Around four full-time and four part-time jobs will be created, with staff being recruited from the local community.
The former 1,545 sq. ft. Burger King corner unit is currently being fitted out and the shop is expected to open by the end of February. If restrictions are still in place, it is envisaged it will initially serve take-outs only.
Bradleys Coffee also opened a new coffee house in Llys Cadwyn, Taff Street, Pontypridd on the same day it signed the lease for St Elli. Owner and Managing Director, Jim Bradley said the St Elli branch would have a similar style of fitout.
“We had a busy end to the year in 2020 with a new lease and a new shop opening,” he said. “We now have coffee shops in Talbot Green, Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taff, in Peppers Restaurant and The Old Town Hall in Aberdare, and the new Coffee shops in Llys Cadwyn, Taff Street Pontypridd and St Elli Shopping Centre, Llanelli.
“We are a family-owned independent Welsh based brand looking to support the high street. Too much profit goes out of Wales to multinationals but if we want to compete, we must be better. We decided to invest some while ago and to continue through these difficult times. We are sure we’ll be back to near normal soon and look forward to returning to serve both our existing and new customers.
“We have one more shop to open soon and we are hoping it will be in Merthyr Tydfil, again using the skills of Cooke & Arkwright.”
Ben Davies, Associate with Cooke & Arkwright’s Retail & Leisure agency said, “Bradleys Coffee have taken Unit 1 which is in a prominent position at the Stepney Street entrance to St Elli Shopping Centre. Occupancy levels remain fairly strong for the centre despite a challenging market, and along with joint agents Jackson Criss, we are hoping to secure further lettings in the short term.
“While the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions are undoubtedly having an impact on our ability to lease available space, it is however encouraging to see operators such as Bradleys not deterred by this and continuing their expansion in other south Wales towns too.”
Charles Bevan-Barratt, St Elli Shopping Centre Manager added, “We're very pleased to welcome Bradley's to the St Elli centre, it's fantastic to have good news especially in these unprecedented times.”