Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s Restaurant is to take over the former Frankie & Benny’s restaurant, next to the Dakota Hotel, in South Queensferry.
The 180 seater restaurant, which has been empty since 2020, is subject to successful planning and licensing approval, due to be transformed, inside and out, into an exciting new dining concept from the award winning hospitality family behind Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s.
The restaurant, which will be called The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack will have an expansive open kitchen at its heart, as well as a cool, nautical vibe inspired by the exclusive seafood destination of The Hamptons in New York State.
Offering high-end fish and chips, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack will showcase all types of fish, crab, and lobster, alongside seafood native to the coast of Scotland, sourced from trusted, high quality suppliers of sustainable fish and seafood.
Creating over sixty jobs across both kitchen and front of house, and representing an investment of over £250k, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack has an estimated opening time of spring 2025.
Speaking of the new venture, Bryan Coghill - one half of Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s said: “Having deliberated over this space for around a year, since we became aware of its availability, we are extremely excited to finally announce that our new concept, The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, is coming soon to South Queensferry.
“We think that this part of South Queensferry, with its fantastic infrastructure, and surrounded by hundreds of new homes, is simply perfect, and has huge potential.
“As such, and although trading conditions remain challenging for the hospitality sector which can be said to be in the doldrums, we are confident and excited to be making this our second location, following on from the massive success we've had, and will continue to have, with Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s, in Dunfermline, where we are fortunate to have an amazing, and very loyal, customer base which loves what we do.
“Treating quality fish and seafood with the utmost respect, to come up with the most delicious dishes, is very much a signature for us. So it is a natural synergy to now open an elevated fish and chip restaurant,” added Bryan, who remarked that he was delighted to see that ‘fish and chips are still the nation’s favourite.’
He said: “This sector has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, with discerning diners looking to enjoy the staple carry out at a new level.
“We can fulfil their expectations, with fabulous sit down fish and chips in an inspiring space, with our usual excellent and attentive service, wide choice of drinks, and Jack’s curated desserts.”
Bryan, who has trained both his father and his son Jack as chefs in his forty years in the industry, went on to say that he was pleased to be creating new jobs in the hospitality sector at this time.
He said: “There will be plenty of opportunities here for people who want to excel in this industry.”
Confident that the new, eye-catching restaurant “will brighten up the spring months for all customers,” Bryan continued by remarking that this part of South Queensferry “is subject to a huge amount of investment, with families moving into the area through the new houses being built.
“South Queensferry itself has always had a dedicated foodie following, especially with Fifers. We are sure our existing customers at Jack ‘O' Bryan’s will be delighted for us, and will be happy to make the journey over the Bridge to try out the new restaurant, especially if they already love the crab and lobster we have on the menu at Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s.”
Bryan added that Jack ‘O’ Bryan’s is also getting an ‘exciting transformation’ in the spring. Details of this and The Crab & Lobster Shack will be revealed soon.
