Martin McKeown (centre) pictured with Store Manager James McKnight and Sales Assistant Yasamin Sahafian celebrate the opening of the new Chipmongers store on University Road, Belfast. Picture by Press Eye

RETAIL and wholesale giant, Musgrave has opened its first Belfast Chipmongers, the successful chip shop franchise, on the University Road, creating nine jobs and investing £130k. 

The owner, Martin McKeown (54), originally from the Ormeau Road, Belfast, is delighted to be part of a successful brand.

He explained: “I have a background in printing and brand development so when I saw the Chipmongers colour palate and memorable logo I was struck by how well it looked and I was intrigued to find out more.

“However, it was when I saw the menu and tasted the food that my mind was made up as the quality of the food, provided by Musgrave, is incredible.”

Martin, who had been searching for a business to invest in, met with the Chipmongers team and quickly realised the potential of the business model.

“In previous businesses, I had become tired of waiting for invoices to be settled and the resulting cash flow issues it caused”, explained Martin.

““I wanted to remove that uncertainty altogether in my next venture which is why Chipmongers was appealing to me as people are paying at the time of purchase.”

Currently, there is a Chipmongers in Lisburn and a new store has just opened in Ballymena, with plans to open more in Northern Ireland, and Martin is excited about the potential:

“I’m delighted to help play a role in re-energising an area of Belfast which was always popular with students.

“The potential of the passing trade and proximity to Queen’s University, City Hospital, and many other businesses, is a major plus for the location.

“As well as this, there are a few big developments planned for the area, including a bar across the street, so I feel it’s the right business, in the right location at the right time.”

Already there is an exciting buzz about the notion of the traditional chippy being given a modern twist, so what are the dishes that Belfast people are already coming back for?

Martin explained: “Chipmongers prides itself on our food being freshly prepared and the use of only quality ingredients.

“Our delicious chips are freshly prepared on site and customers love the option to ‘Shake a Flavour’ on their chips, including ‘Rosemary Salt’, ‘Cajun Salt’, ‘Spice it Up’, or the very popular ‘Chicken Salt’.

“As well as the traditional chip shop options, including curry and gravy chips and our succulent fish in a beautifully light crispy batter, we have something for everyone!

“We have a variety of tasty chip toppings including sticky Korean BBQ pulled pork, chilli con carne with sour cream and grated cheese and ‘baconnaise’ sauce with grated cheese.

“A must for burger lovers is the Chipmonger Burger which has a ‘satisfying crunch’, 4oz 100% Irish beef burger, crispy onions, Applewood smoked cheese, mixed leaves topped with hickory BBQ sauce served on lightly toasted brioche bun.

“We have many other mouth-watering dishes like our Chicken or Fish Goujon Boat and our Chipper Nipper meals to keep the little ones satisfied”, concluded Martin.

Find us on Chipmongers.com.  Download and order from our Chipmongers App.  Chipmongers is open 7 days a week, Mon-Thurs 12am-11pm, Fri-Sat 12am-2 am and Sun 3pm – 11pm.