Drive-Thru First for Convenience in Northern Ireland

£1 million investment in reimagined Centra Store and Drive Thru supporting 20 jobs

Centra has launched its revamped store on the A1 dual carriageway which includes a Drive Thru facility serving Frank & Honest coffee, Ireland’s largest on-the-go gourmet coffee brand.

The newly transformed 4,790 sq ft store, well positioned on the major cross border commuter route, represents one of the largest infrastructure projects in the area to date with £1m of investment and supporting 20 jobs.  The drive thru concept is a first for the retail brand on the island of Ireland.

Bright and contemporary

The bright and contemporary store offers customers an expanded food-to-go offering with hot and cold food deli counters, a rotisserie chicken carvery, a Moo’d ice cream counter, and a Frank & Honest barista bar.  The extensive range can all be enjoyed at a dedicated seating area, complete with WiFi and USB charging ports.

Additional amenities at Centra A1 include a children’s play area, toilet facilities and a Circle K forecourt with fuel available 24/7.

Redefining convenience

Nigel Maxwell, Sales Director of Centra in Northern Ireland, said “At Centra, our focus is on redefining convenience – providing our shoppers with a healthier offering and innovative ranges, particularly in food-to go and our Frank and Honest coffee brand.  The opening of Centra A1 signifies an exciting new phase in our growing portfolio of stores across Northern Ireland.

“We recognised that in a location like this, where commuter traffic is at its peak, that customers require different services and I think they will be very impressed when they come in store or use the Drive Thru. We are delighted to be working with Conor and Daire and wish them every success.”

Centra’s first drive-thru facility

Conor Ryan is the joint owner of the store, alongside his son Daire. He added“This stretch of the road has needed a service offering like this for a long time, and we are both proud and excited to be behind this newly developed store and Centra’s first Drive Thru facility.

“We’re confident that Centra A1 will cater for all customers; from those who travel along the road daily, and are in need of a quick caffeine fix, families and groups of friends on the road to Belfast and even local people living within the close range of the store.”

Centra A1 is now open and located on the Halfway Road leaving Banbridge towards Belfast.