The first ever Barista Bar Coffee Drive-Thru has opened in Northern Ireland.
It comes as Newtownabbey has gained a host of new services with the opening of SPAR Mallusk, the multi-million-pound investment by local business Henderson Retail.
The total renovation and extension of the store is complete after a six-month build and has created 28 jobs.
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Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group says the outlet is multi-purpose, creating a modern store packed with new services and products under one roof.
He said: “Mallusk is largely industrial with many businesses operating in the area, however it also has high passing trade and residential areas on its outskirts.
“When designing this store, we wanted to ensure we were delivering on freshly prepared food to go options, alongside an abundance of value-driven local products and essentials for tonight’s tea and beyond, as well as attractive consumer services that make us stand out in a busy marketplace.”
Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Delish and Barista Bar in-store can also be ordered online via the SPAR Savvy Shopper App and collected at store.
In-store, SPAR Mallusk will house three Barista Bar machines, one of which is new concept, Barista Bar Planted, providing non-dairy options. It is only the second machine to be introduced to stores in Northern Ireland.
Delish is Henderson’s new, fresh, food-to-go brand which is being rolled out across stores. It brings freshly made-in-store hot and cold offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mark added: “Delish at SPAR Mallusk offers the full new experience including a Burrito Bar, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Pick ‘n’ Mix, Rotisserie Chicken and indulgent Ice Cream & Shakes.
"We have carefully selected the range to provide our shoppers with fantastic quality and choice, in an easy to order format, at great everyday value. For example, the Rotisserie Chicken works really well alongside our fresh SPAR Bakery range, for an easy, ready-to-go evening meal option that can be used for lunchbox sandwiches the next day!”
Newtownabbey’s Mayfield Village Butchers bring additional fresh options, value and advice throughout their butchery range in-store.
The all-new SPAR Mallusk will continue their team’s community engagement, including their ongoing partnership with FareShare which allows shoppers to donate extra items at checkouts, as well as the store donating regularly from their own stock.
Danielle Martin, Store Manager of SPAR Mallusk said: “Our staff, shoppers and their families are residents of the local community, and we work every day to ensure we are engaging with local organisations, schools and groups to make a difference. Last month, we completed a local litter pick with the Mallusk and District Community Support Group at Mallusk Playing Fields, and we fundraise for Mallusk Presbyterian Church, recently donating coffee and treats for the Women’s Group.
“We are partnering with Sense Family Centre, the organisation for children and adults who are deafblind, or have associated disabilities, to help them raise funds towards their new sensory garden and we’ll look forward to being involved in that ongoing project. Plus, we’ll maintain the upkeep of the defibrillator we recently installed at Mallusk Primary School as well as engaging with them with regular colouring in competitions which will be works of art for our walls in store!
"Finally, we’ll partner with local charities including our official partner Marie Curie, alongside Cash 4 Kids’ Mission Christmas appeal to ensure no child in Northern Ireland goes without a present this Christmas.”
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