June 23, 2014 10.43 am This story is over 117 months old

Lincoln school dinners business expands

Kidz Kitchen: Lincoln school dinners specialist firm is putting more meals and jobs on the menu as it prepares a move and expansion.
(L-R) Kidz Kitchen owner Jo Bramwell, Banks Long & Co Trainee Surveyor Jonathan Purkiss and Kidz Kitchen owners Lynn and Bob Robertson

Lincoln school dinners specialist Kidz Kitchen is putting more meals and jobs on the menu as it prepares a move and expansion.

The firm is moving to two neighbouring units in Great Northern Way, off Great Northern Terrace, with around 2,240 sq ft of space, allowing for production of up to 1,200 meals per day.

The business plans to complete the move in time for the beginning of term in September 2014.

They are also looking to employ three new members of part time staff.

Kidz Kitchen was launched 11 years ago, when owners Lynn and Bob Robertson began supplying food to nurseries.

The staff at St Peter at Gowts School in Lincoln (attended by Lynn’s grandsons at the time), asked if they could also offer dinners.

Jamie Oliver’s school meals campaign also helped drive the business and Jo, Bob and Lynn are now assisted by three part-time staff.

Joint owner Jo Bramwell, and her father and stepmum Bob and Lynn, is also investing in new equipment.

Kidz Kitchen owners Lynn and Bob Robertson, Banks Long & Co Surveyor Jonathan Purkiss and Kidz Kitchen owner Jo Bramwell.

Kidz Kitchen owners Lynn and Bob Robertson, Banks Long & Co Surveyor Jonathan Purkiss and Kidz Kitchen owner Jo Bramwell.

Jo said: “We start work at about 7am and prepare, cook and deliver about 650 meals every day of the week to about 10 primary schools. They are based within a rough six-miles radius of Lincoln.

“Each day, we provide each child with a main course and a sweet, and we cater for vegetarians too.

“There is much more potential for the business following a government announcement earlier this year that all Reception years 1 and 2 children, in state primary schools, should be provided with free hot lunches, from September.

“We have been looking for new premises for some time because we are at capacity in our current site, from where we take orders, prepare, cook and despatch meals.”

Chartered Surveyor Banks Long & Co leased the units to the meal provider. Trainee Surveyor Jonathan Purkiss said: “Together they provide around three times Kidz Kitchen’s current building, so the units offer plenty of room for the business to expand.

“We are delighted to have assisted a growing Lincoln business at such an exciting time in its development.”