New openings see Hancock’s site count double in a year

Hancock’s American Kitchen and Bar, the family owned, Rochester-based restaurant group has opened three new outlets and reveals it has also signed a deal for a seventh unit.

The chain, which started 2018 with one outlet, is currently trading ahead of expectations at The Quays in Chatham, The Atrium in Camberley and Maidstone’s Earl Street.

This month, new Hancock’s restaurants have officially opened in Eastleigh’s Swan Centre, Farnborough’s St Mead’s Centre and in Whitely Shopping Centre in Fareham. Creating 60 new full and part time local jobs across the three sites, the Eastleigh outlet offers seating for 126 diners, whilst Hancock’s Farnborough and Fareham restaurants accommodate 110 and 120 covers respectively.

The group has also just signed an agreement with the St James Centre in Dover to open its next outlet early next year. With seating for 150 guests, the new 4,500 sq ft Dover restaurant will create 25 full and part time jobs and promises to bring its unique slice of Americana to the area in Q1 2019.

Hancock’s menu takes its inspiration from America’s larder and features Chicken and Ribs smoked on site, Steaks, a Dirty Dogs selection, Gumbo and Fajitas.

David Chick, director of Hancock’s, said: “2018 has certainly been a busy year for our group and these newest openings are in line with our strategy to engage with popular retail locations.

“We seek retail hubs which enjoy consistently high footfall levels to complement our ‘everyone’s welcome’ approach, so that whether it’s an informal brunch, lunch, dinner or a more special occasion, Hancock’s provides the perfect, fun destination for local communities and visitors alike to enjoy a great time with friends and family.

“Whilst Hancock’s is undoubtedly a meat lover’s dream, our range of vegetarian options is also extensive. And as a family owned business, catering to all age groups is very important to us so, we offer a wide ranging, tasty menu and free goodie bags for our younger guests.”