A GLASGOW delicatessan is to expand, creating up to 15 jobs.

The owners of Berits and Brown, in the Merchant City, have announced plans to open a second branch at the Eurocentral complex at Bellshill and have promised to develop another two shops.

Owner Murray Hannah says business has thrived since the delicatessen opened in 2007.

Mr Hannah, who jointly owns it with brother Alasdair and friend Euan Mackay, said: "There were times when we thought, 'Are we doing the right thing?' but we have shown we have something special and have stood out from the crowd.

"We feel the opportunity to open up in the new Maxim development at Eurocentral is too good to miss."

Eurocentral is a 650-acre industrial complex with a number of major firms located there and the deli owners are hoping workers there will make good use of the deli.

The trio all worked in finance but turned their back on corporate life to take a deli market gamble.

They opened their Merchant City food and wine emporium a few months after quitting their jobs and quickly developed a loyal following.

Despite the economic downturn, business is continuing to thrive and as well as their plans to open more stores, the trio want to move into catering, aiming to provide food for office meetings and social events.

In addition to food and wine, the Bellshill deli will also have a fully licensed coffee shop. Mr Hannah hopes wine tasting evenings and a wine club will keep the outlet busy after hours.

The store will mean the creation of between 10 and 15 jobs when it opens later this month.

Mr Hannah added: "People are tightening their belts and maybe only going out one weekend in every eight, rather than every weekend.

"When they do spend money on a night out they want to go and do something special and, with our fresh food and high standards, we provide that."