demonstrates resilience'. ALSO READ: Chicken, burgers and pizza are SA consumers' take-away favourites Together with the final dividend, total dividends for the year came in at 345 cents per share (FY2024: 302 cents). A total dividend of R345.7 million was paid out of current-year profits, it said. 'Our Leading Brands portfolio performed strongly, with solid performances across the brands. However, our Brands' overall performance did not meet our expectations due to lower consumer spending,' the group noted. 'This subdued demand had a negative impact on our manufacturing and logistics results.' Famous Brands has a restaurant network of 2 979 outlets across 20 countries, over 2600 of which are in its core SA market. The vertically integrated group includes its restaurants and fast-food chains (Brands unit) in addition to manufacturing, logistics and retail business units. It operates franchised and company-owned restaurants, as well as master-licensed brands such as PAUL. Famous Brands's shares traded marginally up on Monday, following the release of its latest results. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Comfy shoes to make dreams come true
COMFORT meets compassion this May as South Africans gear up to celebrate Slipper Day on Friday, May 31, in support of the Reach For A Dream Foundation which is devoted to making dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses. With the theme Do It For The Dreamers, this year's campaign encourages people to not only wear their quirkiest, comfiest slippers for a day, but to walk in the shoes, literally and figuratively, of the brave young dreamers who spend much of their time in slippers due to illness. Kerry Donkin, regional manager for Reach For A Dream in KZN, Free State, and Northern Cape, says Slipper Day is the foundation's largest national fundraiser. Also read: Briardene organisation opens the doors to education 'It's the perfect way for corporates, schools, and individuals to get involved and help make a child's dream come true,' said Donkin. 'These dreams vary from meeting celebrities to tasting ice cream for the first time; and we do everything we can to make them happen.' Reach For A Dream supports children aged three to 18 who are diagnosed with one of 110 life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, liver and heart conditions, renal failure, and muscular dystrophy. Each dream is tailored to a child's unique desires and medical limitations. 'We always listen carefully to the children and learn what truly brings them joy,' said Donkin. 'We want to encourage dreamers that tomorrow is worth fighting for. Their dreams matter. By supporting Slipper Day, you can help convey this message to our courageous dreamers across South Africa,' she added. Also read: Tee off in Mount Edgecombe and help save lives Supporting Slipper Day goes beyond buying a pair of fluffy footwear. Participants can purchase a R20 sticker, the official symbol of support, from major retailers including Wimpy, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, Dis-Chem Baby City, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme, and Hush Puppies. Virtual stickers and merchandise can also be bought from the Reach For A Dream website – Thanks to Zapper, purchasing stickers online is now as easy as scanning a QR code. As a bonus, Wimpy is offering a free Famous Coffee (or hot chocolate for kids under 12) to anyone wearing their sticker and slippers on May 31. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
