A NEW coffee shop in Belfast city centre has recruited seven people who lost their jobs following Thorntons decision to close all its outlets in the north.
Bean in the City has been opened by Bellaghy pair Shane and Pauline Hughes next to Victoria Square, expanding on their Bean at the Beach coffee venture, which opened in Portrush in July 2020.
Despite opening a brand new store in Belfast’s Arthur Square in March 2020, Thorntons announced in March 2021 that all its Northern Ireland chocolate shops would close due to the impact from the pandemic.
Bean in the City opened in a former retail unit next to Thorntons on William Street South on Wednesday, creating 12 jobs in total.
Pauline Hughes said the business was delighted to take on seven people who lost their jobs in the cutbacks announced by the chocolate chain.
“Whilst the pandemic has been very hard on business, we are really pleased we can play our part to create more opportunities for employment here, and build on the success of Bean at the Beach, our first business venture”
The business owner said the location next to Victoria Square offers significant footfall.
“It’s so close to retail and businesses that we are here for doughnuts and coffee from morning meetings through to grabbing and going at the end of the day,” she said.
“The business focus is really clear – we create excellent doughnuts and fabulous coffee – it’s as simple as that, and we do it as sustainably as possible.”
