The chief executive of Wetherspoon has reintroduced a menu item following a complaint from a customer about its removal.
Adam Gale, a loyal patron of Wetherspoon, expressed disappointment upon discovering that the tuna jacket potato was no longer available at his local pub, the Rodboro Buildings in Guildford, Surrey. Despite other toppings like beans and cheese still being offered, Mr. Gale highlighted the absence of the tuna filling in a letter addressed directly to Tim Martin, the founder of Wetherspoon. The cost of a jacket potato with a side salad and one filling at the Rodboro Buildings varies, priced at £7.73 with a soft drink or £9.26 with an alcoholic beverage.
In response to Mr. Gale’s request, Mr. Martin mentioned his past preference for tuna jacket potatoes and acknowledged the reinstatement of the tuna filling, stating, “Your wish is my command.”
This decision comes amidst Wetherspoon’s commitment to maintaining current food and drink prices in the upcoming months. Although prices were raised on select items earlier this year, Sir Tim Martin has assured customers of price stability through the summer and fall. Additionally, he criticized the unequal tax treatment of pubs compared to supermarkets, advocating for tax parity between the two.
Wetherspoon also announced plans to open 30 new pubs in the following year, generating 1,800 job opportunities. Half of these new establishments will be managed by Wetherspoon directly, while the rest will operate under franchise agreements. The new pubs will be located in various cities, including Edinburgh, Farnham, Basildon, Manchester, Heathrow, London, and Glasgow.
With 794 pubs currently in operation, Wetherspoon aims to expand its presence after opening three new pubs and selling nine. The chain had reached a peak of 955 sites in 2015.