Coffee Republic arrives in the Northern Ireland

4th March 2008
The Irish Times online

The first Coffee Republic Deli in Northern Ireland has opened at the Abbeycentre in Newtownabbey, representing a £200,000 investment, creating 10 new jobs and offering what was recently voted the best cappuccino in London.

And Strabane will shortly see the company’s second outlet open its doors to coffee enthusiasts in the north, offering Coffee Republic’s famous coffee as well as hot and cold fresh food range, with much of the produce sourced from local suppliers.

Behind the new 1,200 square foot flagship coffee bar and Deli outlet are local entrepreneurs Siobhan and Robert Mooney, Coffee Republic’s Master Franchisees for Northern Ireland and the Republic.

No strangers to the service sector, they are responsible for bringing the premium international brand initially to Northern Ireland and plan to sub-franchise five additional Coffee Republic deli’s over the next 12 months.

“We’re delighted to launch our flagship Coffee Republic Deli and Centre for Training Excellence in the Abbeycentre, one of Northern Ireland’s longest established shopping centres,” Mrs Rooney said.

“Our new-look deli, combined with product innovation that includes a range of high quality fresh food and in-store baked bread and pastries, will provide consumers with an all-day product and service offering as well as truly exceptional service under one roof.

“We look forward to developing the brand throughout the country and attracting new franchisees.

“Our ideal store locations include high footfall locations throughout Ireland and the model suits units ranging from 700 - 1,500 square foot.

“We have already secured our first franchisee and anticipate the opening of the second Coffee Republic deli outlet in Strabane in April.”