Caterer hits the spot after a wheel success

MEALS from wheels . . . Mark Fairley and his school bus catering venture

THE mobile kitchen school bus in Failsworth has finally found a permanent parking space from which to serve American-style food.

Mark Fairley currently serves popular street food such as pulled pork, smoked belly ribs and burgers, out of The Old School BBQ Bus ­-­ but in a few weeks' time he will have a proper outdoor restaurant at a one-acre plot on Alford Street, Hollinwood.

Mark (34), a former joiner and steel worker from Failsworth, used a £24,000 loan to launch his mobile catering business from an American school bus.

He used the money to buy the bus that trades as a mobile catering business. For now, he has closed up until the restaurant is complete in about five to six weeks' time.

Visitors can still expect the popular American food, but at the new venue there will also be a bar serving ales and craft beers from local breweries.

Also featuring at the restaurant will be new start-up business Em-Makes Desserts, which was set up by Emma Aston, from Chadderton, who will serve mouth-watering American treats and desserts to complement the main menu.

Mark, a former Kaskenmoor School pupil, plans on having live music, as well as a big screen to project films. All this has been possible, he says, thanks to his business partner Gordon Pierce.

He said: "Gordon realised what I wanted to do and he just wants to help me grow. We're trying to take this to the next level.

"The bus is going to be the main kitchen and we're building another kitchen outside so people can see me cooking and I can talk to them while I'm doing it. We're trying to help local businesses. There will be more vegetarian options and vegan as well. I hope to make my own ales as well."

The BBC contacted Mark for a documentary on various start-up businesses in the country.

"It's going to be fantastic," Mark said. "To get on the BBC is absolutely amazing. Hopefully, it will bring us a lot of business."

The documentary is set to air next month.