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Well-appointed Chip Shop in the popular Moray Coastal Village of Hopeman.
Prominent trading position near the beach, local amenities & holiday caravan park.
Popular take away with both locals and tourists.
Well-equipped premises with a high standard of fixtures and fittings.
Easy to operate business ideal for first time buyers or established operators.
Leasehold
The village of Hopeman is a popular residential village from which residents commute to work in Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth and Nairn. It has a current population of around 1,850 and is very much a growing community. The village benefits from its own retail units, an indoor / outdoor bowling club, golf course, hotel, primary school & various community clubs etc. It has its own harbour and a very popular caravan park which enhances the tourist population in the summer. As regards competition there is only one other option being a Chinese takeaway in the village. A wider range of facilities are available in Elgin, Forres & Lossiemouth only a short drive away including secondary schools, a varied selection of retail outlets, distilleries, medical facilities and train stations. The broader area boasts a number of excellent sandy beaches, quality golf courses, hotels and places of general interest. The area is renowned for its sea life and the coast is home to the ever-popular dolphins with water sports and fishing also being available. Over 70 new homes have recently been approved by the planners in the village & building commences soon. In January 2023 Hopeman featured in The Times list of modern, aspirational villages. The article mentions that the West Beach Caravan Park gives Hopeman a ‘cool glamour’ and that the village is full of ‘hipster hotspots’. Hopeman itself has two excellent sandy beaches.
Description
The Chippy has been run by the current tenant for almost 15 years and enjoys an excellent reputation for quality food. The current full repairing lease runs out in March 2024. The landlord has confirmed he is happy to extend the lease to new operators subject to agreeing the appropriate rent and terms (up to at least a new 10 year term with 5 yearly rent reviews). The current rental of £9,600 has been in force since March 2019. Internally the property, located on the ground floor, is well-presented and maintained and benefits from being next to a local coffee shop. Internally there is a small bench seating area which can accommodate up to 6 people.
Trade
The Chippy offers scope for future development by extending opening hours in both the winter and especially summer months. Through personal choice, the current owners open restricted hours and days in the winter months - closed Monday & Tuesday, open Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and Friday & Saturday 4.30pm to 8.00pm. In summer, whilst opening daily, the hours are restricted to between 4.30pm to 8.30pm therefore offering scope to extend, perhaps to include lunchtime trade. The business demonstrates a sound level of income and profits for an owner / manager operator with opportunities to enhance.
The property
Occupying the ground floor only and comprising the chip shop floor, food preparation, service area, small bench seating area (no tables), staff toilets and store room. The equipment is all in excellent condition and included in the sale price are the main fryer / range ovens, pizza oven, potato peeler & chipper, drinks cabinet, fat filter machine as well as other smaller items. Also included in the lease is a small area for off-street parking, just off Harbour Street at the side of the property, which can accommodate one vehicle.
Services
The business benefits from mains electricity, water and drainage. It also benefits from full double glazing throughout.
The property and equipment are in good condition with no immediate repairs required. As previously noted there is scope to improve income and profitability by extending opening hours.
The current owner acquired the lease and goodwill of the business some 15 years ago and now wishes to retire. They are however happy to oversee a smooth handover and mentor the new tenant as required.
