COFFEE chain, Ground Espresso Bars, is brewing up for further expansion with plans to open its first 'stand-alone' store in Belfast city centre.
The £200,000 investment in a new 'brew bar' at the corner of Queen's Street and Wellington Place will be the chain's third Belfast outlet, creating 20 jobs when it opens in the spring.
It follows on from a series of expansion projects in 2015, including new store openings in Magherafelt, Enniskillen, Lisnagelvin and Bangor which have collectively contributed to over 70 job opportunities.
Director Karen Gardiner said she was "thrilled" with recent business growth and was looking forward to expanding the Ground team even more more this year.
"We have had a positive reception from all local communities," she said.
"This will be the first of many new outlets for this fast-growing business."
The new store will be designed along similar lines to the Magherafelt and Bangor outlets, with an on-trend industrial finish and featuring Marco SP9 brew stations and bespoke custom-made espresso machines from Synesso in Seattle.
Co-founder Darren Gardiner said the firm was making strides in Northern Ireland's coffee scene by continually investing in research and training.
"We believe innovation in equipment and design are essential for creating an authentic customer experience in today's marketplace," he said.
The project is set for completion by early March and, unlike the chain's concession stores in Waterstone's and Next in Donegall Place, will not be restricted in terms on opening hours.
Regional manager Jonny Ross said the stand-alone shop would also allow greater freedom in terms of interior arrangement and "would allow us to engage with out customers in a new and exciting way".
