A SHEFFIELD based franchise operator is to open its first restaurant in York creating 40 new jobs.

QFM Group has purchased a 0.44 acre site at Monks Cross from York-based property development company S Harrison.

QFM operates franchises for a number of renowned brands of quick service restaurants throughout the North of England and Scotland, including Costa Coffee, KFC and Taco Bell.

Although the company has not yet said what brand the restaurant will open under, this latest investment will be the group’s first restaurant in York and is expected to create approximately 40 new jobs.

S Harrison has already developed part of the site into a 10,000 square foot showroom, along with warehouse space, offices and a workshop area, for electrical contractor and retailer Herbert Todd & Son, which relocated to Monks Cross earlier this year. S Harrison is now redeveloping the company’s previous premises on Percy’s Lane, close to York city centre, into a modern living environment for 106 students.

Ann Scott from S Harrison, says: “This site is in a prominent position, right next to Monks Cross Shopping Park and it will be a great location for both QFM Group and a well-known quick service restaurant to make their first foray into the vibrant York market. It will also make a valuable contribution to the local food and drink scene, as well as creating new jobs, so it’s good news for the area as a whole.”

Gareth Owen from QFM Group says: “We are excited about expanding into York. Monks Cross is a busy area, with high levels of footfall and is home to a wide range of high profile retailers and leisure businesses, which makes it one of the city’s most investable areas. It’s therefore a great opportunity for us, and we’re looking forward to unveiling our plans for a new, contemporary restaurant very soon.”