It offers the chance to own retail stores and diversify into business catering, opening mobile sandwich and coffee counters, which act as in house cafes in-large office blocks.

OBriens says its reputation is based on the exceptional quality of its goodies, particularly traditional, thick-bread Irish sandwiches with a range of fresh fillings twinned with exclusive Italian Coffee.

The Dublin-based company, which opened it's first UK store in 1995, has more than 180 branches worldwide. The recruitment drive is part of an expansion plan to have 500 stores by 2005.

O'Briens encourages potential franchisees to visit its Dublin support office before making a final decision.