Back before the golden arches of McDonald's and the crowned mascot of Burger King dominated our high streets, Wimpy was the reigning monarch of the fast food world here in the UK. Being the first burger restaurant on these shores, many an individual in Surrey - where Wimpy still holds quite a fan base - had their inaugural taste of American-style fast food at this iconic joint.
Wimpy's reign began to see some slow erosion with the entry of mega-brand chains around two decades after Wimpy had reached its peak. Well before McDonald's and Burger King gained significant traction in the mid-1970s and became formidable rivals, Wimpy held the title of the coolest birthday party venue in the UK with its approximately 400 outlets - even with its own share of rivalry.
Interestingly, it was impossible to get a meal at McDonald's without queuing at the counter. When this style of customer service hit the scene, Wimpy - being a full-service restaurant at the time - had to pivot quickly to match the pace, offering a unique twist to the traditional fast food experience.
Out of originally hundreds, only 64 Wimpy spots are operational in England today, two them being right here in Surrey; the leftovers from the golden age of Wimpy in the UK (sadly, many turned into Burger Kings due to shared management).
History
An American named Edward Gold birthed Wimpy in Bloomington, Indiana back in 1954. In that very same year, Wimpy made it across the pond to the UK. Presently, 67 Wimpy outlets call the UK home. In a bid to shake off its image as a doting granny's lunchtime favorite, this business is introducing new locations to breathe new life into itself. Or as they'd have us put it at Wimpy HQ: it's the "new face of Wimpy" which will necessitate a "design adjustment" at all national stores.
How many Wimpys are left in the UK?
With the digital age, it's astonishing how things have changed. The number of Wimpys has dwindled to just 89. Out of these, 10 authentic British stores are nestled in the buzzing Piccadilly Circus, London where the fast food chain made its UK debut.
Is Wimpy making a comeback?
For lovers of the acclaimed Wimpy burgers, the coming years promise a hopeful future. Yet, predicting when a newly minted Wimpy might pop up near you remains anyone's guess. Sadly, some children may never experience the joy of stepping into a Wimpy. Notably, the joint has been around for over 60 years, becoming well-known only in the 1970s.
Food Safety
If there's one thing Wimpy doesn't take lightly, it's the health and safety of its customers. Their focus on delivering tasty and high-quality meals is relentless. Everything on the menu is freshly made daily, strictly adhering to international industry standards. Regular audits ensure all Wimpy outlets prioritize their patrons' well-being, guaranteeing delicious, safe meals round the clock.
Suppliers are also held to the same rigid food safety standards and undergo regular audits by a third party to maintain compliance. Wimpy takes any feedback about food quality or safety seriously, making sure to address any arising concerns. They want your dining experience to be fabulous and, to them, that means your meal needs to be scrumptious and immaculately prepared.
Special Dietary Requirements
When it comes to ensuring everyone feels welcomed, Wimpy never disappoints. Whether because of allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices, they strive to accommodate all unique dietary requirements, doing their utmost to provide meals tailored to your needs.
Nutritional Info
Every dish has its calorie count and potential allergens clearly outlined on the Wimpy menu. To make better-informed decisions about your food, they also offer a complete nutritional analysis of each menu item on their website.
Wimpy Today
Wimpy turned 60 this year, marking its legacy as one of the original UK fast food giants. At its peak, with over 500 outlets across the country and its quintessentially British take on American-style fast food burgers, a Wimpy could be found in practically every major UK city.
Unfortunately, these high street mainstays are now a rarity. With a mere 93 locations left in the UK, as opposed to the combined 1,300 outlets of McDonald's and Burger King, it's clear to see how the fast-food landscape has changed.
If mentioned at all, Wimpy usually incites responses of "It's still existing?" or simply "What?” There’s also an occasional poignant nostalgia from those who recall when it was the last holdout against the smoking ban in public eateries.
Pros
- Strong nostalgic appeal
- Traditional table service
- Quality ingredients
- Commitment to food safety
- Catering to special dietary requirements
Cons
- Fading brand name
- Small number of outlets
- Diminished customer base
- Competition from big brands
- Confusion around the new branding