A food chain is gearing up to open its newest branch in Exeter city centre. It has been confirmed that there are just a few weeks left until customers will be welcomed through the doors.
Asian-inspired food company Itsu has arrived in Exeter High Street, which is set to be the chain's first ever branch in Devon. There are around 75 Itsu stores across the UK, offering customers a selection "healthier" fast food menu items, which are mostly based on popular Asian dishes.
Plans to open a store in Exeter were first unveiled in January when a planning application to carry out works to a shop next door to Pret a Manger was submitted to Exeter City Council. The site was previously home to Regatta, an outdoors clothing retailer, which closed in 2020 after three years on the High Street.
The application was approved on February 22 and work soon began to get the shop ready. More recently, signs have appeared in the shopfront which announce that it will be opening in April.
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The first Itsu shop was opened in Chelsea in 1997 and marked the second venture of businessman Julian Metcalfe. In 1986, he had founded sandwich shop Pret a Manger with Sinclair Beecham after they purchased the name and assets from original founder Jeffrey Hyman. While Pret was sold for £1.5billion in May 2018, Julian is still one of the owners of Itsu and Metcalfe's Food Company.
On its website, 'health and happiness' are listed as Itsu's top values, with a focus on healthier ingredients. They also opt to steam their food rather than frying it, which they say "locks in vitamins and nutrients and keeps unnecessary saturated fat out". Itsu claims that much of its menu is prepared "fresh on site".
The menu includes a range of sushi, salads, rice bowls, noodle bowls, gyoza, bao buns, sides and desserts, such as mochi, mousse and rice cakes. In a bid to tackle food waste, Itsu slashes its prices every evening, offering half-price deals.
It has been confirmed that the Exeter branch will open at 247 High Street on April 19. Exact timings are yet to be announced.
