Fast food chain KFC has given the strongest hint yet that Forfar may be in its sights saying it would love to open a restaurant in the town.
The company established its first Angus outlet at Arbroath’s Westway earlier this year as part of a major UK expansion which it claims could create thousands of jobs in the next five years.
Rumours that the company is looking to double its Angus portfolio have been given fresh credence after the firm told The Courier it hopes to have some ”good news” for the town soon.
That ”good news” could lead to 30-40 jobs being created.
It is understood KFC may be looking at a site on the town’s Orchardbank Business Park, adjacent to the A90 and already home to a busy McDonald’s.
A KFC spokesman said: ”We’re always looking for new locations, and due to popular demand from local residents we’d love to open a restaurant in Forfar, which would create 30-40 jobs.
”It’s still early days but we hope to have some good news in the future.”
A new name at Orchardbank would be a welcome addition to the business park, a joint development between Angus Council and Hermiston, part of the Muir Group.
Both parties have land ownership interests at Orchardbank and have contributed to site servicing, maintenance and marketing. It is also home to the council’s Angus House HQ, as well as the Scottish training centre of Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The council confirmed around three hectares of the 19 hectare site are currently under offer. Just over six hectares are occupied and a further three under option, leaving 7.62 hectares available for development.
Councillor Glennis Middleton said: ”I very much welcome any news which indicates further employment in Forfar for local people. However, the caveat is that I believe the majority of the jobs will be part-time jobs.
”That is unfortunate. However, any jobs boost must really be given a warm welcome. In these very difficult economic circumstances, part-time jobs are to be welcomed just as much as full-time posts.”
KFC’s arrival would give Forfar another jobs boost following the recent arrival of Asda. The company has confirmed November 7 as the opening date for its New Road premises on the site of the council’s former St James House HQ.
Photo PA.