Coffee chain aims to open 30 new stores following £2 million boost

By David Hunter

An Independent coffee chain in Northern Ireland has revealed plans to open 30 new stores over the next four years. 

'Bob & Berts' has secured a major £2 million investment from BGF, an investor in small and mid-sized companies.

The business, already has 16 coffee shops across Northern Ireland in locations including Coleraine, Portstewart, Stranmillis, Lisburn, Omagh and Dungannon.

Expansion plans hope to see new stores opened in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland - creating up to 600 new full time and part time jobs.

The company specialise in artisan coffee, fresh food and a range of traybakes. 

Bob & Berts was founded in Portstewart by Colin McClean, his father Arnold and brother-in-law David Ferguson.

Colin told QRadio News: “The business is growing quickly and we are ambitious to take the next step.

"We have successfully opened ten new stores in the last two years and are looking to open a further 30 over the next four years.

"Fundamental to our growth plans will be maintaining the culture and the ethos which has made Bob & Berts a hit with our customers.”  

David Ferguson co-owner of Bob & Berts, said: “When we first set up Bob & Berts, we wanted to offer something different to large multi-national coffee chains.

"Our branding, food selection and interior design sets us apart from our competition and we believe that we have created an environment which encourages people to relax. All of our new cafes will be created with this culture in mind.”

As part of its investment, industry expert Mohan Mansigani will be joining the board of Bob & Berts as the company’s non-executive chair.

Mr Mansigani has held a number of senior management positions in the cafes and restaurant sector market and was instrumental in establishing the growth model for Costa Coffee in the UK.