Jamie's Italian to open first restaurant in Ireland
Jamie Oliver is to open his first restaurant in Ireland, with the launch of a branch of Jamie's Italian in Dublin.
The restaurant will occupy a 4,500sq ft unit in the Pembroke area of Dundrum and is set to open later this year.
Jamie's Italian will work with independent Irish food producers to get the best local ingredients, including free-range meats, sustainable fish, fruit, vegetables, beverages and breads.
Work to identify suppliers has already begun, with Jamie's Italian international operations chef Marcos Georgiou visiting potential farms and factories around the country, along with Irish restaurateur Gerry Fitzpatrick, with whom Oliver has chosen to work with for Jamie's Italian in Ireland.
Commenting on entering Ireland, Oliver said: "Jamie's Italian opening in Dublin is a dream come true for me because it's a city I've loved for many years. We'll be sourcing loads of wonderful local produce to give the place a really special feel. I can't wait for us to be open."
Jamie's Italian, which first launched in 2008, currently operates more than 25 restaurants across Britain. The chain reported pre-tax profits of £4.65m in the 12 months to 2 January 2011, with a turnover of £47.62m.
Jamie's Italian also operates restaurants internationally in Dubai and Sydney, and Oliver announced earlier this year that he plans to introduce the brand to North America.
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By Kerstin Kühn
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