A York takeaway owner reveals a new Domino’s Pizza branch “would kill his business”, if opened in his village.
Planning documents published in September revealed that the pizza chain is looking to operate in Haxby.
The site would be the fourth branch in York, and would take over the Haxby Fortune Inn Chinese Restaurant.
The business has been trading at the Ryedale Court site since at least 2009, but has now closed.
Less than half a mile away is Pizza Box, which has been serving takeaways for 20 years.
YorkMix spoke to Sukru Akgul, the owner of Pizza Box, who revealed how he’s felt about the potential new branch.
“I was so shocked as soon as I saw the news, I spoke to my wife, and said we need to think because if Domino’s comes here, I’m 100% sure we cannot afford our rent, they will take our trade.
“It’s just next door, they shouldn’t be here in Haxby,” Sukru said.
Haxby residents can currently order Domino’s Pizza as a delivery service from the Clifton Moor store, so he doesn’t believe the new site is necessary.
The potential addition, Sukru is certain, would close all the other takeaway businesses in the area.
“It will kill all businesses, not only us. It will kill the Indian, Chinese, fish and chips, and the other pizza takeaway.” He said.
Haxby is currently home to seven takeaway establishments, including another pizza place ‘Hacis Place’ two doors down from the potential Domino’s site.
Sukru believes it could increase issues Haxby locals are already dealing with, such as anti-social behaviour.
“The Police and Parish Council are already aware of the problems with kids hanging around and causing trouble, throwing eggs and such, Domino’s coming here is only going to bring more people here and create more issues.” He said.
An increase of rush hour traffic is also a concern for Sukru, he told YorkMix the congestion is a problem within the local community
He’s desperate to keep his business running, and fears for the future of his family and employees if he can’t. “It’s so stressful because I have a mortgage, I have three kids and one is going to University.
Where are my staff going to go? Some have been working for me for ten years, to be honest I’m devastated. I don’t know what to do.” Sukru told YorkMix.
City of York Council planners will discuss the planning application for the potential new Domino’s Pizza branch at a consultation scheduled for Thursday 10 October.
There are currently three objections within the planning documents.
Sukrus message to the council is as follows, “There are enough takeaways here, we don’t need a big company.
“It’s so hard, if I finish here, what am I gonna do? I haven’t got any second plan because everything is relying on this business.
“I am nearly 50 years old, and I have no power for a second plan.”
If you would like to write a letter of either support or objection for the new Dominos Pizza site, you can here.