FAST food giant KFC is planning to open a new store on the edge of Ilminster.

The news was confirmed by Euro Garages, which owns the current Little Chef and Shell sites off Southfields roundabout.

Online job adverts first sparked rumours of the fast food giant’s new franchise.

Posts for a retail/catering store manager have been posted on totaljobs.com and Linkedin recently.

On the job advert, a spokesman said: “Our client is expanding in the UK opening stores just around the corner from you.

“They are looking for a restaurant general manager who is as passionate about customer service and food as they are to lead the team.

“Candidates must be able to get to and from the Horton Cross store on A358, Ilminster.

“This store is operated by one of the UK and Europe’s largest privately-owned forecourt retail operators.

“They have strategic brand partnerships with leading high street retailers and restaurants.

“With more than 700 sites across the UK, and growing, career development is a very real possibility with them.”

Euro Garages, which have partnerships with Shell, Burger King, Little Chef and KFC, currently operate the Southfields site.

A spokesman for Euro Garages said that the Little Chef building is set to be turned into a KFC, if plans are approved.

They added: "The Little Chef closed at the end of January and has been operating as EG Diner since then.

"The Burger King will remain and KFC will move into the former Little Chef area.

"All existing staff will be given an opportunity to continue working at the site under the new brand and we will also be creating new jobs to around 45 positions in the new KFC."

Job adverts have already been placed for the new KFC manager as it is expected to take six months to fill the role.

A planning application for the store is set to be submitted in the next two weeks.

The spokesman added that the new KFC is expected to employ around 45 people.

The store duties for the role advertised include; leading and managing all aspects of your team, having a focus on people, dealing with and resolving customer complaints, checking cleanliness of the store ensuring it is well presented, and being responsible for recruiting, training and developing staff.

The job also promises a passionate and fun team environment, training and development opportunities, discounts on food and beverages whilst on shift, and opportunities across multiple existing high profile brands.