Business

Pret A Manger confirm new Belfast outlet will create 20 jobs

Pret will occupy Patisserie Valerie's former Donegall Square West unit, one of three it closed in late 2022. Image: David Nevin
Pret will occupy Patisserie Valerie's former Donegall Square West unit, one of three it closed in late 2022. Image: David Nevin Pret will occupy Patisserie Valerie's former Donegall Square West unit, one of three it closed in late 2022. Image: David Nevin
By Ryan McAleer

Pret A Manger has confirmed its first outlet in the north will open in Belfast city centre later this year, creating 20 jobs.

The sandwich specialist has secured the former Patisserie Valerie unit next to Belfast City Hall at 11 Donegall Square West.

Patisserie Valerie closed its three Northern Ireland outlets in late 2022.

While Pret has yet to announce its opening date, it said the new shop will be operated by its longstanding franchise partner Carebrook Partnership Ltd.

Carebrook has already lodged a planning application seeking permission to install new signage at the city centre premises.

Planning documents indicate the new venue will feature 72 covers.

The shop is Pret’s fourth on the island of Ireland after opening three outlets in Dublin over the last 18 months.

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The food-to-go chain last year announced its plans to open 20 stores across the island over the coming decade.

Pret is currently seeking staff for its first Belfast outlet, including managers and baristas.

The company employees 9,900 people worldwide, with around 8,000 in the UK.

Pret A Manger’s UK and Ireland managing director, Clare Clough, said: “We’re delighted to be opening Pret’s first-ever shop in Northern Ireland as part of our ambitious plans to bring Pret to more people.

“We’ve long heard that Belfast locals and visitors would love to have a Pret, so we can’t wait to welcome them to our new shop right in the heart of the city with our longstanding franchise partner Carebrook, who has had much success operating Pret shops in the UK and on the island of Ireland."

Gerard Loughran, chief executive at the Carebrook Partnership Ltd, added: “This new opening in Belfast is an important milestone for our partnership with Pret, and it’s fantastic to finally be bringing the Pret brand to Northern Ireland.

“The new shop will create 20 jobs in the city and we hope it can become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. We’re excited to welcome our first customers later this year, where they can enjoy the freshly made food and coffee Pret is known for.”