Pizza shops on market to make way for new Ramsbottom restaurant

Matthew Oliver has asked Blacks Business Brokers to find new owners for the Fireaway Pizza franchises on Bolton Road, Bury, and Milnrow Precinct, Rochdale, with a guide price of £150,000 for each of the two businesses.

Mr Oliver, who previously owned and operated a hot tubs business, set up both shops in 2020 as a way of gaining experience in the food industry.

The first of his pizza franchises opened in Rochdale in April 2020 at the beginning of lockdown.

The high demand for takeaway food at the time meant he was able to use the profits to open the second site, in Bury, in October 2020.

Mr Oliver stepped back from day-to-day involvement in the businesses, which are both run under management.

He now has plans to open an independent restaurant in Ramsbottom later in the year.

In its most recent financial year, the Bury takeaway turned over £366,000, while the Rochdale business achieved revenues of £312,000.

Mr Oliver is happy either to sell both businesses as a single lot, or to sell them to separate buyers.

John Gaskell, director at Blacks Business Brokers, said: “Fireaway is one of the fastest growing pizza franchises in the UK, having grown to more than 130 sites nationwide since being established in London in 2016.

“Its flat franchise fee, unlinked to turnover, means franchisees get to enjoy the fruits of their success to the full.

“Fireway has, in three years, given Matthew the experience and capital he needs to open his own independent restaurant, and his desire to get on with his new venture means both takeaways are very much priced to sell.

“The support the brand provides means these businesses could suit a first-time food entrepreneur or, because both takeaways are run under management, they would also make ideal bolt-on acquisitions for an existing operator or investor.”

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