Little Chef sold and will turn into a new coffee shop

The Little Chef on the A27 in Emsworth, West Sussex, was sold on behalf of Travelodge to 23.5 Degrees, a Starbucks franchisee.

The franchise company, which is based in Hedge End, already had a portfolio of 35 sites and it hopes to acquire more licensed businesses throughout the south and south west of England.

Richard Wood, licensed agent at Christie & Co’s Winchester office, handled the sale.

He said: ‘Following an extensive marketing process, we are delighted to have facilitated the sale to such a recognised and well-respected brand.

‘We have no doubt that it will make a fantastic success of what is a great trading position.’

Samantha Hepburn, acquisitions manager at 23.5 Degrees, said: ‘We are delighted to have acquired our 36th site to trade under the Starbucks name.

‘We are looking forward to bringing a much-loved brand to the area and delivering a familiar offering to locals and visitors alike.’

The new site is expected to open for trading under its new guise at the start of June.

Jobs at the new store are being advertised online at indeed.co.uk.

With over 18,000 stores worldwide, Starbucks plans to open 1,000 franchise stores in the UK over the next five to seven years, of varying types, partnering with a maximum of 25 franchisees. Meanwhile 23.5 Degrees aims to open more than 200 of those Starbucks outlets. It currently operates franchises at 1000 Lakeside North Harbour and Portsmouth Guildhall Walk.