Business

Juice bar expansion creates 20 jobs

BELFAST business Slim's Healthy Kitchen has added 20 staff following an expansion.

A new express outlet has opened at Victoria Square while it has also started a distribution service.

The new 900sq ft premises was opened after a £200,000 investment and features a juice bar and frozen yoghurt alongside lunches and breakfasts.

Owner Gary McIldowney (30) - who opened the first outlet on the Lisburn Road last year - picked up his nickname 'Slim' after losing almost half his body weight through simple exercise and healthy eating.

"Everything in moderation is my mantra. You can come into Slim's and have a burger but it will be lean beef, cooked in healthy oil and it's up to the customer whether they wish to have a bun, salad wrap or an aubergine slider with their burger", he said.

"Temptation is everywhere. It's easier to get your hands on processed junk food than it is to get a healthier alternative. So many of us are now conscious of what we eat, food miles and traceability but struggle with preparation and variety when it comes to food, which is where the meal plan idea came from'.

Slim's Healthy Kitchen has also formulated meal plans that are being delivered twice a week to dozens of locations across Northern Ireland.

"We take care of the thinking; preparation and cooking of the meals for people who struggle to fit this into their schedule. We're constantly growing locations throughout Northern Ireland, from Bangor to Magherafelt, Portstewart and Cookstown," Mr McIldowney said.

"Three thousand meals per week are being distributed and it starts from just £25 per week. This is making eating healthy food convenient and affordable."

Across two locations in Belfast and the meal plan side of the business Slim's Healthy Kitchen now employs 70 full- and part-time staff with plans to open further outlets later this year.