Brothers Cem and Cihan Oktem are opening their fourth fish and chip shop after buying Jingling Lane Chippy in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.
The pair already operate one takeaway in Cumbria – Priory Plaice in Ulverston, which they opened in May – and two in Lancashire – Westgate in Morecambe and Packet Bridge in Bolton Le Sands.
Jingling Lane Chippy, which is currently closed after the owners retired last year, will undergo a complete refurbishment. Cem plans to take the business back to brick and fit it out to the same standard and style as his other shops, ready for a reopening date around October or November.
The takeaway will continue to trade under its current name but with a completely new team and a menu similar to that served at the other shops.
Cem comments: “I’m really pleased, it’s one we’ve had our heart set on for a long time. It’s a good move for us.”
The pair first set their sights on Jingling Lane around 2015, but when it came on to the market they were already committed to opening their Westgate shop. After several years of going backwards and forwards, the owners came to them last year and Cem and Cihan finally got it over the line last week.
Cem adds: “We’ve always liked the area of Kirkby Lonsdale. Cihan moved here about 18 months to two years ago, it’s a nice area and a busy area. We’ve always thought bringing our fish and chips here would be successful.
“It’s not too far from our other shops, and when we posted the news on social media there were a lot of comments from customers saying they were excited because they have been to Packet Bridge or Westgate, which is really good.”