Restaurant - Neighbourhood Retailer

Bengal Brasserie in free Christmas dinners pledge

Joe Kearney — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:30:22 +0000

Belfast’s Bengal Brasserie on Belfast’s Ormeau Road marked its 33^rd birthday on Monday with a promise to provide Christmas dinners for up to 150 people caught up in the cost-of-living meltdown.

Restaurant owner, Luthfur Ahmed, said helping those less fortunate in the community was always something the Bengal Brasserie did during the festive season.

As well as confirming Christmas dinners, the restaurant is marking its birthday with a half-price offer all this week. All food items will be slashed by half until Saturday 29^th October.

Luthfur said: “We were unable to do our traditional Christmas dinners over the past two years because of the Covid pandemic but we did deliver to organisations looking after those most in need. We managed to get through that really difficult time only to be hit with this awful cost-of-living crisis.

“People are really struggling to make ends meet and my heart goes out to them. If we can help to ease the burden and bring some relief for them, then it will be all worthwhile.

“The Bengal Brasserie is part of the life and soul of the Ormeau Road and we’re looking forward to our birthday party when we will showcase some of the wonderful dishes our chefs will create for the occasion.

“Monday evening promises to be a great occasion when we can reflect on difficult times past and look forward to a brighter future for all our loyal customers.”

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Tim Hortons expands in NI with two new openings

Linda Stewart — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:57:43 +0000

Restaurant chain Tim Hortons has announced it will open two new restaurant and drive-thrus in Newtownards and West Belfast later this year, as part of its further growth and expansion in Northern Ireland.

Famed for its coffee, delicious donuts and signature Timbits, fans of the brand and visitors to the local area will get to experience a taste of Canada much closer to home.

The new venue in Newtownards is located in Castlebawn Retail Park, whereas the West Belfast location is in The Kennedy Centre, bringing the total number of Tim Hortons venues in Belfast to four.

The restaurants are set to create a total of 100 jobs for the local community, offering a combination of full-time and part-time roles with impressive progression and training opportunities.

Each venue will offer dine-in seating for up to 90 guests as well as its renowned drive-thru service for those on-the-go. Delivery options will also be made available following the launch.

Customers can expect coffee, freshly baked donuts and Timbits as well as delicious breakfast, lunch and evening meal options, including hot sandwiches, wraps and burgers.

Tim Hortons is known for its impressive opening giveaways, so locals and fans close to the Northern Ireland locations are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled and follow the Tim Hortons® Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages for more news.

Kevin Hydes, chief commercial officer of Tim Hortons franchise in the UK, said: “We have a huge fan base in Northern Ireland, so we are particularly excited to bring Tim Hortons to Newtownards and West Belfast. Both of which have a thriving community, full of families, commuters, and individuals that will be delighted to hear we’re bringing our Canadian charm a little closer to home.

“Our amazing team play a key part in the success of our brand, and we are delighted to announce over 50 roles will be on offer at each restaurant. We cannot wait to connect with the wonderful communities and welcome applications from all those passionate about a career in hospitality, no matter the experience.”

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£2m Ballyclare forecourt scheme gets the green light

Linda Stewart — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:45:06 +0000

Plans to transform the derelict site beside Watt’s Garage filling station on the Ballynure Road in Ballyclare, creating 25 jobs, have been given the green light by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

The plans include two new units and a restaurant, along with improvements to the existing petrol forecourt with the creation of additional parking, improved traffic flows and access to the post office, ATM, paypoint, convenience store and hot food deli.

New ultra-fast 150kw electric charging points will also be installed, the first of its kind in the area.

Family-run Watts Garage, which was established 67 years ago, has designed the development closely with the council to enhance the area.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Stephen Ross said: “I welcome this £2m investment in Ballyclare. This project will complement the Council’s revitalisation projects and enhance the gateway to Ballyclare.

“It will also provide up to 25 full and part time jobs with a further 20 jobs being created during construction.”

Managing director Daryl Watt said: “This £2m investment reconfirms our confidence in the Borough. This refurbishment work is only possible thanks to the support from our loyal customers over the past 67 years and we hope that this project will enable us to continue to support our community into the future.”

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Dobbies gets green light for £10m Antrim store

Linda Stewart — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:54:12 +0000

Plans for Dobbies to open a £10m flagship store in Antrim, expected to attract one million customers per year and create 100 jobs, have been given the green light.

The 110,000 sq ft unit will be based at The Junction Retail Park and will be one of the largest in Dobbies’ garden centre estate.

It will sell plants and gardening products, books, toys and gifts, as well as seasonal items. The store will also feature a food hall and restaurant, a pet department, homeware and a cookshop.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Billy Webb said: “This new flagship store will bring over 150 new full and part time jobs to the Borough and represents another significant investment which will further enhance Antrim’s reputation as a destination for retail, leisure, food and hospitality.”

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive at Dobbies, added: “We’re delighted to have been given the green light to move ahead with our plans to open our store at The Junction, building on the success of our established Lisburn garden centre.

“Its prime position off the M2, just north of Belfast City Centre and towards the popular Antrim coast, will allow us to bring the Dobbies experience to a new area within Northern Ireland.”

The Dobbies chain was established in 1865 and today has 73 stores UK-wide.

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Sainsbury’s plans to close 200 cafes across UK

Linda Stewart — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:06:44 +0000

Supermarket group Sainsbury’s says it plans to close 200 in-store cafes next month, putting 2,000 jobs at risk as it brings in third-party providers instead.

The UK’s second largest grocer also said it would close hot food counters in 34 stores and simplify the way it runs its bakeries in another 54.

It said the impacted cafe staff will be prioritised for vacant roles in stores and will be encouraged to explore alternative roles within the wider business.

Sainsbury’s said it aims to redeploy the affected staff on hot counters and bakeries.

A deal with Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) will see 30 more Restaurant Hubs open in Sainsbury’s stores over the next year, following a successful trial at the group’s Selly Oak store in Birmingham.

The hubs offer customers eat-in, takeaway and home delivered hot food and drink from brands including Caffè Carluccio’s, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Diner and Slim Chickens.

Sainsbury’s also plans to open a further 30 Starbucks coffee shops in its supermarkets over the next year, taking the total to 60.

“Working with BRG and Starbucks, Sainsbury’s plans to transform the eat-in, takeaway and home delivered hot food and drink offer in 250 of its supermarkets over the next three years,” it said.

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