Before McDonald's, Burger King and Five Guys, the go-to burger joint in Britain was Wimpy, which has just celebrated its 70th birthday
These days, when it comes to buying a burger, you're spoilt for choice with large chains like McDonald's and Burger King, or relative newcomers Five Guys, as well as countless independent burger restaurants. But there once was a time when Wimpy's were the only burgers in town.
The chain was founded in the US in 1934, with the first UK Wimpy Bar opening in Coventry Street, London, 70 years ago in 1954. In Manchester, the first Wimpy opened in Piccadilly in 1958, offering untold numbers of Mancunians their first taste of American-style fast food.By 1970, the chain was a global favourite with more than 1,000 outlets in 23 countries around the world - including many in Greater Manchester.
And while it was the place where many people had their first experience of American-style fast food, if you were eating in, everything would still be served with cutlery and on proper plates. By the late 1980s, however, Wimpy was losing ground to other fast food outlets, especially McDonald's.Hit hard by competition from its American rivals, its branches dwindled after the chain was taken over by the same company that owned Burger King.
Elsewhere, a Whippsy - the brand's own milkshake - was priced at 17p, while a knickerbocker glory could be yours for 25p.Chris Woolfenden, general manager of Wimpy UK, recently spoke about the chain on its 70th anniversary in Britain. He told The Mirror: "I think there’s a real Britishness to Wimpy which is part of what our customers love. It’s American-style food but cooked freshly to order, with the British sensibilities of proper crockery and service.
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