Northern Irish coffee chain Ground Espresso has revealed plans to open three new branches in Northern Ireland, as well as expanding its operations into Scotland and increasing its presence in the Republic.
As reported by The Belfast Telegraph, the outlets in Northern Ireland include two "destination" cafés, one of which will be in Portadown's old Pump House and the other of which will be at Lisburn's Langanbank Retail Park, and a new store in Belfast's Victoria Square Shopping Centre.
Company co-owner Darren Gardiner asserted, "The coffee industry in Northern Ireland is more than able to compete with the big high street chains. We have taken a unit beside Starbucks in Victoria Square and people are saying, 'you did what?', but the quality and the local offer is there and we know that's what people want."
Meanwhile, Gardiner and his wife/company co-owner, Karen, intend to open eight outlets in Scotland over the next twelve months, four of which will be concessions within Next stores. Additionally, the duo have plans to open two new branches in Dublin in the near future, as well as a Next concession in Newry.
