A local entrepreneur whose takeaway business thrived during the national lockdowns has expanded and taken on a restaurant premises.
Arran Jones, owner of Vieta in Lutterworth quickly realised during the first lockdown of 2020 he would need to repurpose his skillset to protect his business and its staff. “I’ve got 20 years’ experience as a chef but had started to pursue other avenues including consultancy for hotels and events companies when lockdown was first introduced,” explains Arran. “I immediately launched a takeaway service to cater for those who were shielding and this really took off so it gave me the confidence to establish a full restaurant. I just needed to find the right premises.”
In a deal negotiated by our director, Jason Hercock, Arran found Weston Court, a two storey premises in the centre of Lutterworth with an existing commercial kitchen.
Arran added: “Weston Court was absolutely perfect, as soon as I saw it I knew it would work. The local community has really embraced us, we seem to have filled a gap in the market for that special dining experience. The new premises works really well for our growth plans too, it has a small office on the top floor from where I can continue my consultancy work and as soon as we’re allowed to reopen, I anticipate needing more team members so hopefully some job opportunities for aspiring kitchen and bar staff!”
Jason concluded: “This has been a really positive success story from the pandemic, and we commend Arran on his entrepreneurship. It’s really rewarding to be able to find and secure a client their ideal premises, especially when the requirements were so exact. As a local business, we’re well aware of the thriving community Lutterworth enjoys so are confident Vieta will be a success – I look forward to a meal there very soon!”