CUSTOMERS have been flocking to a new O'Briens sandwich bar in Darlington town centre.
Local couple Charlie and Melanie Pitchford have made their first venture into franchising by opening the shop in Prebend Row.
O'Briens, which built its name in Dublin, has become renowned for its thick bread sandwiches, with more than 120 outlets across the country.
Mr Pitchford said: "This turns our dream of a family business into reality. With plenty of experience in management and people, but limited knowledge of retailing, we began by investigating franchises.
"We wanted the business template, training and back-up offered by a franchise."
Mrs Pitchford is continuing to work as a special needs support teacher at Hurworth Comprehensive School.
Her husband will front the venture and another six people have been hired.
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