October 23rd 2024.
Did you know that Greggs, the famous bakery chain known for its delicious sausage rolls and steak bakes, is actually older than McDonald's in the UK? While McDonald's is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Greggs has been around since 1939. That's a whopping 11 years before the first McDonald's golden arches appeared in Woolwich in 1974! But the story of Greggs goes even further back to its humble beginnings in California in 1940.
John Gregg, the founder of Greggs, started out with a simple business of delivering baking goods on his bike with the help of his wife. It wasn't until 1951 that the first Greggs Bakery opened on Gosforth High Street, selling fresh bread and other tasty treats. After John's passing in 1964, his son Ian took over the business and expanded it throughout the 70s by acquiring other bakeries in the country. By 1984, Greggs went public and became the beloved chain we know today.
Over the years, Greggs has continued to evolve and grow, with more than 1,000 sites across the UK by 2000. In 2008, they rebranded to the iconic square logo we all recognize and introduced a new menu with sandwiches, soups, and even vegan sausage rolls. They have also collaborated with popular brands like Primark and Fenwicks, and have even launched a luxurious champagne bar in their Newcastle location.
But Greggs hasn't forgotten its roots. They still have outlet stores in cities like Newcastle, Cardiff, and London, where unsold day-old food is sold at a discounted price. And their growth doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon, with plans to reach 3,000 locations in the near future.
In recent years, Greggs has made headlines for its unconventional partnerships and events, like teaming up with Fenwicks for a 'fine dining experience' and launching a 22 carat gold-plated jewellery collection at London Fashion Week. Who would've thought that a humble bakery from Newcastle would become such a beloved and iconic brand in the UK?
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