Wimpy to restyle its burger bars as American-style diners

The restaurant brand trialled the look in 12 of its UK franchises last year, and plans to roll out the positioning across each of its 170 outlets.

The shop fronts will feature a silver background with a red logo, which is to replace its existing yellow and red brand colours. Relaunched menus will include tea cakes, steak platters and ice-cream sundaes.

Wimpy said the intention was for each of its restaurants to take on the new look, but added that franchise owners would be required to invest in the overhaul. As a consequence, the speed of the roll-out will depend on each franchisee's willingness to commit to the scheme.

In 2007, South African company Famous Brands acquired a 75% stake in Wimpy. At the time, its new owner said the aim was restore the chain to its 'former iconic status'.

Famous Brands, which operates more than 450 Wimpy outlets in South Africa, said it believed the brand's UK presence was 'dated in terms of its look, feel and ambience'.