COFFEE AND smoothies retail chain Maui Wowi Hawaiian said aloha to Ireland yesterday as it opened its first outlet here at the Ilac Centre in Dublin.

Paul Hickey, the master franchiser for Ireland, said up to 25 units could be opened in Ireland over the next three to five years, creating up to 180 jobs.

The US company said it would bring its “world-renowned” Kona coffee, and fresh fruit, preservative- and gluten-free smoothies to the Irish market.

It has started with a kiosk in the Ilac Centre, which stretches from Dublin’s busy Henry Street back to Parnell Street, but will also look at opening a traditional seated cafe or a mobile catering unit, or Tiki Bar as it calls them.

“We have already created seven new jobs and believe we will create up to 180 in the Irish market,” Mr Hickey said.

“Our plan is to develop up to 25 units nationally with our simple, cost-effective, non-royalty-based and low entry fee franchise model.”

Maui Wowi was set up in 1982 by husband-and-wife team Jeff and Jill Summerhays to provide healthy treats for their family.

Now based in Colorado, it has more than 600 outlets worldwide.