THE Dublin-based Four Star Pizza chain says it will open a further 18 stores across the north over the next three years, creating up to 300 jobs in the process.
The plans are part of a proposed £3 million investment, which will bring the total complement of Four Star Pizza locations across the north to 30.
First established in 1988, the company operates 46 stores across the whole of Ireland and also has plans in place to open an additional 16 stores in the Republic.
The total expansion will bring the total number outlets in Ireland to 80.
Four Star Pizza’s first Northern Ireland restaurant was opened in 1999 on Belfast’s Beersbridge Road and last month they opened a new store in Bangor, creating 20 jobs.
It is estimated that, to date, the chain has invested around £2m in its operations across Northern Ireland.
Brian Clarke, the company’s director, said they would welcome interest for potential franchisees in the north.
"We have an excellent relationship with our existing Northern Ireland franchisees," he said.
"One franchisee now operates six outlets here whilst another has just opened his third store, having started life as a Four Star delivery driver.
"So if there are any ambitious Northern Ireland entrepreneurs out there who would like to run their own business as a part of a progressive, marketing and information technology driven brand, we would welcome their interest and invite them to make contact with us."
The news follows a recruitment push by Four Star Pizza in January, when they announced that they were look for new employees to be given the task of creating the bases for its pizzas, known as "doughologists".
The restaurant sector in the north has endured mixed fortunes in the last year, with several high-profile eating spots closing their doors.
Last month, healthy eating chain Slim's Kitchen confirmed it was going into liquidation after pulling down the shutters in six of its eight stores across the north.
The brand had only been in existence since 2013, when it was established by former electrician Gary McIldowney after he underwent a dramatic weight loss.
In August, it was announced that four of the north's most popular food spots were going to be closed after UK restaurant owners The Restaurant Group accumulated £22.5 million in losses for the first half of the year.
The Italian-American themed Frankie & Benny's in Coleraine, Ballymena and Derry, and also Victoria Square's Tex-Mex diner Chiquito, were all shut.
But as well as closures, there have also been sporadic eatery openings announced recently.
In January, international fast food chain Freshii said it would be opening its first premises in Northern Ireland.
And earlier this month the continentally-inspired Collina Café Bar opened at the The Four Winds in Belfast.
