RESTAURANT chain Pizza Express has said it has already filled more than 60 positions at two new outlets in Belfast - with plans to recruit more.
It is preparing to open at the former Potted Hen unit at St Anne's Square, with another at Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore.
When they open on September 9, it will bring the number of Pizza Express restaurants in the city to five, employing a total of 160 staff.
Pizza Express UK operations director Zoe Bowley said: "The restaurant industry in Northern Ireland is thriving, with quality and value in the fore when it comes to consumer decision making. The demand for our quality offering is such that we have seen the opportunity to expand in the city centre in to St Anne’s Square, and to Ballyhackamore village in the East of the city.
“Pizza Express first opened on Bedford Street in Belfast in 1996, so we have been part of the fabric in Northern Ireland for 20 years, while we have been a favourite on the UK High Street for 50 years.”
Earlier in the year, Pizza Express announced a partnership with food courier Deliveroo.
“Our Deliveroo partnership is also expanding in Belfast, with local users able to order via the Deliveroo app or website for takeaway from any one of our five restaurants across the city,” added Ms Bowley.
Pizza Express operates more than 460 restaurants including 14 in the Republic.
