A NEW American-themed restaurant was opening its doors in Dorchester today - as its owners revealed they have agreed contracts to launch another venue in Weymouth next month.

Jobs have been created with the opening of Funkin Fries, which bosses say will provide 'something unique' to the towns.

Based in South Street, the new restaurant will serve an American-themed menu including loaded fries, burgers, hotdogs, milkshakes - with co-owner Aaron Bradder describing its style as 'Willy Wonka-esque'.

Father-of-two Mr Bradder said he is 'excited' about the new venture.

"I'm excited because there's been a lot of hard work," he said.

"I know Dorchester well after working here and I love the place.

"There's absolutely nothing like it in Dorchester.

"We'll serve American style food with a theme inspired by Willy Wonka."

Mr Bradder was the general manager of the former Carluccio’s in Brewery Square - which has since become Luccio's, run by Michelin Chef Marco Pierre White's son.

He will run the new Dorchester restaurant alongside his business partner Andy Phillips, 32.

The 38-year-old said: "With so many businesses closing down due to the pandemic it's great we can provide the public with something new.

"There's been challenges opening the new restaurant during the pandemic, but the past few months have also given us time to concentrate on getting everything sorted."

Now, the two co-owners will have one eye on the official opening ceremony of the new Dorchester restaurant, but have the other eye keenly on opening their second Dorset site in Weymouth next month.

"I can confirm we have signed a contract to open another Funkin Fries in St Thomas Street, Weymouth, which we hope to do within the next four weeks," said Mr Bradder.

The restaurateur said the Dorchester site will have seven staff to start with, but the co-owners are already looking to employ a further two.

"I'm actually planning to move to Weymouth within the next month - that way Andy and I can rotate looking after the two restaurants when open," said family-man Mr Bradder.

The Dorchester restaurant will be open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm, while Friday to Saturday it will remain open from 11am until midnight - and open from 11am until 10pm on Sundays.

The Weymouth site will be open Monday to Thursday from 11am until midnight, while Friday to Saturday it will remain open from 11am until 2am - and open from 11am until 11pm on Sundays.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said: "It’s fantastic that both Dorchester and Weymouth are going to have an addition to the already burgeoning foodie scene in these areas and provide jobs for local people.

"It's great that this is one of the first signs of recovery after the pandemic.

"I hope they have a very successful opening."