A BELFAST independent ice cream and coffee shop is set to open a second outlet in the city, creating up to 15 jobs.
Al Gelato, which opened on the Ormeau Road in 2017, has submitted plans for a second shop in Ballyhackamore.
The company, owned by Alistair Macaulay, submitted a change of use planning application for an office site on 225 Upper Newtownards Road back in March and it is hoped planning approval will be granted by Belfast City Council in the coming weeks.
Speaking to The Irish News, Mr Macaulay said he had always hoped to open another outlet in the city.
"I had planned to expand it across Belfast. Obviously I opened the first one on Ormeau (Road) and I gave myself a period of two years to open another," he said.
If given the green light from council planners the new store is set to open in the summer and create up to 15 jobs, some of which will be seasonal.
Looking ahead Mr Macaulay has hinted at further expansion in the city and the rest of Northern Ireland.
"We'll see what happens, it will depend on what happens with Brexit. We'll see how far we can take it," he added.
Al Gelato opened on the Ormeau Road in May 2017 and all of the Italian-inspired ice cream is made on site using a mix of fresh local ingredients and premium Italian products.
