Work is already underway at Wagamama at the McCarthurGlen Designer Outlet, with the outlet also reporting record sales over Christmas and in 2024.
Construction is already taking place ‘behind the scenes’ and after a wall is knocked through, the restaurant will increase its capacity from 150 seats to around 200.
The kitchen/server area will also be made larger, with completion hoped for by the end of February.
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The global Asian restaurant chain also operates a venue in Goodramgate in the city centre.
Designer outlet manager Paul Tyler told the Press: “We are delighted to be working with Wagamama to create an even bigger and better dining experience for our guests. This investment in over 50 more seats, will allow us to welcome and serve even more diners in this important restaurant here at York Designer Outlet.”
The announcement comes as the outlet reports another “very strong and successful” Christmas trading period, with sales in November and December up on 2023, particularly for sportswear, beauty, gifting, accessories and hospitality.
The Wagamama at the outlet (Image: Pic supplied)
Paul said: “It was another record-breaking year, with our biggest ever week in the Centre’s history being the week running up to (and including) Black Friday. We also had our biggest and most successful Boxing Day statistics, which demonstrates how shoppers are looking for high quality designer brands which offer up to 60 percent off retail.
“Many of our restaurants and coffee shops have also seen some fantastic record-breaking days during the final quarter of 2024.
A return of Caffè Nero just before Christmas boosted the restaurant range, which includes Pizza Express, Five Guys and Slim Chickens.
Paul says shoppers also enjoyed the ice rink, which was open for the third year running, and they supported the outlet’s annual Toy Appeal.
He continued: “The retail environment remains challenging overall; however, we are delighted with how 2024 performed for York Designer Outlet, with annual footfall once again achieving circa 4 million visitors taking advantage of our premium brand offering.”
The outlet accepts this creates pressure on parking, particularly when the Park and Ride is at capacity.
In October, McCarthur Glen applied to City of York Council to create an overflow car park for 340 cars for use in November and December.
The move followed in withdrawing plans for 25 more shops and parking for 670 more cars in September over fears this would worsen congestion in the area.
Paul said of the overflow parking application: “Some great letters and comments of support of this application have been shared with the council planning team which is encouraging. We hope to share more once the council and planning team make their decision.”
Looking ahead, into 2025, he spoke of ‘exciting things’ happening, with the arrival of new designer brands, and existing brands such as BOSS and Calvin Klein completing refits of their stores.
