AYLESBURY BUSINESSMAN OPENS NEW SHOP NEAR TO HIS RESTAURANT

An ambitious businessman has opened a convenience store in Aylesbury - just a few doors down from the restaurant he runs.

Raj Paranthaban has agreed a 20-year lease with national commercial property and investment company LCP for 60B Wedgewood Street, Fairford Leys, a 3246 sq ft unit that he has fitted out as a One Stop convenience shop, complete with Costa Coffee and an independent local butcher.

He hopes to create between 20 and 25 jobs in the local community.

The One Stop, which will be his second in the town, is just a few doors down from his seafood restaurant Salt & Vinegar, which is also an LCP property and which opened earlier this year.

Raj came to the UK from Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, aged just 19, and settled in Fairford Leys, returning to that area has always been important to him.

Raj said: “Though I started businesses in many places, my heart has always longed to come back to Fairford Leys to make that connection with the local community.

 "An opportunity came to buy Salt & Vinegar and I grew closer to the locals. It was a comeback for me, especially after the pandemic because like every other businessman I was affected by the extraordinary events of Covid-19.

“I already own a One Stop shop and when I found out LCP had 60B available, I knew it would be ideal for a new convenience shop. I'm looking forward to serving the Fairford Leys community again."

Toby Saggers, LCP asset manager, said: "It's great news that Raj, an existing tenant, has taken another one of our properties. Fairford Leys is a fantastic local shopping destination, and I am sure the additional choice being offered by this new store will be welcomed by residents.”

One Stop is now open between 6am and 11pm.