By Business & Finance 
Cathal Pendred and Brian Lee, co-founder and managing director of Chopped, and at the new Chopped in Blanchardstown
Co-founder and managing director of Chopped Brian Lee has announced the opening of Chopped Blanchardstown with franchisee Cathal Pendred.
Cathal Pendred was announced as Chopped’s first official franchisee in November 2015 and the new store opening follows investment of over €250,000 to ensure Pendred’s first venture since retiring from MMA will be a success.
Speaking at the opening of the new outlet, Chopped franchisee Pendred said: “Since I announced my retirement from competitive MMA last November all my focus has gone towards establishing my new career. Working with Brian and the team at Chopped is like getting a Dragon on board. We’re benefitting from their knowledge and expertise to bring an incredible offering to the people of Blanchardstown. We know local residents, business and shoppers will enjoy our simple, healthy and nutritious Chopped salads.”
Brian Lee commented: “This isn’t our normal franchise model, but because of the relationship Cathal and I have we know this is the best approach. We’ve been working hard over the past year to find the perfect spot for a new Chopped and we have definitely found it in Blanchardstown. This is our biggest outlet to date and we’re proud to have Cathal on board.”
The store, which has seating for over 52 people, will open at Westend Shopping Park, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Coolmine, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin.
The new store will create 30 jobs and follows newly opened Chopped outlets in Grafton Street, Maxol Mulhuddart Rathmines, Sandyford and Tallaght.
Chopped’s ongoing expansion plan will bring the number of Chopped employees to 320 by the end of 2016.
