A PROMINENT restaurant unit which has stood empty for more than a year in Bradford city centre is set to be brought back into use today.

Frankie’s – which opened its first branch in Batley in August 2016 – is scheduled to open its Bradford branch, located in the Bank Street unit next to the Broadway shopping centre.

Frankie’s was initially expected to open in January, but delays have since occurred and its opening date has been the subject of uncertainty.

The large unit has been unoccupied since the closure of Portuguese restaurant Veri Peri in early 2018, but those behind the new venture hope to have the premises buzzing when Frankie’s is officially opened.

A wide range of burgers and customisable milkshakes will be on offer, while peri peri chicken, grilled lamb chops, wraps and salads will see Frankie’s give their own innovative take on the American-style burger bar.

Manager Ali Khan, 27, said he hoped the restaurant could pick up some of the trade that would once have gone to the now-closed Five Guys.

The national chain, which was located just around the corner on Market Street, brought a taste of America to Bradford, but shut its doors in early March.

Frankie’s aims to bring sweet yet subtle reminders of a 1950s American diner, with its vintage décor, red leather seats, relaxed atmosphere and smart-casual ambience.

Mr Khan said that Frankie’s is hoping to “revolutionise food standards in Bradford”. It is also aiming to provide “an exciting alternative to the abundance of takeaways and restaurants Bradford already has”, while creating “something that people here have never had before.”

All of what is on offer at Frankie’s will also be Halal.

The establishment currently has branches in Batley, Morley and Blackburn.

It has further plans to eventually expand nationwide, with the new Bradford branch looking to become a household name in the city once it gets up and running.

Owners hope the business will be helped by its close proximity to the Broadway shopping centre and the Light Cinema, as well as other popular Bradford tourist destinations such as the National Science and Media Museum and the Alhambra Theatre.

Its arrival has been long-awaited, for which manager Mr Khan apologised but also promised that it would be “well worth the wait”.

Frankie’s was expected to finally open today.