Irish celebrity chef Paul Rankin is to franchise his café and soup bar business in Ireland.

At present only one deal has been agreed for a site in an as yet undisclosed location, but the company is looking for other outlets in shopping centres, airports and leisure centres.

Day-to-day organisation and running of the franchise side of the business will be overseen by Rankin’s business partner and company managing director Peter Pullen.

Franchise prices start at around £40,000 with unit sizes starting at approximately 100sq ft.

The café and soup bar concept includes traditional Irish soups, deli sandwiches, pre-packed desserts and gourmet deli ranges.

Rankin said: “Our operation is simple and lends itself to the owner operator.”

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By Alix Young

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