Belfast burrito chain Boojum has been sold to new owners, it can be revealed.

The Mexican fast food sensation — which now boasts five stores across Ireland — is now being sold on.

It's understood staff were told on Thursday that the thriving business would be taken over, but reassured them it would business as usual.

And it has been taken over by Belfast brothers David and Andrew Maxwell — a former Ulster Rugby player.

Owner, John Blisard, a native of Philadelphia, has been living in Belfast since 2006, and opened his first "fast casual" food outlet in Botanic Avenue in 2007.

Boojum has been a huge success story, with a second of the Mexican burrito bars opening in Chichester Street in 2010.

It now boasts five outlets across Ireland, including two in Belfast, two in Dublin and one in Galway.

A popular spot for students and workers in Belfast, Boojum has become famed for its huge success, often leading to long queues snaking outside its two city outlets. And the company is planning to hire new staff — hosting a recruitment day at Jurys in Belfast next week.

John Blisard and his wife Karen further expanded their foodie business empire in 2012, opening a barbecue joint in the city centre.

Belfast Telegraph