THE Owners of a Dunfermline restaurant are set to cast their net out further afield as they prepare to open a second eatery.

Jack 'O' Bryan's is planning to take over the former Frankie and Benny's restaurant 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 to be known as The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack.

With an expansive open kitchen at its heart, where customers can watch a team of chefs at work, the new eatery will have a laid back, cool, nautical vibe inspired by the exclusive seafood destination that is “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 the most 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.

READ MORE: Jack O'Bryan's cook up success with rising star chef Jack

The ambitious fit out of the building, using the latest environmentally friendly equipment to prepare first class fish & chips, is due to commence soon.

Bryan Coghill said their Dunfermline operation will be unaffected.

"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,” he said.

“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 & chip restaurant."

Bryan said he was pleased to see that “fish & chips are still the nation’s favourite.”

He added: "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 & 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.

“There will be plenty of opportunities here for people who want to excel in this industry,” he said. "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.

“Jack ‘O' Bryan’s is also in for an exciting transformation in the Spring, moving towards a delicious, elevated, meat focussed experience, whilst at The Crab & Lobster Fish Shack, fish and chips will be the star of the show.”