Progress is being made on a years-long project for an American burger chain to open its first drive-thru restaurant in the area.
Exciting news for burger fans! An American burger chain is making strides towards opening its first drive-thru restaurant in the area, a project that's been in the works since 2020.
The new venue will be situated in the car park of the Showcase Cinema, located between Reading and Winnersh. Construction kicked off earlier this year, with progress visible as bricks are laid and foundations set.
Initially, plans were only for a restaurant, but a two-lane drive-thru was added later. There were concerns from late councillor Paul Fishwick and Winnersh Parish Council due to flooding issues in the car park. However, the Environment Agency and Wokingham Borough Council deemed the site low-risk, granting approval last October.
It's worth noting that about 56 parking spaces will be lost due to this development. A recent retrospective planning application has also been submitted regarding a relocated totem sign for Costa Coffee, which has been at the cinema for years.
To check out the application, search reference 252012 on Wokingham Borough Council's planning portal.
Five Guys opened its second UK restaurant at The Oracle in Reading back in 2013 and is also set to launch at the former All Bar One at The Oracle Riverside. The chain has expanded in the area, with new locations in Windsor since July 2022 and Bracknell since May 2023. Notably, Five Guys recently opened its first drive-thru in England at Teesside Retail Park in Middlesbrough.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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