Greggs to open up 130 new branches around the UK as expansion continues
PASTY giant Greggs has rolled out plans to open 130 new shops this year, potentially creating more than 1,500 jobs, as it continues to expand its meaty business.
The high street bakery chain also aims to progress with refurbishments, revamping around 100 shops over 2018.
The location of the new stores has not yet been revealed.
Founded in Tyneside in 1939 by John Gregg, the company started as nothing more than a single shop with a bakery at the rear.
Now with more than 1,8000 outlets across the length and breadth of the UK - that's more than burger giant McDonald's and coffee chain Starbucks - Greggs is a national institution.
Boss Roger Whiteside, is now relying on our love of sausage rolls to "substantially" grow its business beyond 2,000 shops despite a half-baked performance.
The company said like-for-like sales rose by 3.7 per cent last year, but growth slowed to 3 per cent in the final three months of 2017.
This marks a slowdown from growth of 5 per cent in the third quarter.
Mr Whiteside said that the chain finished 2017 "well" and expects to report full year results in line with previous expectations.
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But he cautioned that cost pressures will continue over 2018, albeit at a slower rate than in 2017.
"In an uncertain consumer environment we will continue to focus on delivering the outstanding value and taste that Greggs is famous for," he said.
More about business
Greggs said its classic favourite festive bakes, which come with pieces of chicken breast, sage and sweetcure bacon in a creamy sage and onion sauce - sold particularly well over Christmas.
It said that hot options, such as hot sandwiches and its gluten-free “balanced choice” soup also proved popular, while it launched new drinks including a caramel latte and has plans in the new year to launch, a new focaccia-style pizza.
Last year, the chain was slammed for replacing baby Jesus with a sausage roll in its advent calendar promotion.
EVERY LIDL HELPS Lidl customers bought 17 MILLION mince pies in the run-up to Christmas as the supermarket reports bumper festive sales
The high street chain was forced to apologise after showing the pastry in a manger - instead of Jesus - in publicity photos for its special Christmas countdown.
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