O’Briens Sandwich Bar has launched its first store in Derry, as former financial controller, Michael McLoughlin, marks his first venture into franchising and retailing and opens his new outlet in the heart of the University of Ulster Magee Campus. Michael is employing five staff to make up his team at this, the 12th outlet for O’Briens in Northern Ireland and the first of six new stores in the planning for the Province this year.

With his sights set on developing a further two city centre retail outlets in the next 18 months, Michael is already busy extending the O’Briens outside catering offer in the Londonderry area, with platters geared towards corporate business and private family occasions. As well as investing in a delivery vehicle and employing a dedicated driver to provide free distribution locally, Michael will add a separate preparation unit as demand increases in the months ahead. Faxed orders for hand cut sandwiches (min order 4) are also delivered free before 1pm locally.

Expansion for the brand comes at a time when the sandwich and coffee bar franchise is investing one million Euro in a new concept store design and menu that was first successfully tested in Belfast last year.

“Our timing could not be better,” said 36-year old Michael, who is married with four children. “We are using the slightly quieter summer months within the University to help establish the outside catering business, as we prepare for the return of the main body of students in September.

“Boosting the strength of the brand in Derry is our brand new retail location within the Magee Campus, adjacent to the main lecture buildings, library and student union, which captures students, lecturers and staff, as well as passing customers. With student intake set to double in the next few years, we are delighted to be in the hub of it all.

“On top of all this, the proposition with O’Briens has just got better, thanks to a greater variety of food offers giving customers more choice than ever before, coupled with what is a great new look. We are also adopting a much more ethical way of doing business by going organic with milk, hot meats, deli dishes and snacks and our coffee blend now includes Fair Trade beans.”

An accountant to trade, Michael brings 15 years experience in the food and manufacturing industries to O’Briens. Before embarking on this new business venture, he was ten years with Kerry Foods as Financial Controller for Northern Ireland.

As well as his first O’Briens retail outlet in Derry, Michael is already preparing to open his second at Craigavon this summer. Further stores are planned this year by other new franchisees in Coleraine and Belfast, creating more than 40 new jobs before the end of the year as part of the Northern Ireland expansion.

“We believe our new offer oozes flexibility, as individual elements can stand on their own or be tailored to fit outlet size and local demand,” said Northern Ireland development agent, Adrian Garvey. “It can work as well on the high street as it already does in University campuses. And it all pours out from the retail stores through our coffee carts and delivery vans, taking outside catering to the very heart of the community.

“As reflected in our expansion plans across Northern Ireland this year, our new concept is not only making the O’Briens offer a much more appealing proposition for customers. It is also proving a big hit with existing and new franchisees like Michael. Since its introduction to Belfast in 2001, we have been delighted with the success and popularity of the brand in Northern Ireland.”

The new O’Briens concept is the result of much innovative work on food concept development, while building on the many positive perceptions of the brand, such as the main point of difference - a made to order offer with food prepared in front of the customer. O’Briens has always focused on healthier choices. Now more juice bars are joining the growing Guilt Free Food and Low Fat Five ranges, offering made to order real fruit juices, smoothies and iced drinks.

The Derry outlet offers takeaway and seating for up to 24 in a stylish contemporary environment and is open from 8am to 5.30pm, Mondays to Thursdays, and 8am to 4pm on Fridays. Advance orders can be taken by contacting Michael and the team on tel/fax: 02871 375390.

O’Briens has over 270 stores providing the healthy fast food option in 13 countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, including 12 in Northern Ireland. These are found in Belfast, Belfast International Airport, Derry, Lisburn and Omagh. More information on O’Briens, including franchising opportunities, is available at www.obriensonline.com, or by calling Adrian Garvey at the Northern Ireland development team office on 02890 314521.