A FORMER Warrington Wolves star’s takeaway in Warrington town centre has permanently closed.

The homegrown academy graduate, who now plays for Salford Red Devils, opened Fast and Fresh alongside school friend George Cooper – a Plymouth Argyle footballer – and rugby coach David Manfredi in May 2021.

Their deli bar on Academy Way – based in the former Dora Thornley’s unit – focussed on custom-made salads, as well as smoothies.

Warrington Guardian:

But the trio have now announced that the business has ceased trading due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19 resulting in less passing trade in the area.

A post on Fast and Fresh’s Facebook page read: “As you may have been aware, the shop has been closed since Christmas and it’s with our heavy heat that the shop will remain closed due to unfortunate circumstances.

“We opened up in a time that was always going to challenging, but with the lockdown hitting again in November time our business model heavily relies on offices working at a minimum of 70 per cent full due to our business concept.

“As you will all know, this hasn’t been the case due to Covid which has therefore left the business to close.

“We are three lads who will always be very proud of what we have achieved, and we have learnt some very good life lessons along the way which will hold us in a good position in the near future.

“To all our staff members, thank you.

“Thank you so much for the effort you put into the business, we cannot express this enough.”