BELFAST brothers Gary and Neil White have secured the Northern Ireland franchise for the American snack chain Dunkin' Donuts.

Dunkin' Donuts, one of the largest coffee and dough nut companies in the world, was established in Boston in 1950 and has over 3,000 outlets in the US, and franchise operations in 24 countries. It is estimated to sell around four million doughnuts a day worldwide.

The first Belfast store is due to open within the next few months, and there are plans to open another 12 in various locations around Northern Ireland, with up to 50 Dunkin' Donuts in store retail counters. It is expected that the business could create up to 250 jobs.

Mr Neil White, who began looking for the franchise when he wrote to the company's parent group Allied Domecq seven years ago, believes it will be a big hit with Northern Ireland consumers.

"Many people here already know the name," he says. "It is a worldwide brand leader, and we aim to make it just as successful in Northern Ireland as it has been in the rest of the world."

All the products for the dozen or so stores, including doughnuts, muffins, and cookies, will be produced at a central bakery, which is expected to be set up in the Belfast area.