As the cost of living crisis continues to force local businesses to close, there is some good news in East Belfast as a popular ice cream shop has been snatched up after going on the market.
Last week, Belfast Live shared that Morelli's Ice Cream Parlour on the Belmont Road was looking for a new owner to come in and take over the shop and since then, estate agents Independent Property Estates has been "inundated" with offers.
The Morelli's brand is one of the biggest names in ice cream across Northern Ireland, having served their award-winning flavours since 1911. With over 100 years in the industry, the established name speaks for itself when looking for a sugar fix.
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The previous owners have chosen a local man who has experience with the Morelli's brand to carry on their legacy in the East Belfast area.
Independent Property Estates described the unit as being located in an "advantageous and sought-after site" when listing the property.
They said: "Rarely does the opportunity present itself to acquire a thriving business located in the hub of the Belmont Road in East Belfast.
"This established business will provide the new buyers an ideal opportunity to acquire and develop what has become as recognised as one of the leading and award-winning boutique style ice cream parlours in East Belfast."
They said that the unit being sold in less than a week is the "positive news" that is needed in the hospitality industry at the moment.
Speaking to Belfast Live, they said: "Independent Commercial are delighted to have been appointed selling agent of Morelli’s Belmont Road. Since we listed Morelli’s Belmont Road for sale, we have been inundated with enquiries from the north/south of Ireland and also the mainland.
"Our clients had multiple offers but decided to run with a local businessman who knows the market well and knows the Morelli’s brand too.
"It’s great to see Morelli’s Belmont Road selling in less than a week, given all of the negativity around the economy and market in general - this gives our hospitality lector and local businesses, in general, some positive news that a local business man has the confidence to take Morellis Belmont Road on and will, without doubt, bring it to the next level."
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