A LOCAL independent coffee chain has announced it is to open its 17th store in the north, creating 25 new jobs.
Bob and Berts will open its first store in Magherafelt next week as part of a £225,000 investment.
The coffee and food chain, which employs over 300 staff, is taking a 2,600 sq ft unit on Broad Street.
The new Magherafelt store is part of the firm's UK-wide expansion plans, fuelled by £2 million from investors BGF (Business Growth Fund) and set to create up to 600 new full and part-time jobs.
In addition to the 17 stores in Northern Ireland, Bob and Berts has opened two outlets in Scotland, with a third to follow in Dumfries in the coming weeks.
In all the business plans to have over 30 stores in operation across the UK following the expansion, with a new Northern Ireland branch set to open this year.
Colin McClean, founder of Bob and Berts, said they are delighted to finally bring the chain to Magherafelt.
"We’ve been looking for a suitable site for years," Mr McClean explained.
“The unit on Broad Street had been vacant for some time and we feel the location is home to a good mix of businesses in a prime location. Our offering is different to what is already in the area as we believe our branding, food selection and interior design creates an environment which encourages people to relax."
“2019 is set to be another busy year as we expand further in Scotland and have plans to open another store in Northern Ireland," he added.
Bob and Berts was founded in Portstewart in 2013 by Colin McClean, with his brother-in-law David Ferguson joining the business in 2015.
The new Magherafelt store opens on Thursday, February 7.
