A chain of 50 pizza delivery stores in the Republic employing more than 1,200 people is to be developed in coming years by Domino's Pizza, the UK pizza concern with 206 delivery outlets. Initial targets for the Irish rollout is to expand the existing five-strong chain to 15 stores by the end of this year. The expansion plan was disclosed by Domino's Pizza yesterday alongside interim results detailing 37 per cent growth in pre-tax profits to £1.02 million sterling (€1.65 million) in the half-year to June 25th on turnover up 20 per cent at £14.5 million.
The company was floated on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange last November. Around £2.5 million was raised through a share placing at 50p - a share valuing the company at £25 million. The group holds the master franchise for Domino's Pizza stores in Britain and Ireland. The franchise was granted in 1985 by Domino Pizza, the US combine with more than 6,600 corporate and franchise outlets in 25 countries.
There are four outlets in Dublin franchised to Kevin and Murph O'Driscoll. These are in Rathmines, Castleknock, Dundrum and Tallaght.
Another store in Limerick is franchised to Mr Brian McGooey and he has been granted the franchises to open new stores in Waterford and Galway later this year. Details on the intended locations of the eight other outlets expected to be opened by the end of the year are not available. New stores may be company-owned or operated by a franchisee.
A site is being sought in Dublin for a plant to produce ingredients for Domino's pizza sold in Ireland. The plant is expected to create 20 new jobs.
Mr Stephen Hemsley, finance director of Domino's Pizza, said Domino's had become the UK's number one pizza delivery brand last year. "We are certain that this success can be repeated in Ireland with its young mobile population," he said.
