Oodles of confidence in Union Street as new restaurant opens in city centre
Oodles – the acclaimed UK-wide Chinese restaurant chain – has launched its first Scottish venture on Aberdeen’s Union Street.
As it opened its doors today (Wednesday, August 30) food fans flocked to be the first to try out the tasty menu at this new addition to the Granite Mile.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the arrival of Oodles, which has 40 outlets across the UK, was a “vote of confidence” in Union Street and the city centre.
“For this UK chain to choose Union Street for its first Scottish store is a significant boost for Aberdeen and shows the pulling power our city centre still exerts at a national level,” said Mr Watson, as he cut the red ribbon to officially open the new restaurant.
“Aberdeen Inspired extends a warm welcome to Oodles and this vote of confidence in Union Street. I’m sure the discerning diners of Aberdeen will give Oodles a vote of confidence, too, supporting this welcome addition to the city centre.”
Mr Watson said Oodles' arrival on Union Street was a reflection of the ongoing hard work to regenerate the city centre being carried out by many groups and organisations, including Our Union Street.
The new Aberdeen outlet, which is creating 15 plus jobs, has more than 30 seats for dining in and will also offer takeaway to enjoy its Indo-Chinese cuisine.
Franchise partners for Oodles, Naveed Sarwar and Ehsan Ul-Haq, said they had specifically targeted Union Street for their new venture and their other restaurant, Heavenly Desserts, with the two eateries right next door to each other.
Mr Ul-Haq said: “We wanted to do something on Union Street and bring people back to Union Street as we saw footfall was dying down. That’s why we chose to have both sites next to each other.
“If new businesses open, then more businesses will open on Union Street, more people will come to the city centre and it will benefit everyone.”
Mr Sarwar said he was excited at the prospect of opening the first Oodles in Scotland in Aberdeen.
“I would say to people to come and try out fusion food, it has flavour, it has a kick of spice, it’s different and it’s all made fresh. Our main focus is on that freshness,” he said.
Mr Sarwar added he was delighted with the response to Heavenly Desserts, which opened earlier this month, offering a variety of desserts, such as cheesecakes, brownies and waffles.
“It’s been open for just over a week now and it’s been a huge success.”
You can find out more about Oodles by visiting oodleschinese.com and more about Heavenly Desserts at heavenlydesserts.co.uk