john Murphy and his partner Maxine have decided to give away Arbuckles, the diner business they have taken more than a decade to build on the outskirts of Downham Market.
And to the staff who will receive the gift – valued at some £7.5m – it’s a lucky break which could be worth a life-changing amount of money.
The decision, which has been more than a year in the preparation, was finally revealed to the 130-strong workforce at a staff meeting at the Downham Market restaurant on Monday morning.
Mr Murphy told them the deal had been signed on Friday, meaning they had been business owners for the last three days without knowing it.
Mrs Murphy said: “What a great feeling it is to own your own business. I’m so proud of you, I’m so pleased for you.”
Afterwards, many staff were overcome by the news. Bar manager Andy Lucraft-Townley said: “I’m delighted for John and Maxine that they’re moving into retirement and it’s great they’ve bestowed the business on the staff who have become like their own family.”
Supervisor Gemma Jacklin, 31, who has been with the business for two years, said: “I’m absolutely shocked, it’s very exciting.” Waitress Elaine Bowles said: “It’s really exciting, it’s a good opportunity, it really makes you proud to be working here.” Fellow waitress Claire Dennis said: “It’s not just a job any more.” Earlier, Mr Murphy said he and his partner had been looking for a way in which they could take a step back from the business, protect its future and reward their staff.
The parents of Premier League footballing twins Josh and Jacob Murphy have scored a dream goal for staff, by giving away a £7.5m restaurant business to the workers who made it a success.
