The firm, which re-opened its existing shops in Kirkcaldy, Falkirk, Dumfries and Dunfermline last month, expects to launch the new Stirling store late October after its intended April opening date was postponed due to COVID-19.  

The store on Murray Place will create 25 jobs and the company plans to recruit further as its roll-out strategy progresses.  

Founded in Northern Ireland’s Portstewart, Bob & Berts expanded into Scotland in 2018 just one year after BGF made a £2 million equity investment into the company to help further drive its business growth and geographical footprint. 

Renowned for its distinctive style, quality coffee and fresh food offering combined with its local community-focused approach, Bob & Berts now has 20 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Colin McClean, who founded Bob & Berts with co-owner David Ferguson, said: “Being able to re-open our stores in Scotland was an extremely welcome moment. All sites are now fully operational with stores performing ahead of our expectations, which is really positive and shows people have missed what we offer. 

“We’re now very much looking forward to the opening of our Stirling store and expanding our brand across Scotland. We see it is a key growth area and hope to open around six new stores over the next year across Scotland with a focus on market towns to retain our local community feel.” 

Lockdown led to Bob & Berts introducing a number of new innovations including the launch of an online ordering service through its own app which has had a positive impact on sales. The app also allows customers to order for collection or delivery to their home or workplace within 30 minutes.  

David Ferguson, co-owner of Bob & Bert’s, added: “Lockdown has given us confidence that we can deliver a takeaway service and we have seen the success of our app. We know there may be more twists and turns because of coronavirus but we’re committed to delivering a great service in safe environments for our staff and customers.”  

Gemma Hamilton, a BGF investor for Central Scotland and Northern Ireland, and non-executive director of Bob & Berts, commented: “What Colin, David and their team at Bob & Berts have achieved against the exceptionally-challenging backdrop of COVID-19 is a strong endorsement of both their brand and offering, and their agility as a business to adapt to the fast-changing market conditions.  

“While there are likely to further challenges ahead in the marketplace, remaining focused and nimble as a business will be pivotal to Bob & Bert’s success in the future. We look forward to continuing to support them in the next phase of their growth story.”