The first UK branch of The Burger Priest will officially open in Wolverhampton at 11am on Friday – with its entire 25-strong workforce recruited from the city. The Victoria Street burger restaurant, opposite Beatties, teamed up with Jobcentre Plus and the Adult Education Service to source its staff. Around 80 per cent of its workers were previously unemployed - and City of Wolverhampton Council will be providing ongoing future skills support to staff.
Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “This is the story of another business choosing to establish itself in Wolverhampton. “The city centre is benefitting from £992 million of investment on site or in the pipeline, delivering growth and prosperity. “Importantly, it means more jobs for the people of Wolverhampton and I wish Burger Priest every success.
“It again shows our citywide partnership approach to skills and employability is bringing results.”The Burger Priest will offer fresh handmade burgers and sides all made in-store daily.Wolverhampton Manager, Brian Orme, added: “With the regeneration of Wolverhampton I felt it was a good time to open.
“I am Wolverhampton born and bred and this a great way to give something back to the city. The help I have had in recruiting local staff has been excellent and it is great to be able to tap into the future skills team to help develop and grow my staff into the managers and head chefs of the future.”