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24
Feb
Drake’s owner gives update on Ripon and Knaresborough chippies
Drake’s owner, Sara Drake, has given an update on the futures of its fish and chip restaurants in Ripon and Knaresborough.
The Knaresborough and Ripon sites both closed suddenly in November last year.
However, branding remains on both sites, raising hopes they could reopen.
Ms Drake said the restaurant in Knaresborough will indeed reopen in the spring — but the Ripon site will be sold.
A sign was put up in the window of the Ripon location on Allhallows Court this week advertising its sale, with directions to contact the owner directly.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret today, Ms Drake explained the decision:
There are a lot of Drake’s locations that have been handed back to us, and unfortunately, we can’t keep them all going.
The cost of fish has almost tripled in recent years, so it’s been tough for business. But fish and chips is still Britain’s favourite dish so we’re hopeful.
Ms Drake said that she was unsure about the future of the company's Bradford and Shipley locations, but the Leeds site would reopen in the next few weeks.
Although she didn’t give a definitive date for the Knaresborough reopening, she confirmed it would be in spring.
The news that there will be no reprieve for Ripon, however, is a blow for the many people who used the restaurant. It also leaves people who like to eat in a fish and chips restaurant short of options in the city.
We reported last week that a dispute between Ms Drake and her tenants, Yorkies Fish and Chips, had resulted in its closure. Yorkies had replaced Drake’s on Harrogate’s Knaresborough Road.
When asked whether there was a potential for Drake’s to return in Harrogate, Ms Drake said it was unlikely.
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