The Oggy Oggy pasty empire continues to grow despite the Covid pandemic with a new outlet about to open in Plymouth 鈥 but as a takeaway only.
Lesley and Malkolm Park, who already operate , have signed a six year lease on a former vegetable shop at Plymstock Broadway.
Work has now begun to convert the unit into a pasty takeaway as that is the only form of trading allowed during the current coronavirus lockdown.
Mrs Park, who already operates the Oggy Oggy outlets in the city centre鈥檚 Armada Way and in Plympton, said the new venture will be designed as a takeout only, unlike the other more cafe-based models.
She said that although it could be converted in future, the likelihood is that takeaway only is the way businesses will have to operate for the foreseeable future.
鈥淭akeaway is the only way forward,鈥 Mrs Park said. 鈥淲e could maybe offer some tables eventually, but not at the moment.
鈥淪o takeaway seems the way to go, and there is a large footfall in the area of Plymstock. We will also be able to carry out our frozen pasty deliveries, and maybe throw in milk, bread and eggs to help people in this difficult period.
鈥淲e open in three to four weeks,鈥 she added. 鈥淲e are starting the fit out with the floors and then the electrician comes in.鈥
Mrs Park鈥檚 Oggy Oggy outlets, part of a franchised chain of nearly 20 around the South West, have already 鈥減ivoted鈥 to cope with Covid restrictions.
The new unit will join them in working with Deliveroo, Just Eats and Uber Eats, and supply phone orders and carry out deliveries of frozen pasties, sausage rolls and cakes to people at their homes.
Mrs Park has even by using postal deliveries across mainland 海角视频. Among a multitude of online offers are the pasty selection box, the vegan box, cake box, and even cream tea box.
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鈥淲e have been smart and went online, doing the frozen pasty deliveries,鈥 Mrs Park said. 鈥淲e even ring people up, especially the elderly, and ask if we can get them anything.鈥
Mrs Park already employs 16 people and will add another five staff at the Plymstock Broadway venture.
鈥淛ust drop your CVs in through the letterbox,鈥 Mrs Parks said to aspiring pasty workers.
Mrs Park stressed that operating through the pandemic and its restrictions has been a major challenge. The business has suffered from the decline in footfall on the high street and some staff have had to be furloughed under the Government鈥檚 Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
But she and her husband have found a way to operate safely and alternatively, adapting their city centre outlet for takeaway only in March, and even though the new unit was planned in mid 2020, well before the current second wave of Covid infections hit the 海角视频, it was decided to press ahead with plans but adapt them for a takeaway-only establishment.
鈥淭his is a big investment for us, as it is only a takeaway, but we feel we can give a good offer,鈥 she said.
