Newtownabbey has gained a host of new services on its doorstep with the highly anticipated opening of SPAR Mallusk, the multi-million-pound investment by local business Henderson Retail.
The all-new outlet also brings the first ever Barista Bar Coffee Drive-Thru exclusively to the local area. The total renovation and extension of the store is complete after a 6-month build, has created 28 jobs and is now a space where those who live and work in the area can pick up everything for tonight’s tea, as well as breakfast, lunch or dinner on the go.
Mark McCammond, Retail Director at Henderson Group says the outlet is multi-purpose, creating a modern store packed with new services and products under one roof; “Mallusk is largely industrial with many businesses operating in the area, however it also has high passing trade and residential areas on its outskirts.
“When designing this store, we wanted to ensure we were delivering on freshly prepared food to go options, alongside an abundance of value driven local products and essentials for tonight’s tea and beyond, as well as attractive consumer services that make us stand out in a busy marketplace.”
This strategy has resulted in a unique and exclusive food to go offering, from SPAR’s newest food to go brand, Delish, complemented by Northern Ireland’s first Barista Bar Drive-Thru and a Subway counter, a combination of products and services that will be a huge draw to the high footfall, low dwell time shopper the team expect for the area.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Delish and Barista Bar in-store can also be ordered online via the SPAR Savvy Shopper App and collected at store, a real plus for time pressed consumers.
“Every part of the store has been considered and built for differing shopper demands. Barista Bar, created by Henderson Group’s foodservice business, Henderson Foodservice, has seen exceptional growth in the past couple of years. The popular coffee brand has gained an even greater presence in our SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores and now we are delighted to introduce the first drive-thru concept for the brand in Northern Ireland," Mark continued.
“Shoppers can expect the full Barista Bar experience at the drive-thru with signature cappuccino, americano and lattes, alongside specialities from flat whites to mochas and chai teas. There is even more choice available as customers will be able to personalise their drinks with a plant-based milk alternative (oat) and the decaf options available. We will also have seasonal specialities, and shoppers can take advantage of a full hot breakfast, lunch and treats menu from Delish.”
In store, SPAR Mallusk will house threeBarista Bar machines, one of which is new concept, Barista Bar Planted, providing the same great taste and quality of a signature Barista brew with non-dairy options at the touch of a button. It is only the second machine to be introduced to stores in Northern Ireland.
Delish is Henderson’s new, fresh, food to go brand which is being rolled out across stores. It brings freshly made-in-store hot and cold offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from traditional hot food to culinary trends, all made with quality ingredients.
“Delish at SPAR Mallusk offers the full new experience including a Burrito Bar, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken Pick ‘n’ Mix, Rotisserie Chicken and indulgent Ice Cream & Shakes. We have carefully selected the range to provide our shoppers with fantastic quality and choice, in an easy to order format, at great everyday value. For example, the Rotisserie Chicken works really well alongside our fresh SPAR Bakery range, for an easy, ready to go evening meal option that can be used for lunchbox sandwiches the next day!," Mark continued.
Value can also be seen throughout the additional fresh food bays which hold hundreds of locally sourced fresh lines, with a price lock on produce and everyday essentials throughout SPAR’s own brand ranges from SPAR Enjoy Local to The CHEF and The Kitchen – all created using local ingredients. Newtownabbey’s Mayfield Village Butchers bring additional fresh options, value and advice throughout their butchery range in-store.
As a store that has been in the heart of the local community for over 20 years, the all-new SPAR Mallusk will continue their team’s community engagement, including their ongoing partnership with FareShare which allows shoppers to donate extra items at checkouts, as well as the store donating regularly from their own stock.
Danielle Martin, Store Manager of SPAR Mallusk added; “Our staff, shoppers and their families are residents of the local community, and we work every day to ensure we are engaging with local organisations, schools and groups to make a difference. Last month, we completed a local litter pick with the Mallusk and District Community Support Group at Mallusk Playing Fields, and we fundraise for Mallusk Presbyterian Church, recently donating coffee and treats for the Women’s Group.
“We are partnering with Sense Family Centre, the organisation for children and adults who are deafblind, or have associated disabilities, to help them raise funds towards their new sensory garden and we’ll look forward to being involved in that ongoing project. Plus, we’ll maintain the upkeep of the defibrillator we recently installed at Mallusk Primary School as well as engaging with them with regular colouring in competitions which will be works of art for our walls in store! Finally, we’ll partner with local charities including our official partner Marie Curie, alongside Cash 4 Kids’ Mission Christmas appeal to ensure no child in Northern Ireland goes without a present this Christmas.”
The community focused store also provides additional parking, with 80 parking spaces and a 4-pump MAXOL forecourt on site, while in-store, additional services include a full-service Post Office and three self-checkouts for greater efficiency at peak times within the store.
SPAR Mallusk is open Monday – Sunday, 6am – 11pm, with the Barista Bar Drive-Thru open daily, 7am – 7pm.
Panel discussion at the relaunch of the SAITG on 3 March 2025
