Local eatery chain takes on Ports diners

Monday 13 July 2020

The chain behind Café Ubé, the Crab Shack, Oyster Box and Banjo is taking on the food and drink provision at Jersey's airport and harbour.

JPRestaurants will be launching its Café Ubé brand at both locations, initially providing a 'grab-and-go' service of both hot and cold goods.

The chain is aiming to launch at the harbour and airport on Monday 27 July, with future plans for a click-and-collect service and table service via app.

Once a liquor licence is obtained, JPRestaurants will also operate the bar at Jersey Airport.

Pictured: Click-and-collect and smartphone ordering is on the cards, according to JPRestaurants' CEO.  

The locally-owned company is equally looking to take on The Shipyard, the restaurant based at Elizabeth Terminal.

The appointment comes after Casual Dining Group, which previously operated eateries at the ports, went into administration due to the impact of covid-19 earlier this month.

Ports of Jersey said that it had been working on contingency plans in the wake of the collapse and was approached by several local companies to help.

Its Chief Commercial Officer, Jonathan Crick, praised JPRestaurants for its "speed and professionalism" in responding to requirements.

Pictured: The Jersey-run restaurant business is also looking to take on The Shipyard, which was previously operated by Casual Dining Group.

"Its culinary reputation here in Jersey is first-class and we are delighted to welcome JPRestaurants as a new franchise partner. We look forward to working with the team in developing and enhancing our future food and beverage offering at the ports," he said.

JPResuarants CEO Dominic Jones added: “We are thrilled to have been selected as Ports of Jersey’s hospitality partner at the airport and ferry terminal. Café Ubé will offer the option of an online ‘click-and-collect’, with fast pick-up to enable orders to be placed in advance of passengers travelling. In due course, we also plan to introduce an order-at-table service, via smartphone, at the airport bar to assist in meeting Covid-19 safety guidelines."

He continued: "As passenger numbers grow, we are hopeful that working together in this way will give us the opportunity to forge a longer-term relationship with Ports of Jersey, that will enable us to extend our offer at both locations.

"We also hope to develop a new and sustainable offer at The Shipyard, Elizabeth Terminal to continue our 75-year history of serving islanders and visitors."