CREWE'S Grand Junction Retail Park has been boosted by the arrival of a major food outlet and news that an innovative restaurant franchise is set to open its doors.

Food Warehouse, part of the Iceland group, opened at the head of the retail park yesterday in premises vacated by the former Aldi store.

Despite the lockdown, trade has been brisk as customers sample the store's focus on bulk selling.

The warehouse format is seen as Iceland's answer to US chain Costco.

So far there are only around 100 Food Warehouse stores nationwide, but Crewe was on the list Iceland drew up to target retail parks and larger shopping districts this year.

Around 30 jobs have been created at the new store which has a typical minimalist look interior, but is stocked with big-name branded products.

The Grand Junction has taken a battering during the pandemic with Laura Ashley and restaurants Bella Italia and Chiquito's shuttering.

But US franchise chain Burger Priest is set to open up in the unit previously occupied by Chiquito's.

Contractors have spent recent weeks fitting out the premises with the restaurant's trademark interior which boasts a religious theme.

There is a church setting with diners sitting on pews and choosing their food from hymn board menus.

An opening seems to be imminent and although hospitality venues are closed for sit-down dining until December 3, they can, of course, offer a collection and delivery service.

Burger Priest has taken to social media to announce its arrival in Crewe and a Facebook post whetted diners' appetites when it stated: "Very excited as we're even closer now to announcing our 'Launch Day' of our new store. Fingers crossed it will be sooner than you think."