Sandwich chain O’Briens says sales have risen by 14% across 50 stores, which have been redesigned in the past two months.

The store makeovers include a reworking of in-store signage and images, with soft seating, lighting and café tables introduced.

The franchise chain now plans to roll out the new look across all 100 of its stores in the UK and its 120 in Ireland, as well as across its total of 300 stores worldwide.

"The redesign has helped differentiate O’Briens from other high-street sandwich bars. The fact that we are owner-operated also brings an independent feel that consumers seem to trust and feel comfortable with," said Fiacra Nagle, CEO of O’Briens Sandwich Bars.