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Newry born chef duo Mark Haughey and John McCartney are investing half a million pounds to expand their retail brands in their home city. ‘The Food Market’ and ‘The Food House’ restaurant are planned for the Belfast Road, Newry and the duo also plan to double their workforce by the end of the year.
The friends are behind Just Good Grub (wholesale) based at WIN Business Park and the company currently serves up an incredible 25,000 meals a week. They now 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.
The Food Market will be launched at the end of this moth (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 while The Food House (Seated Restaurant) at Plaza Retail, Belfast Road will open end of 2024/early 2025, pending planning.
