In recent weeks, Superquinn has hired former Dunnes buyer Brian Mooney, Bruce Langlands, who held a senior role at Marks & Spencer's food operation in Ireland, and Ciara McCafferty, who was previously a buyer with Lidl's Irish operation.

The Superquinn business has also been divided into two operating units: one includes all of the larger Dublin shops in the group, while the other comprises shops outside the greater Dublin area and a number of smaller outlets in the capital.

The management changes, which also involve a move to new offices in Lucan, come ahead of a planned 3m revamp of the group's Blanchardstown store.

The new format, which will place a greater emphasis on fresh food, will be unveiled in April. If successful, the format will be introduced in all 21 Superquinn shops.

Burke declined to reveal any details of Superquinn's financial performance in recent months, but claimed that turnover was up 4% to 5% since Select Retail Holdings acquired the chain.

The new owners are close to lodging planning application for new developments at two or three locations, which would include either new or revamped Superquinn shops.