Northern Ireland’s pizzeria chain, Orto Pizza, has invested £1.2m ($1.6m) in a new restaurant in Belfast and a dedicated production facility with a public artisan bakery in Moneyreagh, Down County, backed by Danske Bank.

A collaboration between Ashley French of French Village and Paul Catterson of NOVA Restaurant, Orto Pizza opened the new 3,000ft² restaurant at 648 Antrim Road, Belfast.

The brand’s fourth restaurant has been formed by combining two former units.

The new restaurant can accommodate 80 guests and has created 30 jobs.

Danske Bank senior business manager Paul Robinson stated: “Orto’s commitment to local job creation and community investment aligns perfectly with our values at Danske Bank and we are delighted to work alongside and invest in them as they continue to grow.

“We wish them well with the opening of their new locations and look forward to seeing and playing our part in their continued success in the years to come.”

The restaurant brand opened its maiden location at Stranmillis in March 2022 and has since expanded to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and Bedford Street.

The Moneyreagh production facility, due to open between June and August 2025, will include FERA, Orto’s artisan bakery, which will supply all Orto locations and also welcome public visitors.

These developments will increase Orto Pizza’s workforce in Northern Ireland to 150.

The company plans to announce further expansion within the next five years.

Orto Pizza managing director Ashley French stated: “It is an incredibly exciting time for us at Orto as we see the brand continue to grow. We have ambitious plans for the future.

“Opening our fourth location is a huge testament to the team we have and our loyal customers. We have been welcomed into multiple new communities, and we can’t wait to meet our new Antrim Road customers.”