A state-of-the-art convenience store opened today (Tuesday 21st June) in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
The opening has create 25 jobs as part of a £500,000 investment by a local businessman in partnership with Musgrave NI.
Donagh McGoveran’s Centra Cathedral Quarter, located on Donegall Street, is redefining the convenience market in Northern Ireland with a reinvigorated coffee offer, a full new range of fresh and healthy foods and a sit down area, making it easier for consumers to eat and live well.
Economy Minister Simon Hamilton who officially opened the store, commented: “I am delighted to open the Donegall Street Centra store today and to see their new innovative approach to convenience.”
“The creation of 25 new jobs with the expansion of the Centra brand is a welcome addition to the Cathedral Quarter area and I wish all the Centra staff every success with the new venture.”
Musgrave NI conducted extensive research into the changing needs of the consumer which lead to the development of market leading ranges including Super Bowl salads, Mex a Go Burrito bar, a Carvery sandwich range, a Ribs & Wings bar and Hot Boxes.
With the explosion of the café culture in Belfast, Centra has created its own brand cutting-edge Barista style Frank and Honest Coffee, with a seated area in-store for customers to enjoy, alongside a new premium patisserie range.
Michael McCormack, Musgrave NI Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to officially open our new Centra Cathedral Quarter store which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and which we believe will redefine the consumer’s view of convenience.
“We chose to invest in the Cathedral Quarter as it is a prime business location.
“The new Belfast Campus will also bring 15,000 students and the staff of the University of Ulster to our doorstep,” he continued.
“Our ambition is to create a destination for great coffee with a fresh and healthy food offer plus a sit down area to appeal to students, professional and health-conscious shoppers.
“We will soon be rolling out this new concept across all 78 of our stores in Northern Ireland,” Michael added.
Experienced retailer Donagh McGoveran, who also owns Centra Stranmillis and Malone, employing over 75 people in total, commented:
“The retail market has changed rapidly over the past few years and we’ve reinvigorated our offer to match consumers changing needs, offering a huge amount of choice.
“Whether you want to sit at our in-store café and enjoy a premium coffee, grab breakfast on the run with bircher muesli or a granola pot with your morning coffee, enjoy one of our delicious superfood salads or carvery sandwiches for lunch or visit our Burrito or Ribs & Wings bar for dinner, we have it covered,” he added.
