Two former managers of the now closed Carluccio's restaurant in Brewery Square have embarked on a new venture, with outlets opening across the country - including Dorchester.

Aaron and Andrew, with their friend Sammy, will be opening Funkin Fries in the town on Friday, March 26, serving loaded fries, burgers, hotdogs, milkshakes and more. They already have a shop in Chester, where Sammy currently lives, and have plans to also open in Weymouth, Bournemouth and Birmingham.

Aaron said: "We come from various places, both myself and Andrew have previously been the general manager of the now closed Carluccio's in Brewery Square. Andrew comes from a background of running Michelin star restaurants and I have run family branded restaurants, along with the huge Aruba on Bournemouth pier. Sammy is a huge foodie, but new to the industry, but is a very successful business owner of newsagents."

Andrew is currently living in Dorchester, and Aaron in Southampton, but is looking to move as soon as possible.

Aaron added: "Andy and I love Dorchester, it's a beautiful town with great people, along with space in the market place, we believe we can add some variety to the area food wise.

"Unfortunately, we were made redundant and Andy had to close the Carluccio's forever, so friends and team members were sadly let go, so we have taken this opportunity to happily give some a new job.

"I short, the three of us are tired of plain food and wanted to bring something new and tasty to the town - we hope it's received with the enthusiasm that we put into our food."

Ten jobs have been made at the Dorchester site and 12 to 15 will be available at the Weymouth shop. A local young artist was also used to do some of the artwork at the venue.

And they are not letting the pandemic put them off opening up new outlets and growing their business.

Aaron said: "In regards to opening during a pandemic, no we are not concerned. We see it as a chance, we believe in our product and the business model is a stable one. We took the decision to take 10-year leases on our sites as we are looking long term."

To find out more about Funkin Fries, follow its Facebook page.

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