Newry Chef Duo Invest Half a Million in City Centre Deli & Restaurant
Newry born chef duo, to invest half a million pounds in expanding their retail
brands ‘The Food Market’ and ‘The Food House’ restaurant and doubling
their workforce by the end of the year.
Friends Mark Haughey and John McCartney, the chef duo behind Just Good
Grub (wholesale), have announced plans to expand their retail brand, The Food
Market and its restaurant derivative, The Food House.
The businessmen have secured close to 5,000 sq. ft. foot premises at Plaza
Retail on the Belfast Road as part of their ambitious plans to grow their retail
footprint.
They will launch The Food Market this summer (the second in the brand
portfolio) and, pending planning, PHASE II will see the addition of The Food
House seated restaurant in late 2024/early 2025 – the second for the
company, which has another located in Banbridge.
John explains: “The Food Market will open late June, with the restaurant to
follow later in the year. The Food Market will retail breakfast options, freshly
made sandwiches/subs and melts to order, serving Barista style coffee
alongside a wide range of fresh ready meals and desserts from our Just Good
Grub brand.”
It’s a significant investment by the duo who launched their food partnership in
2018, borne out of a desire to work independently, having both gained
decades of experience working in hotels and restaurants across the Down and
Armagh region.
Speaking ahead of the opening, Mark said it was an exciting first step in the
next phase of business development for their retail brands, The Food Market
and The Food House.
“We are excited to secure this prominent site in the City after some years
looking for the ideal premises. The food offering in The Food Market and its
offshoot, The Food House restaurant, will stay true the ethos of our origins –
providing simple, delicious, fresh food – created by chefs. Following on from
the success of The Food House restaurant in Banbridge, we’re delighted to
announce our plan to expand that offering to our home town and create new
employment opportunities .”
From their bespoke kitchen facilities at WIN Business Park the company cook
over 25,000 meals every week, available in 140 retail outlets. There are 250
menu options, which are regularly updated – including family favourites,
breakfast pots, Asian inspired dishes, Calorie counted meals and freshly
prepared desserts.
Their commitment to ‘fresh produce, quality ingredients and great taste’ will
be evident on the menu for the new The Food House restaurant when it’s
launched late 24/early 25, occupying a footprint close to 4,000 sq. ft.
John said: “Creating local employment and working with local suppliers has
always been a cornerstone of our business. We currently employ 65 staff
across Newry and Banbridge, and we are very proud of our team who have
supported us in our growth. The addition of a second The Food Market & deli
and a second The Food House restaurant will see that staff level double by the
end of 2024,” he adds.
The Food Market (Retail) at Plaza Retail, Belfast Road will open end June 2024.
The Food House (Seated Restaurant) at Plaza Retail, Belfast Road will open end
of 2024/early 2025, pending planning.
