STARBUCKS look set to open three new outlets in the north.
It’s understood the US coffee giant will open new stores in Belfast, Derry and Newtownards.
The move will take its presence in Northern Ireland to 26 outlets.
Starbucks this week confirmed it is actively recruiting for a new coffee shop in Derry, its third in the city.
It’s understood the new location will be based on the busy Strand Road thoroughfare.
Meanwhile, two new drive-thru outlets are in development in north Belfast and north Down.
Planning approval was issued on Thursday for a new drive-thru Starbucks at the revamped Hillview Retail Park on Belfast’s Crumlin Road.
The shopping outlet, which lay dormant for more than a decade, was revived last year with Lidl and Home Bargains moving in.
Now Starbucks is set to open up this year, following the green light for a new development in the retail park’s car park.
The application was submitted by Raspet Limited, whose address is unit 5 of the Connswater Shopping Centre, the unit which is home to Starbucks at the east Belfast retail complex.
Industry monitor Construction Information Services Ireland estimates the Hillview development will represent an investment of around £500,000.
Hillview Retail Park is owned by Killultagh Estates, which also owns both the Connswater Shopping Centre and the Castlebawn Shopping Centre in Newtownards.
Planning officials in Ard and North Down are currently considering another separate planning application from Raspet Limited for a new drive-thru just south-west of the Castlebawn complex.
