Deep Blue Restaurants

About Deep Blue Restaurants

Deep Blue Restaurants was founded by James Low in 2003 and grew into one of the UK’s largest fish and chip operators, incorporating the Deep Blue, 149 Fish & Chips and Harry Ramsden’s brands. Following its acquisition of Harry Ramsden’s in 2019, the group increasingly focused on franchise and licensing opportunities. In December 2024, it announced a disposal programme covering part of its restaurant estate to fund investment in Harry Ramsden’s. By June 2025, nine Deep Blue restaurants had reportedly been sold. James Fleming succeeded Low as chief executive in May 2025, and the business rebranded as Harry Ramsden’s Group that November. Its strategy now centres on expanding Harry Ramsden’s through restaurants, new formats and licensing partnerships, including a ferry catering arrangement with DFDS. Some remaining Deep Blue outlets are also earmarked for conversion to Harry Ramsden’s.

Why franchise with Deep Blue Restaurants

• ✓Explore franchise and licensing opportunities through Harry Ramsden’s, the group’s priority growth brand.
• ✓Build on an established fish and chip heritage brand with plans for further UK and international growth.
• ✓Consider restaurant and alternative service formats as the group develops new ways to reach customers.
• ✓Benefit from investment in refreshed restaurant designs and enhanced operational systems.
• ✓Explore licensing opportunities informed by existing partnerships in travel and supermarket settings.
• ✓Work with a group focused on expanding Harry Ramsden’s through franchise and licensing partnerships.

Investment breakdown

Management service fee	On request
Marketing contribution	On request
Agreement term	On request

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Deep Blue’s current growth strategy centres on Harry Ramsden’s restaurants and licensing formats rather than new Deep Blue franchise sites. The group has announced investment in refreshed restaurant designs and new service concepts, including its Proudly Serving format. However, the supplied profile gives no minimum floor area, frontage, extraction, planning-use or lease criteria for a new franchise. Property requirements should be obtained from the Harry Ramsden’s franchise team.

Training and support

The group is investing in enhanced operational systems as part of its Harry Ramsden’s franchise and licensing strategy. Existing partnerships demonstrate experience in developing branded foodservice formats, including the Proudly Serving concept. However, the supplied profile does not specify initial training, launch support, marketing assistance or ongoing franchisee services for Deep Blue. Applicants should refer to the current Harry Ramsden’s franchise programme for these details.

Operational requirements

Deep Blue historically operated fish and chip restaurants and takeaways, but the group is now consolidating its activities under Harry Ramsden’s. Its strategy includes restaurant refurbishments, new formats, licensing agreements and the conversion of selected Deep Blue sites. The supplied profile does not set out staffing levels, opening hours, equipment, supplier requirements or operating standards for a new Deep Blue franchise. These should be confirmed under the Harry Ramsden’s model.

Experience required

The supplied profile does not describe eligibility criteria for new Deep Blue franchisees because the group’s franchise growth is now focused on Harry Ramsden’s. It does not specify whether previous hospitality experience is required, or set minimum net worth, cash contribution or multi-site operating requirements. Prospective partners should contact the Harry Ramsden’s franchise team to establish the experience, financial resources and operational capabilities needed for its current opportunities.

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