Popular coffee brand targets Mid-Ulster sites after recent openings in east Belfast
The coffee brand’s commercial property agent here has sought expressions of interest for lettings, including from landlords in Mid-Ulster.
An email from Frazer Kidd said: “Our retained client Caffe Nero are expanding.”
It added that the company was seeking premises of 800 to 1,800 sq ft, with “all locations taken into account where no representation exists”.
The chain already has approximately 40 units in Northern Ireland, with more than 20 in and around Belfast.
Along with Starbucks and Costa, it is one of the biggest chains of coffee shops operating here. Caffe Nero has been asked for comment.
UK-owned Caffe Nero owns and operates its coffee shops instead of operating on a franchise model
Earlier this year, it opened at Belmont Road and Cregagh Road in east Belfast.
The company is privately-owned, and owns and operates coffee shops itself, rather than operating on a franchise model.
Brian Kidd, a director at Frazer Kidd, said it was not specifying the number of units that the chain would potentially wish to open.
“They review Northern Ireland on a yearly basis and we are going out there to see what’s available.
Caffe Nero is planning more openings in Northern Ireland
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“They look at each opportunity on an individual basis, and they don’t have as many units in Mid-Ulster as they have in other regions.”
Last month, Nero Group was reported to have reached record sales of £166m for June to August, with 7% sales growth in the UK.
Gerry Ford, founder and group CEO, said at the time: “We have had a hugely successful quarter one, which means our financial year is off to a strong start.
“Our summer iced drinks campaign, particularly our iced coffees and matcha ranges, were very successful.”
Caffe Nero on Lombard Street in Belfast
“We are operating in difficult times with high levels of macro uncertainty, record level high green coffee bean costs and sluggish economies.
“But we are sticking to our basic principles: great coffee served by wonderful people who care about their customers.
“I’m hopeful our momentum can continue in these challenging times.”