New brands and businesses coming to Weymouth in 2021

Even with the bigger businesses coming into the town, independent and smaller businesses are looking to open new ventures or expand their services.

Tropical Turtle, a Caribbean restaurant in Maiden Street, opened towards the end of 2020 and continues to operate, as well as community shop The Nest on Abbotsbury Road. 

Here are a number of businesses that are opening or expanding in Weymouth in 2021.

Email Michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk if there's any businesses that need to be added. 

Burger King

The Weymouth area is set to have its first Burger King after the fast food giant confirmed plans to open a new branch in the town this year.

Rumours circulated that the fast food chain, which also has branches in Poole and Bournemouth, would be opening a new site in the town after job listings were posted online.

The job roles include a crew member, shift leader and a site manager, with no indication how many roles could be created at the restaurant.

The job advertisements also appeared to suggest the new branch could be based at Link Park estate, Chickerell, but the exact location has not been confirmed by Burger King or site owner, DJ Property.

A spokeswoman for Burger King was able to confirm that a new restaurant will be opening in Weymouth at some point in 2021.

She said: “Burger King are regularly evaluating opportunities to bring our great-tasting products to more customers in new locations.

"We can confirm that there will be a new restaurant opening at this location in 2021 and will keep you informed when more information becomes available.”

Chesil Radio 

Chesil Radio, which is 5 years old this year, is establishing itself as a local online station for the south and south west, and aims to provide support in the community to those who need it. 

The station also works with many community groups, businesses and individuals and is expanding its community support this year. 

Nikki Latham, station controller, said they aim to launch Chesil Celebrancy Services is something that will launch later in 2021 or early 2022.

She explained: "Celebrancy is the non-religious funeral services, wedding blessings, naming ceremonies, that do not need to necessarily follow the traditional lines, although as with some ceremonies they do need some element of regulations followed."

"Although not able to carry out wedding ceremonies, yet, they are ways of celebrating life's milestones. Chesil Celebrancy can bring an element of the religious, but it is down to each individual what they want from their special day."

Co-op

Outside the new location of Co-op store in Weymouth.

Co-op will open up a new store on Buxton Road, Weymouth later this year. 

The store, which will run on 100 per cent renewable electricity, will have a focus on fresh, healthy produce, ready meals and pizzas, award-winning wines, free-from and vegan products, Fairtrade, food-to-go and, everyday essentials.

The new store would create around 15 local jobs. An official opening date has not been confirmed but construction of the new store is well underway.

A spokesman for Co-op said: "We are pleased to have an opportunity to open a new store in Weymouth, and we are very much looking forward to serving the local community, and playing our part in local life.

"The store team will work to develop the range, choice, products and services locally that will create a really compelling offer in the community.

"Co-op is committed to connecting communities and making a difference locally and customers can become a Member of the Co-op.

"In addition to unlocking additional value and personalised offers, our Members also make a difference to local causes, with Co-op now donating two per cent to community causes every time a Member swipes their Membership card when buying own-branded products."

Cornucopia 

Based on St Mary's Street, this antiques, crafts and collectibles store will be opening soon when lockdown restrictions are lifted. 

Bella's Ceramics, which shut down in November 2020, will also be operating from a workshop inside. 

More information can be found on its Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Cornucopia-Antiques-Crafts-and-Collectables-105506858102264/

Food Warehouse

Outside Food Warehouse in Weymouth, based in the former Aldi store

The Food Warehouse, run by retail giants Iceland, will open at the former Aldi at Jubilee Retail Park.

The retail chain sells frozen, chilled, and fresh food as well as homeware, cleaning products, toys, and alcohol at affordable prices.

It will create 30 jobs as Food Warehouse previously recruited new employees to work part time and full time including home delivery drivers, team leaders, retail assistants and online shopping pickers.

The store appears to be following a typical Food Warehouse design with its lights, banners and general layout.

A spokeswoman for Food Warehouse confirmed the store will open its doors on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

There will also be a chance for shoppers to win a £50 voucher to spend in-store via an online competition nearer to its opening.

The Range

The Range will take over Weymouth's landmark Debenhams building following the closure of the prominent retailer. Debenhams confirmed on Monday, January 11 that it will not be reopening. 

The Range - which sells a mixture of branded and non-branded items, including home, garden, electrical, and leisure products - has submitted plans to Dorset Council to move into the soon-to-be vacant building.

Iceland had also been included in the plans for the building due to its 'strategic alliance' with The Range.

But it will no longer have a branch in the building due to a 'business decision' - believed to be the fact it already has a store in the town centre and its items will be stocked in a new Food Warehouse due to open next week.

News of The Range coming to Weymouth has sparked excitement among shoppers, with many praising a new business investing in the town centre amid the bleak economic environment caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Range confirmed plans for a new store based on New Bond Street and create 80 jobs.

She said: “I can confirm that we are planning to open a new store in Weymouth, however at present, we do not have any confirmation of a launch date.

“The store will be spread over two floors and will have a family café. It will offer products across 16 departments from home furnishings and accessories to arts and crafts and pet care.”

“I can confirm that 80 new roles will be created at the new store. There will be a mixture of full and part-time positions available from Store to Department Managers to Warehouse Staff and Retail Assistants.

“Jobs will be advertised through the local job centre once an opening date has been confirmed.”