New coffee shop ‘Ground’ will create 15 jobs in Magherafelt

Ground Expresso, owned by Coleraine couple Darren and Karen Gardiner, has invested £150,000 in refurbishing premises at The Diamond.

This will be the company’s 14th store in Northern Ireland and they are describing it as “something special.”

A spokesperson for the company said that the new store opening comes as its annual turnover grew by around one third in the last year.

The company opened its first store in Coleraine and has developed a partnership with retailer Next, opening concessions in its larger stores. The company also has a thriving store in neighbouring Cookstown.

Regional manager Jonny Ross said: “We have had a fantastic year so far. Our newest stores from Dublin to Derry are thriving. We put this down to support from the local consumers, who are driving independent retail outlets in our towns and cities.

“We have found that consumers are bucking the trend of going to the high street stores and opting for local independents such as ourselves, and this may well be because consumers know their coffee, and expect more from their chosen coffee house.

“Like many independents we offer quality coffees and local produce, coupled with friendly welcoming, local staff and will continue to do so, even with our expansion.”