Crewe has reacted to the news of a major Canadian chain planning to open a restaurant with a new drive-thru - on a 'bottleneck' car park in the town.

On April 4, Tim Hortons UK and Ireland Ltd, submitted plans to open a new restaurant with drive-thru on Grand Junction Retail Park.

The coffee and bakehouse chain is looking to grow across the UK, setting its sights on the former Crewe Gourmet 4 restaurant - which permanently closed in 2022.

On April 4, Tim Hortons UK and Ireland Ltd, submitted plans to open a new restaurant with drive-thru on Grand Junction Retail Park (Ryan Parker).

Tim Hortons applied to convert the former Frankie and Benny's eatery into a coffee shop/restaurant selling food and drink for consumption on and off the premises.

It also applied for the construction of a drive-thru lane and associated alterations to the building and elevations, car parking and servicing. 

Hundreds of local residents reacted to the proposals - with many highlighting traffic issues on Grand Junction Retail Park.

Nub News reader, Alison Hiscock, said: "That corner of the car park tends to be a bit of a bottleneck when the retail park is very busy."

Another reader, Keith Vaughan, agreed, saying: "Can't move on there [retail park], as it takes its least 30 minutes on a weekend to get out of there. That's why I don't bother going.

Tim Hortons applied to convert the former Frankie and Benny's eatery into a coffee shop/restaurant selling food and drink for consumption on and off the premises (Cheshire East Planning).

The Tim Hortons brand was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

It primarily sells hot and cold beverages and bakery items - including a large variety of doughnuts.

Tim Hortons' hot food offer includes paninis and 'melts' - as well as hot sandwiches and wraps.

A large number of local residents believed the Canadian chain's planned development was 'fantastic news' for Crewe.

Nub News reader, Dave Brocklehurst, believed the traffic's 'not even that bad' on Grand Junction Retail Park - urging people to 'chill out.'

A large number of local residents believed the Canadian chain's planned development was 'fantastic news' for Crewe (Ryan Parker).

He said: "I live close to here, the traffic's not even that bad. Five to 10 minutes max and you're through it, even at its worst.

"People just need to chill out, what are you missing out on? Checking your phones?

"Crewe needs new business and new ideas, it's dying."

Currently, the nearest Tim Hortons to Crewe is located on Chester Retail Park - 25 miles away.

Tim Hortons plans to open its new Grand Junction Retail Park restaurant and drive-thru from 7am to 12am, seven days per week.

Tim Hortons applied for the construction of a drive-thru lane and associated alterations to the building and elevations, car parking and servicing (Ryan Parker).

It plans to install a new pedestrian crossing at the site as well as six cycle spaces and bin storage.

Nub News reader, Adrian James Yearsley, was positive, adding: "Good luck to any new business venture."

As of April 2023, Tim Hortons has 77 units across all four countries of the UK - with more opening soon.

The chain's current focus is to expand its drive-thru model across the UK - including at Crewe's Grand Junction Retail Park site.

This planning application came after Taco Bell submitting plans for a new restaurant and drive-thru on Phoenix Leisure Park in February.

Tim Hortons' hot food offer includes paninis and 'melts' - as well as hot sandwiches and wraps (Ryan Parker).

The last date for submitting comments on the application is Wednesday 10 May with a target decision date of Tuesday 30 May.

READ MORE: Crewe hospital's new dedicated baby bereavement suite set for summer competition.

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