Wrexham ice cream man ‘Mr Tee’ reveals plans for new town centre takeaway

A Wrexham ice cream man has revealed plans to open a new fast food takeaway in the town centre.

The self-proclaimed “King of Desserts”, Mr Tee, is known for drawing large crowds as he tours the UK selling ice cream trays from his colourful van and has amassed more than 250,000 followers on Facebook.

The businessman, whose real name is Imran Ashiq, is now planning a return to his original line of work as a takeaway owner, having previously run Krazy About Pizza on King Street.

He is seeking permission from Wrexham Council to change the use of a shop on Lord Street, which has stood empty for a long period of time.

If approved, the takeaway would be known as “Mr Tee’s Wrexham” and employ up to six full-time staff members, as well as up to eight delivery drivers.

In a statement submitted to the local authority on his behalf, his agent David Price said the proposals would reduce the number of empty units on the street.

He said: “The ground floor of 21 Lord Street has been vacant for a considerable time.

“Of the seven retail units on 17-33a Lord Street in the town centre complex, three have been empty for a number of years.

“There is an abundance of un-let vacant retail units in the town, much more than the market has needed since the onset of the 2007 global financial crisis.

“The proposed change of use is A3 food and drink from A1 retail. The unit will be called ‘Mr Tee’s Wrexham’.

“The unit will be a cashless delivery service and takeaway, delivering to the whole of the Wrexham county.”

The application shows the takeaway would be open from 3pm until 12am, serving food seven days a week.

Up to five delivery cars and bikes would run to and from the fast food joint every evening, with ten parking spaces available at the back of the building.

A cashless service area is proposed for the front of the unit, with a soundproof and odourless extractor fan to be installed in the kitchen area to prevent noise and odour issues.

Mr Price said a separate attempt was made to open a shop at the premises early last year, but the coronavirus pandemic meant the business was found not to be sustainable.

Addressing the potential health impacts, he added: “Opening hours will begin at the end of the school and college day.

“The menus will offer healthy options such as vegan and vegetarian.”

The council will decide on the proposals at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter