A new KFC has opened its doors at a service station on the A1(M) that already boasts the likes of Costa, Greggs and W H Smith. 

The newest fast-food venue in the North East has opened at the Moto Services at Washington (southbound), which has seen the restaurant become the latest name at the service station.

This newest store marks the 22nd one to be open at a Moto service station across the UK. 

The opening of the KFC saw KFC department manager Robbie Hubbard cut the ribbon on the 22nd store, and he is now looking forward to welcoming travellers and locals alike.

The Northern Echo: The opening of the KFC saw KFC department manager Robbie Hubbard cut the ribbon on the 22nd storeThe opening of the KFC saw KFC department manager Robbie Hubbard cut the ribbon on the 22nd store (Image: KFC)

Mr Hubbard said: "There's been a lot of hard work and effort gone into opening the 22nd store right here in Washington but I think people will agree, it's welcome for locals and travellers alike."

This news of the opening comes after KFC said that it will buy more than 200 outlets owned by a franchisee and sister company of supermarket Asda.

The fast food chain said that it would take over the sites in the UK and Ireland, which employ around 7,800 people.

Around half of the 218 sites are drive-through locations, said KFC, which is owned by Yum! Brands, the company behind Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

They had previously been owned by EG Group, a Blackburn-based company owned by the same brothers who bought Asda in early 2021.

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“The KFC business is a powerhouse for Yum! globally and the UK and Ireland is one of our strongest markets,” said Sabir Sami, KFC division chief executive.

“Over the past five years, we’ve secured our leadership position within the UK and Ireland chicken market, opening 200 new restaurants, and we’re now close to being a £2 billion business in the UK, thanks to our extremely talented local management team.

“We’re pleased to add these restaurants to our equity portfolio, in a market where we are well placed to drive strong growth while also making further digital and strategic progress.”