Shakey J's: Business going from strength to strength after expansion

Launching as a milkshake and dessert shop in 2016, Shakey J's slowly developed its reputation as a tasty treat venue on High Street in Newton-le-Willows, and became well known for its rewards offered to well-behaved pupils at local schools.

And as Newton's high street has thrived thanks to its diverse range of independent businesses, Shakey J's owners Chris and Claire Jackson jumped at the chance to move into a larger premises in early 2023 - and they haven't looked back since.

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Shakey J's moved into its larger unit on High Street in January 2023 (Image: Shakey J's)
While Shakey J's already had a growing reputation in Newton - which was helped by its school rewards offer and sponsoring of local sports teams - its move a few doors down the high street allowed the business to expand its menu and offer more dining space to customers.

On top of milkshakes, ice creams, and waffles, the business now also offers Full English breakfasts, wraps and burgers, chicken wings and loaded fries, and more.

And with a focus on providing fresh and high quality food at reasonable prices, the move also allowed the team to realise its goal of becoming a welcoming place for all the family.

The business launched as a milkshake and dessert shop in 2016 (Image: Shakey J's)
Claire said: "I think our biggest strength here is that we put families first. We always wanted a place where we could offer high-quality meals for all the family and where people feel comfortable bringing their kids.

"We have four kids ourselves, with our oldest being 22 and our youngest 3, so I think we have a really good perspective of kids of all ages and what they like.

"That's why we have the arcade games and kids toys, and the offers for free kids meals [with an adult meal]."

The business' breakfasts have been a big hit since its expansion (Image: Shakey J's)
While business has been promising for Shakey J's since its expansion last year, it certainly hasn't been without its struggles - particularly as the team moved in the height of the energy crisis and their bills remain "sky high".

And although the business can be a seven-day-a-week grind, Chris said he "wouldn't change anything" after the family has successfully embedded itself in the heart of a thriving community.

The shop also has arcade and games to entertain kids (Image: St Helens Star)
Chris said: "The cost of living and energy crisis has definitely been our biggest challenge to deal with, but we have always stuck to our core principles of high quality produce at reasonable prices, and luckily we get bums on seats to manage this.

"There have been years of hard work to get where we are so we're just really glad our investment is paying off, because the response for the food has been amazing and we do feel really engrained in the community.

"I will be working seven days a week but I wouldn't change anything because I treat it as a lifestyle, and it's true that you never work a day if you love your job!"

Shakey J's, on High Street in Newton-le-Willows (Image: St Helens Star)