SINCE its inception in 1958, Little Chef has experienced something of a rollercoaster journey.

The roadside restaurant chain rose rapidly in the 70’s and 80’s and reached its peak in the late 90’s with 439 restaurants across the UK, but in recent years has been in decline due to increased competition and what many believe is a tired menu, leaving it with only 78 outlets.

However, that could all change and Little Chef may well be about to rise from the ashes, as Kuwait-based owners Kout Food Group (KFG), who took over two and a half years ago, endeavour to revitalise the beleaguered brand – starting with Warminster.

Over £500,000 has been invested in the site, just off the A36, and its modernised look was celebrated on Thursday as the mayor of Warminster, Paul Macfarlane, cut the ribbon.

“It is brilliant to be the first branch in the UK to relaunch, a real honour,” said Tom, 26, who has been manager of the Warminster branch for just over a year.

“The team are really excited about it and they’re all really invigorated, walking around the restaurant with a spring in their step.

“Hopefully it can be the future of Little Chef. It’s fresh, colourful and completely modernised. We’re looking forward to customers seeing it for themselves and trying the new menu.”

Little Chef bosses hope that, following a full refurbishment and the introduction of a new menu at Warminster, the brand can once again be a favourite for families and businessmen and women who want to recharge their batteries.

Becky Phillips, Business Manager for the south region, said: “We really want to show people that Little Chef has changed so we can alter their perceptions.

“The restaurant has been perceived as a greasy spoon in the past, but we’re confident that will change with this recent investment.

“The whole place has been revitalised from the overall look to the menu, but we have kept Little Chef’s most loved classics such as the Olympic Breakfast and Jubilee Pancakes.

“We’ve also worked on smaller details such as the crockery and quality of coffee, which is so important these days.

“We look forward to hearing people’s feedback."

With half term just around the corner and the summer holidays looming, time will tell if this huge investment in Warminster’s Little Chef will change people’s perceptions.