Q1 Investments 2023
What's new at Welcome Break?
We are committed to continuously looking at ways to improve both our customer and team member experience here at Welcome Break. So far in 2023 we’ve seen new food units open, improved facilities, and brand refurbishments – so let’s look back at some of the investments we have already made this year...
Newark opens to the public
Following months of planning and building work, Welcome Break Newark opened just off the A1 in Nottinghamshire. The brand-new location features much-loved brands including a Starbucks Drive-Thru, Burger King Drive-Thru, Pret, Greggs and a Budgens convenience store. There is also plenty of parking for cars, including 12 high powered chargers for electric vehicles, as well as HGV parking and HGV fuel pumps for drivers.
A new Greggs is added to the offerings
Alongside opening a new Greggs at Welcome Break Newark, we have also added another unit to Derby West. Providing anyone stopping with another place to get the best pastries, delicious donuts, and snacks on the road.
New modern toilets
As part of our continued commitment to improving customer facilities, so far this year we have completed two new modern toilet refurbishments at Gordano and Hopwood Park.
WHSmith is given a fresh new look
With multiple WHSmith refurbishments on the horizon for Welcome Break this year, we started off our first ones at our Birchanger Green, Oxford, South Mimms and Corley North sites. These stores have been given a makeover with their refreshed look and feel. Our new in-store additions and features have included:
- Re-positioned chillers with increased capacity
- New styled queue system
- Introduction of Jolly Rancher Slush and Hot Food
- New self-checkout tills
Gretna's glow up
The refurbishment of our Days Inn Gretna Green hotel is also the first of many planned for 2023.
This project saw 64 rooms renovated with new beds, desks, HD TVs, mirrors, carpets, LED lighting, bathrooms, and water-efficient fittings, along with an upgraded lobby and redesigned seating area.
New food offerings arrive
We are delighted to say that we opened our brand new ‘Chopstix’ and ‘The Good Breakfast’ stores at our Welcome Break Hopwood Park & Oxford sites. The addition of these new units means we can now offer visitors more choice throughout the day.
A shiny new Starbucks
In February, we added the latest addition to our Starbucks estate, this time at Derby East!
This brand-new store and Drive Thru brings a warm feel to the customer experience with an exposed ceiling, impactful artwork throughout, digital menu boards, and the latest operating kits!
Subway is given a modern feel
During March, we took the opportunity to give our Leicester Forest East Subway a revamp!
This included new equipment to support operational capacity, but also new digital menu boards and a home delivery station to give the store a completely refreshed and modern feel.
Other investment...
New kiosks and self-service tills
As well as having self-service tills added to the newly refurbished Waitrose stores, we have also installed new kiosks in KFC and Burger King at multiple sites. Helping to speed up checkout times for visitors, these kiosks are a fantastic addition to these brands.
GameZone Upgrades
Finally, as another part of the ongoing refurbishment project, the GameZone at Welcome Break Sedgemoor and Welcome Break Cardiff Gate have also been refurbished this year, giving them a much more modern look and feel.
Looking ahead
As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we remain committed to investing in our customers and providing them with the best possible experience. We will continue to seek out ways to improve our facilities, enhance our customer service, and ensure that our customers always feel welcome and valued.
We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to sharing more updates with you as the year goes on.