The first Big Mannys’ Pizza franchise is to open at Inverurie, Scotland by franchisees Murray Morrison and his son Glen, owners of the town’s highly-rated Garioch Fish Bar.
From left: Philip Adams, Murray Morrison, Ashley Adams, Glen Morrison and Calum Wright.
Big Mannys’ Pizza was launched in 2020 by brothers Philip and Ashley Adams and Calum Wright at The Adam Lounge Bar & Kitchen in Aberdeen, to offer ‘NYC-style’ pizzas and sides.
The Morrisons’ Garioch Fish Bar, one of only six Scottish businesses to be listed by Fry Magazine’s Top 50 Best UK Fish & Chip Shop Takeaways, has been re-modelled to create a separate large area for collection and delivery of Big Mannys’ Pizza and will operate alongside their established takeaway.
The franchisees said they are looking to recruit at least seven members of staff both full and part-time for the pizza operation, following a six-figure investment for the site refurbishment and 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.”
The company said the expansion of the pizza brand started early last year 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 (the accountancy and business advisory practice) came on board with an investment.
This was followed by Big Mannys’ Pizza reaching a licensed partnership agreement with Codona’s Amusement Park, to serve visitors at the beachfront attraction in Aberdeen.
‘Franchising was always part of our plan’
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. Any entrepreneurs, with access to hospitality expertise, are welcome to get in touch.”
Big Mannys’ Pizza says it has earmarked a future site for Peterhead and has collaborations with North-East businesses to deliver pizza to diners in various venues across the region, in addition to an agreement with H.M. Sheridan, a Royal-appointed butcher, who will prepare and supply chicken and other ingredients for the company.
Philip comments: “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 offers pizza in various sizes including an 18-inch version. Traditional toppings on its menu include pepperoni and Margherita options as well as its special creations such as The BBQ Big Manny, Chicken Fajita Fiesta and The Hogfather.
Posted: 4th April, 2023