Zaks Diners is a British restaurant chain of American-themed diners, founded as a takeaway business in 1976 by Harvey Platt. The chain is based in Norwich, England. They are the second-largest American-themed diner chain in the UK, behind OK Diner.
History
In May 1976, local musician and entrepreneur Harvey Platt felt that Norwich needed "a slice of America" and purchased an old café caravan, and began selling burgers wrapped in tin-oil and cooked to order.[1] In 1979, Zaks opened their first physical restaurant, also in Norwich.[citation needed]
In 1998, the chain was acquired by Blue Sky Leisure.[2]
In July 2013, the chain announced its plans to begin franchising locations.[3][4]
In January 2020, Chris Carr and Ian Hacon purchased the chain from Blue Sky Leisure.[5] Later in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chain reverted to selling from caravans again whilst normal trading was suspended.[6][7]
In August 2022, the chain purchased the iconic Yankee Traveller in Great Yarmouth.[8]
See also
References
- ^ "From caravan burgers to a Norwich institution: The rise of Zaks restaurant". Eastern Daily Press. 3 February 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ restaurantonline.co.uk (21 April 2014). "American diner trend continues: Zaks announces first franchise". restaurantonline.co.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ restaurantonline.co.uk (3 July 2013). "Norfolk restaurant chain Zaks plans 30 neighbourhood restaurants in five years". restaurantonline.co.uk. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "American diner brand Zaks to open fourth site". The Caterer. 22 April 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ "Burger business Zaks returns to Great Yarmouth". Great Yarmouth Mercury. 22 August 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ Balls, Richard (16 November 2020). "Iconic Norfolk brand Zaks to return to its roots". New Anglia. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "'Taking Zaks to the people': Legendary diner launches touring food van". Yahoo News. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Burger business Zaks returns to Great Yarmouth". Great Yarmouth Mercury. 22 August 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2024.