The Hamilton outlet is the first of ten new stores set to open for O’Briens in Scotland this year, as the sandwich and coffee bar franchise invests one million Euro in a new concept store design and menu, offering customers more choice than ever before.

The New Cross shopping centre outlet, which incorporates the new store concept, will offer takeaway, an office and outside catering service and seating for up to 70. Special discount vouchers are being distributed to shoppers and businesses in Hamilton during the first few weeks of business to give customers the chance to sample the O’Briens offering.

“Not only were we immediately attracted to the Hamilton location, which has undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment and will help boost the strength of the O’Briens brand,” said John who lives in Glasgow with Anita and their twin baby girls. “We also felt the O’Briens proposition could not be stronger at this time, as new specials and seasonal variations are being added to core menus guaranteeing our customers an abundant and flexible food offering.

“We are one of the first O’Briens in Scotland to introduce freshly baked products and a juice bar with real fruit juices and smoothies as part of our offer at Hamilton. We are sure these will prove as popular as our made to order sandwiches, gourmet coffees and soups. An organic roast meat carvery may also be introduced later in the year.”

Having spent nine years as a taxi driver, John felt it was time for a change in career. As Anita had given up her position as a call centre manager to bring up their ten month old twins, Erin and Abbie, the couple began looking into retail franchising options. John also had eight years previous experience in clothing retail.

“ Research led us to O’Briens as we loved the product and it came with the business backing of a full support team based here in Scotland to help us get off the ground,” said John. “Once we have established the business, including the outside catering, we plan to look at a second shop within the next two years.”

The O’Briens concept allows them to do just that as they can develop the new outlet and determine if they wish to become multiple franchise owners with a series of stores. Retail business is usually developed in tandem with bulk catering opportunities, where platters are aimed at private parties, conferences and business meetings from five upwards. In addition to the catering and retail aspects of the business, franchisees also have the chance to site mobile sandwich and coffee counters in large office blocks, acting as in house cafés.

Commenting on the brand changes, O’Briens founder and CEO Brody Sweeney said: “Although a brand leader and one of the fastest growing retail franchise chains in many regions including Scotland, we wanted to move away from an understated presence of quality and character and make a bigger, bolder statement.

“Our new concept is the result of much innovative work on food concept development, while building on the many positive perceptions of the brand, such as our main point of difference - a made to order offer with food prepared in front of the customer.

“The O’Briens focus has always been on healthier choices, including our Guilt Free Food range and pocket Calorie Counters. Now we are introducing a more ethical way of doing business with organic deli dishes and snacks and a coffee blend that includes Fair Trade beans.”

As reflected in expansion plans across Scotland this year, the new concept is expected to make the O’Briens offer a much more appealing proposition for customers while proving a bit hit with existing and new franchisees. Since its introduction to Scotland in 1998, the O’Briens brand has enjoyed huge success across the country.

The Hamilton outlet is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and 12 noon to 4pm on Sundays. Advance orders can be taken by telephoning John and the team on 01698 427999 or fax 01698 459 711.