PizzaExpress has today opened its first motorway service station restaurant at Welcome Break's Oxford M40 site (Junction 8A), with many more planned.
The 88-seater restaurant, which created 40 jobs, offers table service to both hotel guests and motorway service visitors, and is open for 11 hours per day, 364 days a year.
PizzaExpress secured a partnership with motorway service operator Welcome Break in May this year and had originally planned to open the site in October.
Chief executive at PizzaExpress, Richard Hodgson said, 'The challenge with entering the motorway service network was to find a partner where we can ensure that the food and in-restaurant quality, for which we are renowned, is replicated. We are confident that Welcome Break is the perfect partner to help us make this transition.'
Rod McKie, chief executive of Welcome Break, added, 'In recent years we have witnessed a growing trend with our customers, both business and leisure, to spend more time at our service stations and to be able to enjoy a dining experience comparable to that on the high street.
'I am delighted that PizzaExpress will be able to offer that experience to our customers. Our joint aim is to open many more Pizza Express restaurants across our motorway amenities.'