Cork coffee chain Boxd to open new outlet in Blackpool as total staff numbers set to top 100

Cork coffee chain Boxd coffee is continuing to expand its operations, eyeing two new outlets, including one in Blackpool, despite permission being refused to retain its drive-thru outlet in Midleton.

The chain, headed by cousins Michael Harding and Aidan Kiely, currently operates drive-thrus and walk-up cafés on Ballincollig's Link Road and the Carrigrohane Straight Road. It also operates a café on the Bandon Road, along with the Swoon dessert outlet on Oliver Plunkett Street and a kiosk in Douglas.

Last week, Boxd was granted planning permission for new premises on the city's Washington Street, with planners in City Hall giving the go-ahead to change the use of the vacant ground-floor office at Florence Buildings on the corner of Washington St and Hanover Place into a café. 

In addition to this, the company has now confirmed it is opening a new outlet in a vacant unit of the Blackpool Shopping Centre in September and expects to be in a position to announce a further Cork location in the near future.

The expansions will see Boxd's employee numbers rise above 100 in the coming months with the company firmly committed to expansion in Cork. Boxd has also received interest from outside Cork and abroad with the potential for the chain's model to be expanded further.

In relation to the Midleton, the company is currently examining the planning decision and has the option of appealing it to An Comisiun Pleanála.

Separately, Boxd is awaiting a planning decision to retain its drive-thru on the Carrigrhane Straight Road, which remains open for business. A decision on that application is expected this month.