Four Star Pizza, one of the island of Ireland’s largest indigenous takeaway pizza chains, is to create 360 jobs in Northern Ireland as part of major expansion.
The company made the announcement as it laid out plans to open 18 stores across the province by 2025, adding to the 14 currently in operation.
In addition, it will open 27 stores in the Republic, creating some 540 jobs there and adding to the 42 operating there.
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The company said the move follows a “root-and-branch review” of the business by Lurgan-born chief executive officer Colin Hughes who took the helm of the business in January.
Having identified a number of areas for growth, he plans to open four new stores across the island this year, 16 in 2023 and 25 more by 2024.
“From the outset, my priority was to carry out a full review of the business and speak to each and every one of our valued franchisees, who have been amazing in helping me understand the many facets and challenges of running one of the country’s biggest franchisee network,” he said. “Add the current situation in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis into the mix and, as far as the wider business environment goes, we’re currently in the midst of a perfect storm but the frontline feedback from our franchisee base remains positive with sales volumes and average transaction spends holding up well.”
Mr Hughes said the business has also been working with its supply chain to ensure continuity of supply .
“There’s no point in creating demand if you’re not in a position to meet it, so that has been a priority for us and we are now well positioned to move ahead with our expansion plans.”
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Those plans include the addition of new franchisees and the identification of new locations, Mr Hughes said.
“We’re on the hunt for any potential entrepreneurs with a good business brain to consider joining our growing network and becoming part of a progressive company with a very strong brand. In just a few months you could own a brand new business, built around a highly successful model and with all the support you need from a team of business experts to help you to recruit, manage, grow and thrive in your chosen town or city.”