When the Burger King deal with Karali expired, Karali walked away. Merlin now had complete control of the on-park catering offer - with the exception of Eastern Express at Towers (how this survived is beyond me - I dread to think what rent they are paying on the unit).
I could be completely wrong but isn’t the eastern express a halal only food outlet?. If that’s the case could the be a possible reason they have kept it going or could there be another reason.
I think the reason that the majority (if not all) of the menu being halal is why Eastern Express has survived. Also I don't expect their rent is that high, maybe being a smaller local business got them a better deal? They also sell food made from very cheap ingredients (their sausages are very basic chip shop quality at best) so I think they probably have a high margin.
Did the size of the Mutiny Bay Eastern Express shrink when the new units opened in Dark Forest, or have they recently increased their footprint?
Only eaten there once at a Scarefest, was fine - but couldn't say it was any better than that.
I think they just agreed to take on the risk of the Dark Forest outlets, Alton Towers would be happy as they get the rent income without having to pay for staff and ingredients. Their Mutiny Bay outlet remains the same size. and yes the quality is very much "it'll do", their kebab stuff is OK, but I think my Burger Kitchen Burger was better.
If I recall correctly, the Mcdonalds was a "premium priced" site.
Lots of grumbles by the kids I took that everything was more expensive than the High St.
Eastern express every time now.
McDonalds was only a little more expensive than the high street, not as bad as Burger King (who are generally more expensive than McDs anyway. I remember it being along the line of (for a meal) £4 high street, £4.50 Tussauds parks then Burger King came in at £5.50. I find the Burger Kitchen at AT fine, its not the most amazing burger but its not bad and the pricing is in line with Burger King in stations & services.
I think the quality of a burger that needs to improve again is Rollercoaster Restaurant, I get that you are paying a premium for the location, but the food doesn't live up to a £12 let alone a price tag, just having better burger patties would make a difference.
But back on topic, do they even have enough tables in all the restaurants combined for every room to eat, based on two sittings (ie people roughly eating at 6pm or 8pm, I don't think you would get a third use of the table in?)?
I expect they are thinking some people will go to Rollercoaster Restaurant, but the camping sheds really should have had a dedicated restaurant/bar.