IRELAND’S biggest indigenous pizza chain Four Star has set out plans to create another 900 jobs across Ireland, including 360 in the north.
Lurgan-born Colin Hughes, appointed chief executive in January, confirmed that he wants to almost double its estate by opening 45 new pizzerias over the next three years (it currently operates 42 outlets in the Republic and 14 in Northern Ireland).
The chain, established in 1986, has undertaken a root-and-branch review of the business under a new senior management team, and has set its sights on bringing the total number of Four Star Pizza stores to more than 100 by 2025, with an additional 27 stores in the Republic and a further 18 in the north.
The proposed time frame for the latest expansion includes the opening of four new stores this year with a further 16 in 2023 and 25 more in 2024.
And with an average of 20 jobs per store, it will see the company create a total of 900 more jobs.
“It’s been an extremely busy but hugely productive first few months in the job,” said Colin.
“Our ultimate goal is for virtually everyone in Ireland, north and south, to have access to a Four Star Pizza outlet, and the road to achieving this has already started.
“As purse strings tighten, the convenience, affordability and value for money Four Star Pizza provides, without compromising on quality, has provided a platform from which we can expand to satisfy increasing demand from our loyal and ever-growing customer base.
“From the outset, my priority was to carry out a full review of the business and speak to each and every one of our franchisees, who have been amazing in helping me understand the many facets and challenges of running one of the country’s biggest franchisee networks.
“Add the current situation in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis into the mix and, as far as the wider business environment goes, we’re currently in the midst of a perfect storm, but the front line feedback from our franchisee base remains positive with sales volumes and average transaction spends holding up well.
“But we are operating from a position of strength, having just enjoyed our best year to date in 2021, with a year-on-year sales increase of 21.5 per cent, driven largely by a jump of 25 per cent in online orders made via our website and app.
“And having carried out a data-driven location analysis of our business, I'm excited at the potential to grow the business across many areas, not least geographically,” he added.
Aside from company expansion, Hughes has targeted a number of other areas to accelerate Four Star’s forward momentum and continue improving the quality of its products and services to customers.
These include a focus on franchisee training, quality control, menu improvements, new product development and innovation, brand refreshment, store refurbishments, delivery options, enhancing the company’s digital proposition and securing all-important supply chains which have been significantly impacted by global events.
Colin added: “We’re on the hunt for any potential entrepreneurs with a good business brain to consider joining our growing network (www.fourstarpizza.co.uk/franchisee-opportunity) and becoming part of a progressive company with a very strong brand.”
