Former UFC star Cathal Pendred opens salad store
Salad chain Chopped is creating 30 jobs in Dublin with the opening a new outlet in Blanchardstown.
UFC fighter Cathal Pendred is the owner of the franchise outlet after an investment of €250,000, his first venture since retiring from MMA.
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.
"Today is a big day for me," said Pendred.
"Since I announced my retirement from competitive MMA last November all my focus has gone towards establishing my new career.
"I’ve set up a new company to facilitate this and I am working on a number of projects that will all be focussed on the health food industry.
"It’s important to make sure that my first step on this journey will be a success and with this new Chopped I’m confident it will be.
"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, co-founder and managing director of Chopped said: "We’re delighted to be opening our newest Chopped in Blanchardstown with Cathal.
"When we decided to start a franchising programme last year I spoke to Cathal about it and he was eager to get involved, because he knows first-hand how important healthy eating is.
"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.”
