JD Wetherspoon has announced plans to expand beyond 1,000 sites across the UK through partnerships with hoteliers and other businesses, using a franchising model.

The company is focusing on hotel operators seeking to maximise revenue and make better use of existing space. Wetherspoon highlighted that developing food and drink offerings can be risky in the current economic climate, with even “top-performing” hotels facing underperforming outlets. As such, the new franchise scheme allows partners to turn underused areas into “cost-effective” bar and restaurant spaces.

Franchisees will receive comprehensive support, including access to the pub chain’s design teams, supply chain, training, and marketing. They will also benefit from its “tried and trusted skills in running successful hospitality businesses”. Interest is welcomed from sectors beyond hotels, with successful franchise locations already operating in diverse environments. The first Wetherspoon franchise opened at Hull University’s student union in January 2022. “We are delighted to be assisting such a powerful brand as Wetherspoon in using this route to expand,” said Simon Chaplin, senior director at Christie & Co, Wetherspoon’s business property adviser. “We have considerable hospitality expertise across the UK which, combined with our work in franchising, should help us secure a number of new Wetherspoon franchisees in the coming months, with several
conversations already underway.”