There will be an early Christmas present for fast food fans in Newcastle.
American fast food favourite Taco Bell has confirmed its first Newcastle store will open by the festive period.
It is set to move into the empty Poundworld shop on the city’s Grainger Street, creating around 40 jobs.
The plans were put forward by QFM Group, one of the largest franchise firms in the UK which operates a number of KFC, Costa Coffee and Taco Bell ventures.
The group enlisted Beamish Planning Consultancy to help get permission from Newcastle City Council to change the use of the empty shop to allow it to be converted into a restaurant and takeaway.
The interior has now been stripped back to an empty shell and as the building is listed, the firm said they will only make minimal changes to the shop front.
This plan, the consultancy said, would make a good contribution to the area’s vitality.
The documents sent to the council said: “It is anticipated that the proposed use will provide 77 covers, employ 15 full-time staff and 25 part-time staff, and open between the hours of 10am and 4pm every day of the week.
“There is no reason to suggest than an A5 (takeaway) element would not make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the centre, particularly given the neighbouring units include retail units, hairdressers and nail bars all of which would typically close in the early evenings.
“So the introduction of a mixed A3/A5 use in this location would enhance the evening economy, thereby contributing positively to the overall vitality and the viability of the centre, especially in comparison to the currently vacant unit.”
No date has been set for when Taco Bell will open its Gateshead branch, although recruitment is under way on both sites.
Plans for the Gateshead restaurant were the first to be lodged back in May.
Permission was later granted for the firm move into the former Frankie and Benny’s unit near the Metrocentre.
Fans expressed their delight in May when Taco Bell announced the move.
One wrote on Facebook: “My life is complete”.
