Before becoming franchisees Alan worked in the financial services industry while his son Andrew was a professional chef. So far, the pair have hired six full and part-time staff to help run their O'Briens outlet.

'Gretna Gateway is a superb, high profile location to launch our O'Briens café business,' said Alan. 'As well as offering a sit in and takeaway service and providing a welcome break for some of the thousands of shoppers who visit the outlet village each day, we have created an excellent food preparation area within this large cafe. This will allow us to build the O'Briens catering service and take the offer far beyond the shop.

'When I decided to change my career and to go into business with my youngest son, it was always a food franchise that we wanted to go for, especially given Andrew's talent. In fact, it was the O'Briens catering that led us to the brand in the first place, as I had used the service in my previous role and knew the quality of the offer first hand. Once this first business is established, we will look at other potential locations for our second café outlet.'

O'Briens menu includes a range of healthy, seasonal choices, with signature hot and cold sandwiches. From Tootsies, Tripledeckers, Wrappos to shamrock-shaped focaccio and wholemeal Shambos. Along side the sandwiches O'Briens serves tossed salads, organic deli snacks, freshly baked products, juices, smoothies, soups and Fairtrade teas and speciality coffees.

Gretna Gateway Outlet Village General Manager, Peter Gardner comments: 'We are delighted that O'Briens is joining us, as it is another well-known name to add to our tenant line-up, which will strengthen our overall offer and appeal. Although many people will be familiar with O'Briens' outlets elsewhere, it is now great to be able to introduce them to our local area, and we wish Alan and Andrew every success with this new venture.'

Published: 20 August 2008

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