Wagamama has officially announced the opening date for its new flagship restaurant at Liverpool Shopping Park on Edge Lane. The popular pan-Asian chain will begin welcoming customers on Monday, October 27, creating 45 new jobs in the local area.
The new location is part of a significant expansion of the retail park's food and beverage offerings, joining other major brands in establishing a new dining hub for shoppers and local residents.
Key Takeaways
- Opening Date: The new Wagamama will open on Monday, October 27.
- Location: Liverpool Shopping Park, Edge Lane.
- Job Creation: The restaurant has created 45 new full-time and part-time positions.
- Capacity: The site will accommodate 134 guests indoors and an additional 22 on an outdoor terrace.
- Retail Park Growth: The opening follows Wingstop and precedes a new Nando's at the same location.
New Flagship Restaurant Details
The new Wagamama is designed as a flagship location for the brand. It features a spacious interior capable of seating 134 diners, complemented by an outdoor area with space for 22 more guests. This opening marks a significant milestone for the company, bringing its total number of UK restaurants to 168.
Founded in London in 1992, Wagamama is known for its menu inspired by Japanese and other Asian cuisines. Diners can expect a wide range of dishes, including its signature ramen, teppanyaki, and fresh salads, served on its iconic communal benches.
A Growing UK Presence
The Liverpool Shopping Park location will be the 168th Wagamama restaurant to open in the United Kingdom, demonstrating the brand's continued expansion and popularity since its first restaurant opened over 30 years ago.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The establishment of the new restaurant brings a welcome economic boost to the region with the creation of 45 new jobs. These roles span various positions within the restaurant, from management to kitchen and front-of-house staff, providing new employment opportunities for the community.
In a statement regarding the opening, Sita Wood, Head of Restaurant Brand Activation at Wagamama, expressed enthusiasm for the new venture.
"We’re delighted to be opening the doors to our brand new restaurant in Liverpool this Autumn. Our benches will soon be welcoming the local community and visitors and can’t wait for you to try our new lunchtime deal alongside fresh menu favourites!"
Wood also highlighted the team's preparation, adding, "Our fantastic new team has been working hard to ensure we’ll bring our much-loved wagamama experience to our guests, and they can’t wait to open the doors and share the wagamama experience in this vibrant city."
Liverpool Shopping Park's Growing Food Scene
The arrival of Wagamama is a key part of a broader strategy to enhance the dining options at Liverpool Shopping Park. The restaurant chain secured a 15-year lease for a 3,000 sq ft unit, a commitment matched by the American chicken wing brand, Wingstop.
A New Dining Destination
Liverpool Shopping Park is actively transforming into a mixed retail and leisure destination. The addition of Wagamama, Wingstop, and an upcoming Nando's creates a varied food court, aiming to increase visitor dwell time and attract more customers outside of traditional shopping hours.
Wingstop opened its doors on September 29 to significant public interest, with long queues forming before the official opening. A new Nando’s restaurant is also scheduled to open at the retail park later in the Autumn, further solidifying the location as a key dining hub in the city.
Community Engagement and Visitor Information
To celebrate its launch, Wagamama plans to host a series of exclusive preview events before the official opening date. These events will offer local residents the chance to book a complimentary meal and be among the first to experience the new restaurant. The company has stated that updates on how to secure tickets for these previews will be available on its website soon.
The restaurant will operate seven days a week, providing a consistent dining option for shoppers and local residents. The planned opening hours are as follows:
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00am – 8:30pm
- Sunday: 11:00am – 8:00pm
More information about the menu and upcoming events can be found on the official Wagamama website.