A COFFEE Republic franchise, in Liverpool city centre, is open for business and thriving – despite the collapse of the chain last week.

The outlet, in Exchange Flags, is run by entrepreneurs Andy Fernandez and Sean Bee.

They insist that, since opening at the end of November, the outlet has proved a hit with central business district workers and in that time takings have doubled.

The pair have now obtained a licence to sell alcohol on the premises and are also providing an external catering service.

Administrators KPMG are seeking a buyer for the group, which was put into administration a week ago.

It operates more than 180 coffee shops across the UK, including an outlet at St Andrew Square, in Edinburgh.

Mr Fernandez said he and Mr Bee are committed to the franchise and would like to open another outlet in the city centre.

Mr Fernandez told LDP Business: “This is a really great location. We did a lot of research before we opened here – looking at footfall.

“We are happy to continue working with whoever takes over at Coffee Republic.”

Mr Bee added: “The Coffee Republic brand was not known in Liverpool until we started, but our sales have been growing week-on-week since we opened.

“People like how they are treated when they come here because we make them feel really welcome.”