O’Briens Sandwich Bar has launched its first store in Sunderland city centre, as Kirsty Bowden marks her first venture into franchising with the opening of a new outlet at the Bridges Shopping Centre today. Kirsty, who has lived in Sunderland all her life, is employing a further eight full and part time local staff, including younger brother Ian Middlemist as supervisor, to make up her team at this, the 111th outlet for O’Briens in the UK.

The Sunderland outlet opens as the sandwich and coffee bar franchise completes its investment in a new concept store design and menu, offering customers more choice than ever before. As part of the new O’Briens offering, Kirsty is introducing the first ever juice bar to the area featuring real fruit juices and smoothies, which complement the brand’s healthy Guilt Free Food and Low Fat Five options.

With seating for up to 60, the outlet is a mall style café that also provides a takeaway service. A comprehensive office and outside catering service operates from a separate preparation unit within the Bridges. It provides a wide variety of platter options geared towards corporate business and private family occasions for five people upwards. Free refrigerated delivery will take the outside catering to the heart of the community.

At just 29, Kirsty has achieved a great deal despite the very rare onset of type-one diabetes at the age of 19. Instead of giving in to this serious illness, Kirsty has managed it carefully and following a Diploma in Accounting and Business at the University of Sunderland, went on to enjoy a successful career in HR and training management within both private and public sectors. She is married to husband David, a consultant for the British print industry. The couple live in central Sunderland

“I’ve always had quite an independent streak, which has helped me cope with the illness” said Kirsty. “It is that very same outlook that has motivated me to run my own business. I love O’Briens - the people, the product and the service – and franchising provides a great deal of support and advice that you would not get if you were to start up on your own.

“The O’Briens proposition could not be stronger at this time, as new specials and seasonal variations are being added to core menus guaranteeing customers an abundant and flexible food offering. While its focus has always been on healthier choices, it is now introducing a more ethical way of doing business with organic deli dishes and snacks and a coffee blend that includes Fair Trade beans.

“I was also immediately attracted to the Bridges. As the busiest shopping centre per square foot in the country in what is a burgeoning area, it offers me an ideal city centre location with a very receptive market on its doorstep. That combination will help boost the strength of the O’Briens brand.”

Kirsty has her sights set on operating a multiple franchise business, developing her outside catering business and new retail outlet in the first instance before taking on further stores.

Commenting on the opening, Nick Young, managing director of O’Briens Sandwich Bar UK said: “Having someone with Kirsty’s experience and determination to succeed, is a real bonus to our team of franchise partners and to the brand. We are delighted to welcome her to O’Briens.

“The Sunderland opening comes at an exciting time for O’Briens. Although a brand leader and one of the fastest growing retail franchise chains in many regions, 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.”

As reflected in expansion plans which will see five new outlets open before the year end, 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.

The latest edition to the O’Briens portfolio at the Bridges is open from 8am to 5.30pm, Mondays to Saturdays, until 7pm on Thursdays, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Advance orders and outside catering orders can be taken by telephone, fax or email. Special discount vouchers are being distributed to shoppers and businesses in the area during the first few weeks of business to give customers the chance to sample the O’Briens offering.

More information on O’Briens, including franchising opportunities, is available by calling Freephone UK 0800 97 38 88 or at www.obriensonline.com.

ENDS

KIRSTY ON TRAINING

Kirsty has put her background to good use, helping to boost the comprehensive pre-opening training provided by O’Briens. In addition to weeks of practical hands on work at an outlet in Nottingham and a further week concentrating on systems and procedures in Dublin, Kirsty has arranged advance in-store training for her staff.

Kirsty placed some of her team in an existing O’Briens outlet, paying their wages in return for the hands on experience they would gain. It is an investment she knows will pay off as staff can begin with a valuable working knowledge of O’Briens operations from day one.

“I’ve always thought that relevant training is vital. It is so important to keep staff motivated by making them feel appreciated. Once I’ve developed the core of the business initially, I will focus on opportunities for staff such as putting them through NVQ training, bonus schemes and, of course, social events.

“I want my staff to really enjoy coming to work. In return, such an attitude will be hugely beneficial for customers and the business alike. I will also plan to work towards gaining the Investors in People standard in my store.

“My perception is to recruit good staff from the beginning and keep them. At the end of the day, I could not operate a successful business without them.”

KIRSTY ON DIABETES

“There is no doubt that diabetes has been a major factor in my life and a number of bad spells of ill health have curbed much activity,” said Kirsty. “But I said from the day of diagnosis ten years ago that I would not let it dominate my life. Hopefully I am proving that even more today with the opening of my new O’Briens business.

“My main challenge with type-one diabetes has been to try and keep a positive attitude. I think I’ve achieved partly through concentrating on work but fundamentally trying to maintain a healthy balance between home and work.”

KIRSTY ON STARTING A BUSINESS

“You have to ensure you are 100% ready to take on the responsibility of a business, as launching and developing a business is really hard work and can be stressful. If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it!

“Expect delays and problems to occur and accept that some things don’t go to plan. If problems do crop up, try to remain calm and work through them logically and positively. Take full advantage of opportunities and advice, especially as in my case from the franchisor O’Briens. It is imperative to secure a good, honest working relationship with the franchisor, suppliers and all those who will be working with you.”