A BOOMING takeaway business set up by three Colchester mates during lockdown has celebrated its first £1million milestone.

Jack Shaw, boxer Josh Kelly and gas engineer Neil Austin set up Burgers, Wings and Ribs in May 2020 out of a converted double-decker bus in Grange Way, Colchester.

The business has gone from strength to strength and now has three locations in Colchester, Chelmsford and Ipswich - with a fourth opening in Harwich this month.

And in just a year, the firm passed a huge milestone - officially bringing in its first £1million in turnover.

Jack, a former marketing consultant, said: “It is mad. When we opened it was just going to be a little bus on the side of the road to make us a bit of money but now it is a multi-location takeaway business.

“Since we opened we have sold 20million chicken wings.

“We now have 64 staff which will soon be 85.

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“This calendar year we are on course to make £2.5million in turnover.

“It is stressful and a 24-hour job but we are making some serious inroads in the industry. It is a pleasure seeing the hard work pay off.”

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Burgers, Wings and Ribs sells a range of America inspired treats but is famous for its burgers and, of course, chicken wings.

It has also become a favourite of celebrities in the area and the firm has gained a huge following on social media.

Despite its rapid growth, the business is still looking to expand further.

Its new north Essex location in Harwich opens at the Fryatt pub on Monday, July 19.

There are also further plans for another Essex site before the end of the year.

Jack said: “Eventually we want to have a site in most locations in Essex.

“I want to grow the business into a 20-location, £12million a year firm.”

In a remarkable year for the firm, Burgers, Wings and Ribs has also made it to the regional finals of the British Takeaway Awards.

Decided in September, if the firm wins the contest in the east it could be named the best takeaway in the country in the awards, which are sponsored by Just Eat.

Jack praised the firm’s staff and customers for being at the centre of its success.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/burgers wingsandribs or burgers wingsandribs.co.uk.