Co-op unveils latest franchisee

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Gather & Gather, part of catering and hospitality company CH&CO, has opened its first retail shop as a Co-op franchisee at Oxford Brookes University.

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The Headington Campus Co-op be one of the largest Co-op’s stores at a UK university, providing 21 new job opportunities for hospitality workers that have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19, as well as for students attending the university.

Gather & Gather secured a 10-year contract, worth £8.1m, to provide catering services within Oxford Brookes University’s three Oxford campuses in 2019, with operations starting earlier this year. The contract was its first with a university, bolstering its presence in the higher education sector, and provided a route to market for the Co-op, bringing a brand new convenience store to the location.

Rob Fredrickson, managing director of Gather & Gather, said: “We’re delighted to be the first caterer at a university that the Co-op has awarded a franchise to. The new venture is perfect for Oxford Brookes University, enhancing the vibrant campus life and supporting the values and sustainability goals of everyone.

“It’s been a very challenging time for the hospitality industry with many colleagues displaced as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our diversification into this retail franchise project has enabled us to offer our colleagues alternative opportunities, which is a welcome positive in difficult times.”

Martin Rogers, head of new channels at Co-op, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Gather and Gather, developing our businesses together. Our Co-op purpose is about connecting communities, bringing people together and making a difference. The Co-op Oxford Brookes Franchise store will allow us to make our fabulous range available in another new location and better serve this campus and surrounding community.”

The new store, which opened today (24 September), offers a range of fresh, healthy foods, extended vegan and free-from products, Fairtrade produce, food-to-go, in-store bakery, and essentials.