Bagel Nash crosses the Pennines
Yorkshire-based Bagel Nash is to open five new stores in Manchester.
The first, a flagship store will open on Tuesday 11 March at the UK's largest city centre shopping mall, Arndale Centre, followed in April by branches in the Spinningfields new financial centre and the Trafford Centre.
Two additional city centre locations are currently being negotiated and together the new stores will create around 50 new jobs.
The Leeds-based company operates two divisions, a gourmet bagel bakery and a retail bagel and espresso bar operation. Bagel Nash Bakery produces around 10,000,000 bagels per year and is considered to be one of Europe's premier bagel producers exporting frozen bagels to more than 20 countries around the globe.
The company selected the Arndale Centre, Spinningfields and Trafford Centre for its northwest retail debut as part of its national brand expansion programme, which is being headed by retail director, Rob Bywell.
The company plans to invest further in the region, with 10 stores scheduled for 2008.
Commenting on the store openings, Uri Mizrahi, Bagel Nash founder and managing director, said: “Having spent the last 20 years building up an enviable reputation in Leeds and surrounding areas, we were regularly being approached by our customers asking when we would cross the Pennines. We are now delighted to be announcing the openings, which mark the next stage of our exciting plans.”
Retail director, Rob Bywell added: “The next 12 to 18 months will see the main bulk of investment in our expansion programme taking place in northern commercial centres including Manchester. By 2010 our target is to have significantly increased the size and scope of our business, and to be recognised as a leading food retail brand.”
Bagel Nash offers 26 varieties of bagels, plus wraps and paninis, speciality Fairtrade coffees, fresh smoothies and freshly baked muffins.
Bagel Nash is owned and run by founders Mr Mizrahi and his wife Karen who opened the first store in Moortown in Leeds in 1987 and they now have four other outlets in Leeds, one in York and a franchised store in Shaftesbury Avenue in London.
Its head office is on Buslingthorpe Green Industrial Estate in Meanwood, Leeds.
