One of Kent’s last Wimpy restaurants is to reopen later this year - delighting fast-food fans who feared the site would remain shut for good.

Ashford’s branch of the burger chain has been closed throughout 2024 after the previous franchisee stepped down after 30 years in charge.

But bosses say the Tufton Street site “will remain part of the Wimpy family moving forward” and have confirmed it will reopen under new management.

The chain, the first to serve hamburgers in the UK, was once the fast-food restaurant of choice among many in the country.

But Ashford’s branch is now one of only six left in Kent, with Maidstone, Strood, Sittingbourne, Tonbridge and Dartford the only other towns still home to a restaurant.

Wimpy says the Ashford site, which sits next to County Square shopping centre, will be refurbished before reopening later this year, but states “no firm date has been set”.

Shoppers have welcomed the news, with many saying the chain is a key part of the town.

Tina Black said: “It’s a popular place so it should be open – I’m surprised it’s taking such a long time to do so.”

Another Ashford resident, Sarah Swales, 57, believes the branch is looking tired so feels the refurbishment will encourage more customers.

“It’s been the same for about 20 years, whereas places like McDonald’s get a refresh every few years,” she said.

“I thought it was closing for good because it’s been shut for so long.

“Everything is shutting and there’s not much here anymore so I think it needs revamping and the menu changing to get some more customers in.

“It’s not as popular with the youngsters as it used to be, but it’s a different experience than McDonald’s which is probably its main competition. I like it because you get a proper dining experience.”

Allan Gardner says he has fond memories of visiting Wimpy in the 1970s.

“I always used to go in there when I was younger,” he said.

“I’m all for things opening up because lots of things are shutting. The town used to be brilliant – I used to look forward to coming to Ashford but now it’s not as good.

“Its reopening might encourage more people into County Square.”

Wimpy was founded in Indiana, USA, in 1934, but did not arrive in the UK until 1954 when the first Wimpy Bar opened at Lyon’s Corner House in London.

Elsewhere in the town centre, Wards of Kent has moved into the ex-TSB bank unit on the junction of Bank Street and Tufton Street.

The estate agency has left its former home in Middle Row, and will hold an official launch on Monday, April 22 at 10am.

Branch partner Julia Jones said: “We would like to invite our current and past customers, and anyone who would just like to pop in say hi, to our launch.”