Viva Blackpool go ‘all in’ with investment into Viva Vegas Diner

Viva Blackpool is to transform the former Harry Ramsden’s into the Viva Vegas Diner offering a brand new dining concept on Blackpool’s Golden Mile.

The new venue sees the multi-award winning business expand its offer, creating 25 new career opportunities and providing a one of a kind experience for visitors and locals alike.

Development work on the Viva Vegas Diner is already underway with a total investment of £1.2m being poured into the new venue, staff development and the existing business.

Martin Heywood, Managing Director of Viva Blackpool, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding with this new venue and investment which is going to create new high quality jobs for local people.

“We’re all about championing Blackpool and providing an exceptional visitor experience to our customers so to have the chance make our mark on Blackpool’s iconic Golden Mile is fantastic.”

Viva Blackpool was opened in 2012 by Blackpool based entrepreneurs Martin Heywood and Leye D John’s, the venue’s host, Entertainment Director and Lancashire Tourism Superstar 2016, and has since gone from strength to strength employing over 65 local people and hosting shows 365 days of the year.

Leye added: “We really believe in Blackpool and being able to offer high quality employment opportunities for local people is just brilliant.

“We’re going to be revealing more about the new venue over the coming weeks so whether you want to be a part of the team or try this brand new dining concept for yourself – make sure you watch this space.”

Viva has a strong ethos of creating meaningful employment opportunities for local people, all paying the living wage, and the new venture is providing the opportunity to guarantee hours and career progression. Alongside the new venue, they are continuing to enhance their training programme for staff, giving their award winning team the chance to develop their skills and further their careers.

The new venue has been made possible with support from NatWest Corporate & Commercial and Manchester based Pannone Corporate Solicitors.

John Platt, relationship manager at NatWest Corporate & Commercial said: “The bank were happy to support Martin & Leye’s business plan as we see Viva Vegas as an extension of their already successful operation at Blackpool and share their longer term vision to bring a Las Vegas themed resort to the town.
 
“The guys know the local market as well as anyone, having lived and worked in Blackpool for a number of years.

“They are clearly emotionally attached to the town, vindicated by their significant investment into the new project which will create jobs, attract inbound tourism and bring an exciting, new concept to the promenade.”

Gareth Birch, solicitor at Pannone Corporate said: “I have been working with Martin and Leye since they came up with the concept for Viva Blackpool, and I have been  delighted to watch them establish what is now a major attraction in Blackpool.

“I am looking  forward to seeing them create another high quality venue which will no doubt benefit both  the tourism industry and the local community across Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast area.”

The Viva Vegas Diner will open this May and more information will be revealed over the coming weeks. For more information or to register for updates visit www.vivavegasdiner.com