O’Briens Sandwich Bar and its new owner, 34-year-old Niall Cooke, will get a giant welcome as the shop officially reopens today (Mon 14 Aug) at Market Place in Derby city centre following its new concept makeover. Nine foot tall kilted Irish giant, Big Rory, will drop in to the hand cut sandwich and gourmet coffee bar franchise to have a bit of fun with customers, who will also be treated to special discount vouchers on the day.

As part of the new concept menu that offers customers even more choice than ever before with a wide variety of new products and seasonal menus, Niall is introducing a juice bar serving real fruit juices, smoothies and detox drinks. O’Briens’ main point of difference remains made to order fresh, quality, healthy food prepared in front of the customer along with its core offer of branded sandwiches such as ToostiesR, WrapposR, trippledeckersTM and ShambosTM.

Niall, who is married with two daughters, is no newcomer to running his own business. He had his first business at the age of 23, was the first Microsoft master tutor in the UK and latterly worked as a computer consultant for local businesses and universities. At the age of 12, he was also Cheshire and County high jump champion.

Commenting on his new business, Niall said: “My plans here in Derby are to develop the retail business in tandem with catering over the first year, then I’ll be looking to open a further two stores by the end of year three.

“Along with what is a fabulous location in the city centre, I have the strength and quality of the O’Briens brand behind me and the benefits of the franchisor support network. To me O’Briens really stands out from the rest and the flexibility of the offer will let me sustain demand throughout the year. It is factors such as these that will facilitate my expansion plans locally in the years ahead.”

Ten staff including a supervisor will make up Niall’s team in Derby. As well as seating for 50 people, O’Briens provides a takeaway service and a catering business where platters are aimed at private parties, conferences and business meetings from five people upwards.

As reflected in expansion plans, which will see a further 20 outlets open across the UK in the next 12 months, the new concept is making the O’Briens offer a much more appealing proposition for customers.

O’Briens at Market Place is open from 8am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. For more details, Niall and his team can be contacted on tel: 01332 364289, fax 01332 205091.