Stirling branch still on menu for coffee chain
Owners of a food and coffee shop chain have said they are still committed to opening in Stirling despite Covid-19 pressures on the economy.
Bob & Berts, which re-opened its existing shops in Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Dumfries and Dunfermline last month, expect to launch the new Stirling store late October after its intended April opening date was postponed due to lockdown.
The store on Murray Place will create 25 jobs.
Founded in Northern Ireland’s Portstewart, Bob & Berts expanded into Scotland in 2018.
Offering coffee and fresh food, it now has 20 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The owners first indicated that they planned to open in Stirling at the start of 2019.
Colin Mcclean, who founded the business with co-owner David Ferguson, said: “Being able to reopen our stores in Scotland was an extremely welcome moment. “All sites are now fully operational with stores performing ahead of our expectations.
“We’re now very much looking forward to the opening of our Stirling store and expanding our brand across Scotland. We see it is a key growth area and hope to open around six new stores over the next year across Scotland with a focus on market towns to retain our local community feel.”
Co-owner David added: “Lockdown has given us confidence that we can deliver a takeaway service.
“We know there may be more twists and turns because of coronavirus but we’re committed to delivering a great service in safe environments for our staff and customers.”
Bob & Berts is one of over 30 companies in Scotland to have received investment from investment company BGF
Last month, BGF made an investment of £2.7 million in Scotland’s largest family-owned paint retailer, The Paint Shed. As a result, the funding has enabled the Stirling-headquartered business to expand online and open additional stores – all of which will create 20 new jobs over the next 24 months.