When people in Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, crave quick and satisfying comfort food, one of the names that often comes to mind is Frankies Ashton. Known for its indulgent chicken, burgers, pizzas, wraps, and late-night service, this takeaway has become a local fixture on Gerard Street. Over time, it has built both a loyal customer base and its fair share of critics, making it an interesting example of how small businesses in the food sector can thrive, adapt, and face challenges in equal measure.
The Location and Setting
Frankies Ashton is located at 10 Gerard Street, right in the heart of Ashton-in-Makerfield. The area is known for its bustling atmosphere, with shops, pubs, and other eateries all drawing in locals and visitors alike. Being positioned on a main street makes the takeaway easy to find and convenient for both walk-in customers and delivery drivers. The late-night opening hours also appeal to people looking for food after work, nights out, or weekend gatherings.
The shop front carries bold branding with its name clearly visible, a design that reflects its fast-food identity. Inside, the layout is typical of many small takeaways: a counter service, visible kitchen operations, and a focus on efficiency. While it may not be a dine-in destination, its setting serves its purpose perfectly.
Menu Highlights
One of the main attractions of Frankies Ashton is its broad and affordable menu. Customers can choose from a wide selection of chicken meals, pizzas, burgers, and side dishes. Some of the most popular items include:
Chicken Meals: From classic two-piece chicken meals to larger family buckets, the portions are generous, making them ideal for groups.
Pizza Options: Available in different sizes, with deals on multiple pizzas that suit both families and late-night parties.
Burgers and Wraps: Ranging from simple cheeseburgers to specialty wraps, these options are especially popular with younger customers.
Special Offers and Combos: Frankies Ashton often promotes box deals such as burger combos, pizza bundles, and family-sized portions, making it budget-friendly.
Extras and Sides: Chips, wings, calzones, and even desserts add variety to the menu.
This variety ensures that customers with different preferences can find something appealing, which is a key factor in the takeaway’s sustained popularity.
Late-Night Service Appeal
One of Frankies Ashton’s strongest selling points is its extended opening hours. Unlike many eateries that close by 10 or 11 p.m., Frankies often remains open until 1:45 a.m. on weekdays and as late as 3:45 a.m. on weekends. This makes it a go-to spot for night workers, taxi drivers, and anyone leaving pubs or social gatherings in the early hours.
Late-night food demand is particularly strong in Wigan and surrounding towns, where nightlife and social culture thrive. Frankies Ashton has successfully positioned itself as a reliable option during those hours when few other takeaways are operating.
Food Hygiene and Reputation
Frankies Ashton has not always had an easy ride when it comes to hygiene and public perception. In 2023, local news reported on hygiene and safety breaches that resulted in fines for the business operator. These incidents raised concerns about food handling and safety standards.
However, follow-up inspections in 2024 showed significant improvements, with the establishment achieving a “Good” rating on its hygiene assessment. This demonstrates how small businesses can recover from setbacks by addressing regulatory requirements and working to regain customer trust.
The duality of its reputation—praised by loyal customers for tasty meals but scrutinised by critics for past hygiene lapses—makes Frankies Ashton an interesting case study. It reflects the broader reality that takeaways must constantly balance speed, affordability, and quality while maintaining high food safety standards.
Customer Reviews and Public Perception
Feedback on Frankies Ashton is mixed, as is often the case with popular fast-food outlets.
Positive Reviews: Many customers praise the food for being tasty, affordable, and delivered quickly. Common compliments highlight hot meals, generous portions, and reliable service.
Negative Reviews: On some platforms, complaints focus on over-salted food, occasional soggy wraps, or customer service issues. In some instances, critics have gone as far as saying they regretted ordering.
Despite the occasional negative comments, Frankies Ashton continues to draw large numbers of repeat customers. This suggests that for many people, the convenience, price point, and variety outweigh isolated disappointments.
The Role in the Local Community
Beyond being just a takeaway, Frankies Ashton contributes to the local food culture of Ashton-in-Makerfield. It provides jobs for staff, supports local suppliers, and adds to the variety of late-night dining options. In small towns, such outlets are more than just places to eat—they become landmarks and gathering points.
Many young people recall their first late-night meals from Frankies Ashton, and for workers who finish shifts in the early hours, it can be one of the few reliable food stops available. In that sense, it plays an important role in community life, offering an affordable service that meets a specific demand.
Competition in the Fast-Food Market
The takeaway sector in the UK is highly competitive, with well-established chains like KFC, Domino’s, and McDonald’s dominating the market. However, independent outlets like Frankies Ashton often survive by offering something unique—longer hours, local deals, and personalised service.
While chain restaurants may rely on brand recognition and consistent menus, local outlets compete on price and convenience. Frankies Ashton’s ability to keep its prices reasonable while serving until late gives it an advantage over some competitors in Wigan and Ashton-in-Makerfield.
The Importance of Digital Ordering
In today’s food market, online presence is essential. Frankies Ashton has embraced this through its own website and Android app, as well as partnerships with platforms like Just Eat. This digital accessibility makes it easy for customers to place orders, track delivery, and view the menu in real time.
Digital ordering has also helped Frankies Ashton expand its customer base beyond walk-ins. For many families and night-time workers, the option to order online and receive food at their doorstep is what keeps them returning.
Lessons for Small Food Businesses
Frankies Ashton’s journey highlights several lessons that can be useful for other small businesses:
Consistency Matters: Customers will forgive mistakes if they see consistent improvements and effort to maintain quality.
Hygiene is Critical: Regulatory standards must always be prioritised, as one poor inspection can damage reputation for years.
Community Engagement: Serving local needs, such as late-night dining, can make a business essential to the area.
Digital Strategy: Having a strong online presence can be as important as the food itself in modern times.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Frankies Ashton has the opportunity to strengthen its brand even further. Maintaining high hygiene standards will be crucial to building long-term trust. Expanding menu options to include healthier alternatives or special dietary choices could also widen its appeal.
Given its current popularity and improved hygiene record, Frankies Ashton is likely to continue being a staple in Ashton-in-Makerfield. Its resilience shows that even after setbacks, small businesses can adapt and thrive if they respond to customer expectations.
Conclusion
Frankies Ashton is far more than just a late-night chicken and pizza shop. It is a reflection of local food culture in Ashton-in-Makerfield—a place where affordability, convenience, and taste meet the realities of running a small business. With a history marked by both challenges and improvements, it has carved out a place in the hearts of many locals.
