UK – Irish chain to bring Insomnia to the Britons

Irish coffee chain Insomnia will open its first UK outlet early in 2015. Insomnia has run 10 trial self-serve coffee machines in Spar shops over the past two months to test its chances in Britain, according to the Irish Independent.It is a service it successfully offers in Ireland and early feedback indicates it has been popular in the UK, with a further roll-out planned. However, the first complete Insomnia store in the UK should open in the first quarter of next year, though sites have yet to be confirmed. Company’s sources say earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) this year are likely to hit €2.5m – around 20% higher compared to 2013. The coffee chain is owned by three businessmen – Kerr, Spar magnate John Clohisey and Harry O’Kelly.As well as opening in the UK and “scoping out” Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 13 new sites will open in Ireland before the end of the year, representing an investment of more than €1m (£785,430) and including the new locations of Galway, Cork and Dublin. The openings will bring the chain to more than 100 sites – half of which are franchises.