Apache Pizza merges with Spanish Giants Telepizza
Niall Murray, owner of the Apache Pizza franchise in Mullingar, has welcomed the news that Spanish Giants Telepizza have acquired a majority stake in the company.
As the largest non US pizza franchises in the world, Telepizza opened its doors in Madrid in 1987 and has since spread its operations to every continent, with 1,600 outlets worldwide employing 26,000 people.
In recent years, the company investigated an expansion into the Irish and UK markets, and instead of starting from scratch, identified Apache as the best model for acquisition and further expansion.
“They spent two years doing due diligence, and recently bought a Majority stake in Apache,” Niall told the Westmeath Examiner. “It’s a great move for Apache. It will provide us with the necessary international support and knowledge with which to grow the business and transition into the UK market’’.
“It also means that with Brexit coming down the tracks, we now have the backup of a multi-national company in terms of buying power and continuity of supply.”
Niall’s Apache franchise at Blackhall Street, Mullingar has contributed significantly to the success of Apache Pizza and therefore the attractiveness of the Telepizza acquisition.
Opened in 2005 as the 20th Apache outlet, the business has since expanded to 165 outlets nationwide. The ‘€9.99 pizza’ offer initiated, supported and adopted by Niall in Mullingar during the last decade, became central to Apache’s business model as franchises opened and thrived even through the crippling recession years.
The success of the business model, ultimately, convinced Telepizza to make their investment.
Niall said that entrepreneurs locally or beyond should take note that the move will lead to the creation of many more Apache franchises in Ireland initially and particularly in Scotland & Wales
“If anybody is looking for a business opportunity, they should login to Apache.ie and make contact,” he said.
New, exciting times are afoot for Apache in Mullingar, with the introduction of new menu options - including the tantalising ‘Nacho Volcano’ dish - a tangy pizza decorated with nachos and taco, with a lava-like centre of molten cheese and nacho dip.
Niall and his staff are also working in partnership with Mullingar gym NGS, which recommends Apache to its clients for occasional ‘cheat days’ in their fitness regime. “There’s a lot of good carbs in our food, and for example, there are less calories in our thin-based medium pizza than you’ll find in a 10-inch wrap,” Niall added.
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