Bob and Berts continues expansion with six new stores
Bob and Berts revealed that it will shortly be opening stores in Glasgow and Blackpool, which will take its network to 28 stores across the UK
Independent coffee shop chain Bob and Berts has announced plans to open up to six new stores this year in Scotland and England.
The opening of these new coffee shops will take its total footprint to more than 30 sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The brand operates from premises of around 2,500 to 4,000 sq ft on high streets, coastal towns, retail parades and shopping centres.
The company has 15 stores across Northern Ireland in locations such as Belfast, Lisburn, Omagh and Cookstown, six stores in Scotland, including Falkirk, Perth and Stirling and five in England, in towns such as Bury, Lancaster and Carlisle.
Bob and Berts revealed that it will shortly be opening stores in Glasgow and Blackpool, which will take its network to 28 stores across the UK.
It also said that it has identified sites for a further four stores in the north-west of England and Yorkshire, all of which could also open before the end of 2023.
The expansion plans follow a record year for Bob and Berts last year, with financial results for the year to the end of June 2022 showing an increase in turnover to £17.8m and operating profits of £1.3m.
Colin McClean, founder of Bob and Berts, said: “In June it will be 10 years since I opened the doors of the first Bob and Berts in Portstewart and I think it is a real mark of the quality of what the business and our staff offer customers that we will open our 30th store in 2023. We are also keen to expand our business further in our already established regions.
“What has been apparent as we’ve grown, first in Northern Ireland, then in Scotland and England, is that our commitment to serving customers proper, quality coffee and great fresh food in a relaxed environment has really resonated with people who wanted something different from the large multi-national coffee chains.”
He added: “Our most recently opened sites in Perth and Carlisle are flying, with customers really taking to the Bob and Berts offer, and as we continue to expand and evolve, that core commitment will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
David Ferguson, director of Bob and Berts, said: “We recorded excellent results last year after coming out of the Covid pandemic strongly, having adapted our business model to include delivery and strengthening our traditional sit-in offering.
“Like every business in hospitality we are impacted by the challenges facing the economy from food and drink inflation and rising energy costs, but we have strong relationships with our suppliers and we are well placed to manage these cost increases and continue our expansion plans.”