Pizza Chain To Create 300 Jobs In NI

A fast food chain is to create 300 jobs in Northern Ireland as part of expansion plans.

Four Star Pizza has announced plans to open 18 new stores in NI in a £3million investment.

Brian Clarke, Director of Four Star Pizza, said: "The Northern Ireland market is very important to us and has been steadily growing since the opening of our first Belfast franchise in 1999.

"We view this market as a huge potential growth area which is reflected in our plans to increase our total number of stores in Northern Ireland to 30 by the end of 2019. With each store employing 15-20 staff, this level of expansion should create up to 300 new jobs in Northern Ireland.

"To date, we've invested approximately £2 million in our Northern Ireland operations but we plan to invest a further £3m over the next three years to help grow the business to the next level."

Mr Clarke also said the company will welcome interest from potential franchisees.

He continued: "We have an excellent relationship with our existing Northern Ireland franchisees.

"One franchisee now operates six outlets here whilst another has just opened his third store, having started life as a Four Star delivery driver.

"So if there are any ambitious Northern Ireland entrepreneurs out there who would like to run their own business as a part of a progressive, marketing and information technology driven brand, we would welcome their interest and invite them to make contact with us."

(CD)