A new coffee chain is to enter the Irish market creating 500 jobs.
Pret A Manger says it is to open 20 shops within the next decade across the island of Ireland.
The British company is expanding into Ireland after an agreement of terms were reached with franchise partner Carebrook Partnership Ltd.
As part of the deal 20 Pret shops will be established - with the first set to open on Dawson Street in Dublin this summer, creating 25 jobs.
Carebrook Partnership Ltd is one of Pret's longest serving franchise partners, overseeing many of its shops in London.
The majority co-owner, Gerard Loughran, grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary and has over 30 years' experience in the UK and US food sector.
Minority co-owner Ray McNamara is from Dublin, and has 25 years' experience in the Irish food industry - including ownership of Ann's Bakery.
A Pret A Manger café is seen in London, England in February 2011. Picture by: Alistair Laming / Alamy Stock PhotoThe franchise agreement follows a Pret announcement last year that it would aim to double the size of the business within five years, including launching into five new markets by the end of 2023.
It is also rolling out a recruitment programme, aiming to hire at least 3,000 people globally.
Pano Christou, CEO at Pret A Manger, says: "Setting up shop in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland has been our plan for a long time, and we’re thrilled that we’re finally able to make it happen.
"There has long been demand from our neighbours on the island of Ireland to bring Pret’s freshly prepared food and organic coffee, and now with the backing of Carebrook Partnership Ltd we’re able to do so. We look forward to making this partnership a success."
Gerard Loughran, CEO of Carebrook Partnership Ltd, adds: "We’ve been working with Pret for over three decades, ever since they arrived in London.
"Having grown up in Tipperary, and with more than two decades of experience in the hospitality and food industry, I’ve always wanted to bring Pret to Ireland and Northern Ireland, so I’m delighted that this will soon become a reality alongside my co-owner Ray, who has great connections and links to the food sector in Dublin with 25 years’ experience."
Pret will compete against several other coffee chains with a substantial presence in Ireland including Insomnia, Starbucks and Costa.
