Apache Pizza to create 400 jobs with 20 new stores

Existing franchisees will open some of the new facilities but the fast food giant is also trying to attract new franchisees to fuel its expansion plan.

New locations include Carryduff, Moira, Dundonald, Strangford, Saintfield, Hillsborough and Comber in Co Down, while in Co Antrim, there are stores planned for Crumlin, Whitehead, Dunmurry, Belfast’s Ormeau Road, Carnlough and Newtownabbey. A store will also open in Portstewart, Co Londonderry.

The 400 new jobs include general managers, supervisors and delivery drivers.

The business already has 181 stores on the island of Ireland, employing close to 3,000 people. There are 19 stores in Northern Ireland.

Chief executive Martin Lyons said: “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. We are looking at all areas and our plan is to open a number of new stores each month.

“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.

“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.”