Big Mannys’ Pizza is coming to Inverurie.
THE growing brand, which was only launched in Aberdeen in late 2020, has agreed its first franchise with Murray Morrison and his son Glen, owners of the highly-rated Garioch Fish Bar.
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The fish and chip shop on the town’s Burghmuir Drive has been re-modelled to create a separate, large area for Big Mannys’ Pizza – for collection and delivery – to operate alongside the established Inverurie takeaway.
The franchise owners are looking to recruit three full-time and at least four part-time staff for the pizza operation following a six-figure investment to cover the site refurbishment and franchise agreement.
Big Mannys’ Pizza was launched by Philip Adams, his brother Ashley and Calum Wright from the kitchen at The Adam Lounge on Aberdeen’s Holburn Street 30 months ago. Their NYC-style pizzas and sides have built up a huge following across the city.
Big Mannys’ Pizza expanded in early 2022 when it opened a delivery and collection unit near Pittodrie Stadium, home of Aberdeen Football Club, at a time when award-winning Aberdeen accountant Simon Cowie, managing partner of Infinity Partnership, came on board with an investment.
Last summer, it reached a licensed partnership agreement with Codona’s for Big Mannys’ Pizza to be served at the beachfront amusement park.
The Inverurie deal, however, is Big Mannys’ Pizza’s first venture outwith the city and its first formal franchise agreement.
Murray, who has been involved in the takeaway sector for 25 years, said: “My son, Glen, brought Big Mannys’ Pizza to my attention. He told me how popular they were due to the quality of the product, and how they’ve built up a large following in a short period of time.
“We’re thrilled to be the first Big Mannys’ Pizza franchisees. It’s taken a wee while to get there as it’s the first franchise but it’s a great outcome for all parties. Many people here in Inverurie already know about Big Mannys’ Pizza and we think it’s going to be a real winner.”
Philip, co-founder of Big Mannys’ Pizza, said: “We’ve been approached numerous times by people asking if we would consider franchise agreements. It has always been part of our plan but we wanted to make sure we found the right fit.
“Murray and Glen knew all about us and what we’re trying to do, and their expertise and success in the takeaway food sector was hugely attractive to us. The success of the relationship with Codona’s also gave us the confidence to move forward.
“We’re delighted to reach an agreement with Murray and Glen and we’re looking to rolling out the franchise model in other areas in the future, although it’s too early to say where at the moment. Any entrepreneurs, with access to hospitality expertise, are welcome to get in touch.’’
Big Mannys’ Pizza will supply ingredients to the Inverurie unit, which is due to open on Thursday, May 4. All Inverurie staff will be trained in the next few weeks at the Pittodrie site.
Big Mannys’ Pizza has earmarked a Peterhead site – the former BrewDog bar on Marischal Street – and a ‘hot food’ application is currently with Aberdeenshire Council.
Collaboration with other North-east businesses has been central to the success of Big Mannys’ Pizza. It delivers its pizzas to diners in various bars across the city, including recent additions Paramount Bar and the new Arcadia Bar & Games venue on Union Street.
In addition, an agreement has been reached in the past week with highly-regarded butcher HM Sheridan, which has shops in Ballater and Banchory. The Royal-appointed butcher will be preparing and supplying chicken, and other ingredients, to Big Mannys’ Pizza.
Philip said: “To work with such a prestigious local firm and enhance our products at the same time is hugely satisfying. We’re delighted to reach an agreement yet again with another North-east business.”
Big Mannys’ Pizza prepared for 150 orders to be sold over the first weekend when it launched in October 2020. They sold out in just four minutes, and now sell thousands of pizzas weekly.
Big Mannys’ Pizza’s whopping 18-inch version is a popular offering on the menu, with 14-inch and 9-inch pizzas also available. The full Big Mannys’ Pizza menu, including traditional pepperoni and Margherita options and special creations such as its BBQ Big Manny and Chicken Fajita Fiesta, will be available in Inverurie.
The popular Garioch Fish Bar, which continues to be open for business as preparations are made for the Big Mannys’ Pizza launch, last month retained its place in Fry Magazine’s Top 50 UK Fish & Chip Shop Takeaways – one of only six Scottish businesses to be included in the 2023 list. There are 12,000 fish and chip shops in the UK.
