Fast food pizza delivery restaurants Apache Pizza is creating 400 new jobs with the opening of 20 new stores in Northern Ireland.
The popular pizza chain plans to open new stores in all areas across Northern Ireland throughout the year.
The locations of the first new stores include Carryduff, Moira, Dundonald, Strangford, Saintfield, Hillsborough and Comber in Co Down; Crumlin, Whitehead, Dunmurry, Ormeau Road, Carnlough and Newtownabbey in Co Antrim; and Portstewart in Co Derry.
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The 400 new jobs include permanent, full-time and part-time positions for general managers, supervisors, team members and delivery drivers and offer flexible working conditions, full training and attractive opportunities for career advancement.
The new premises will be opened by new and existing franchisees and Apache Pizza is actively seeking local entrepreneurs to become new franchisees as part of its rapid expansion plan which is being fuelled by soaring pizza sales.
“We are delighted to expand our presence in Northern Ireland and to create new job and new franchise opportunities in local communities. Being local is what is driving our growth and rapid expansion plan," said Martin Lyons, CEO of Apache Pizza.
"We are looking at all areas and our plan is to open a number of new stores each month.
“Our pizzas are hugely popular and our online sales have grown by over 32% because we are local to homes, businesses, schools and universities.
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"We are continuing to grow and expand because our stores are focused on offering Delivery and Take-Out and on making quality, tasty pizzas which can be enjoyed anywhere, at any time,” he added.
“Our rapid expansion plan for Northern Ireland provides people with an immediate opportunity to secure local employment and to develop their careers locally.
"We also have fantastic opportunities for local entrepreneurs who want to run their own business and join us in being part of Ireland’s most recognisable and popular pizza chain."
Apache Pizza operates 181 stores and employs over 2,750 people in communities all over the island of Ireland.
Meanwhile, local entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming franchisees and running their own company as part of the Apache Pizza chain will receive full training and operational support to thrive in their local cities and towns.
Entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming franchisees do not require previous business management experience. All applications can be made online HERE.
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