Frankie and Benny's Swindon restaurant replacement revealed

Frankie and Benny’s permanently closed its Greenbridge Retail Park site in October, much to the dismay of customers.

A recent licensing application for the now-empty Unit 19, submitted to Swindon Borough Council recently, reveals that the building could soon be transformed into a new venture.

Fiesta de Cuba owner Scott Jacobs has now confirmed that plans are underway to open a new bar and grill opposite his business, where the old Italian-American restaurant once traded, under another of his brand names.

The Ridge in Shaw Ridge has become a popular part of West Swindon over the last seven years and will now welcome a younger sibling to Greenbridge which offers a similar range of food and drink, with collection and delivery services, as well as host family-friendly activities and big events.

Luke and Scott Jacobs outside the closed Frankie and Benny's in Swindon (Image: Newsquest)

Some of the former Frankie and Benny's employees have been retained and retrained to staff this new venture, which is expected to open during the first week of March if all goes to plan.

In anticipation of this, the original Ridge has been renamed The Ridge West and the Greenbridge branch will be known as The Ridge East.

Scott said: "We have always wanted to put another Ridge here and this has given us a new opportunity to do so.

"The site is in a really good condition, there's not much to be done to get it ready. We are looking forward to bringing something new to the area."

If this licensing application is approved by the local authority, the venue would be able to play recorded music and host live music and dance performances as well as anything of a similar description from 9.30am to midnight Monday to Sunday.

Scott and Luke Jacobs opened The Ridge in West Swindon in 2017. (Image: Dave Cox)

The business would also be allowed to serve late night refreshments from 11pm to midnight each night and supply alcohol from 10am to midnight daily.

The full licensing application may be inspected at the Swindon Borough Council Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH, between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Responsible authorities, and/or other persons (e.g. people/business living or working nearby) can make representations about this application at any time until February 26, 2024.

All representations must be made in writing (including email or fax), to the Licensing Authority, at the above postal address or by email to licensing@swindon.gov.uk

It is an offence to make a false statement in connection with an application, for which a person is liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine.