New francisees grab a pizza the action at Dominos

Graham Robertson and Jamie Mulholland from Banbridge have already made a success of their franchise operation in the courier sector based in the town and are now turning their expertise to the food industry.

They took over the running of the franchise on Easter Monday and, according to Graham, trade has been steady.

“The store has already been trading from September and since then things have been going well for the business.

“All the staff who opened the store are still here. Everything has been good so far and now we will be trying to grow the business.

“Domino’s have their own aggressive plans for expansion right across the UK and Ireland and if an opportunity arises where we can play a bigger part in that and if it’s right for us then we will take it.”

The store currently operates with around 25 team members including customer service representatives, pizza makers, and pizza delivery personnel.

The new owners say that they plan to increase the workforce by growing the customer-base through good management, good customer service and quality, freshly made food.

They also plan to begin further marketing of the store as well as looking at the possibility of extending their opening hours.

“We are getting involved with Banbridge Town Juniors and Danny Domino, the company mascot, will be running in the Bann fun run,” said Graham.

“Also we’ll be making a push on our lunchtime meal deals because not a lot of people know that we are open at lunchtime. And we’re considering extending our weekend opening hours to 3am subject to a risk assessment to those who pre-pay online.”

Ulster Bank Business Manager Susan Nightingale says that the Bank is pleased to advance an Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme loan to support the entrepreneurs.

“Jamie and Graham have an impressive track record, having taken on and made a success of their existing business, and they have been able to demonstrate a clear plan for acquiring and developing the Domino’s operation,” she points out.

“They are taking on an established, proven franchise model, backed by an innovative company that has a strong brand in Northern Ireland. Combined with their entrepreneurial flair and experience, this is a business with real potential for success.”

The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme is a government backed borrowing facility designed to support SMEs.