deli-style café franchise 'the streat' has opened its first outlet outside of Ireland. The franchise was granted to Chris Green and is sited in Glasgow's Silverburn shopping centre.

Chris, who is also a youth coach at Rangers FC's Murray Park training centre, invited Rangers striker Steven Naismith (pictured above) and Glasgow Pollock MSP Johann Lamont to officially open the store in March. 'It's really exciting being the franchise owner of the first 'streat' in Scotland,' said Chris. 'There are outlets in most towns and cities in Ireland and its a well known name over there. Being based at Silverburn, one of the busiest shopping centres in the country, is really exciting too.'

'the streat' is established in 30 locations across Ireland and was recently named Best Emerging Franchise at the Irish Franchise Association Awards. 'From the very earliest planning stages, it was my ambition for Silverburn that it would provide employment and business opportunities for local people,' added Johann Lamont MSP. 'It is always good to see where the work of the local agencies - and in particular Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency - pays off in this way. I am delighted to welcome 'the streat' to the area and to congratulate all the staff who will be working there. I am also delighted to welcome an employer who places such an emphasis on training, especially in these difficult economic times, and look forward to their contributing to our local community life.'

'the streat's' Scottish Regional Development Franchise Owner Gerry Carey said: 'Starting any business in the current climate is difficult but buying into a proven franchise business removes many of the traditional growing pains that most start-ups experience. Chris is now part of a successful business with direct access to people who have overcome the hurdles he might have encountered if he'd started an unknown business from scratch. He is also part of a business that puts a lot of emphasis on training to ensure the best staff at all times.
'We are committed to using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible which is good for local businesses. That said, we do go further afield for our coffee with just two coffee farmers from Costa Rica and Kenya supplying all our ethically produced gourmet coffee.'

Published: 30 April 2009

Back to news