Staying Afloat
It is difficult to ignore that there were a significant amount of closures in the hospitality sector by the end of 2023. These may be down to a number of factors, such as rising rents and the reinstatement of the Hospitality and Tourism VAT rate to 13.5% from 9% (which we’re sure hasn’t helped any small or medium business!).
According to Una Mullally in the Irish Times, it is not just badly managed or badly marketed food businesses that are closing during this period but “excellent places are also closing, and more will fall” (Jan 8, 2024). Mullally predicts that this could be due to the Revenue deadline set for paying back tax debt, which is looming for May 1st 2024. Many hospitality businesses had to avail of this ‘lock-down lifeline’ tax exemption offered by Revenue during the COVID pandemic in order to just keep their businesses afloat.
We’re hoping the Government will reduce the VAT rate to 9% to help struggling businesses so these predictions don’t come to pass. And we’re keen to highlight that there’s been some NEW openings in Waterford City and County over the last few months, check out our recently updated ‘Open For Business’ List below…
Open For Business
ADEGA Wine Bar (1 Cathedral Square, Waterford City). Portuguese inspired Wine & Port Bar which also serves charcuterie & cheese boards and a selection of cocktails. Click website link above for opening hours.
ANTICHI SAPORI (Phoenix Yard, 39 O’Connell St, Waterford City) who’s name means ‘ancient flavours’ or ‘traditional flavours’ in Italian. Hard working food truckers Carlo and Sofia now have a permanent position for their Italian food experience in the Phoenix Yard Food Truck Market where they’re officially opened their new stall at the end of May ’24. Drop by for some of their famous and fab tasting Pizza, Pasta and hearty Italian-style Sandwiches. Opens Thurs to Sunday 1pm-9pm. Takeaway and Outdoor seating option available. Dog-friendly space too!
BUN CHA JOURNEY (20 Michael St, Waterford City). Vietnamese Cuisine- serving traditional noodle soup called Phở, barbecue known as Bún Chả, and gyoza style dumplings.
GRANNY’S TABLE FARM SHOP (Unit 6 Ecopark, Dunhill, Co. Waterford). This friendly Farm Shop stocks Barefoot Farm’s fresh produce and locally roasted coffee brand Mean Bean, bread and cakes from Sunny South Yeast Bakery, Pizza kits by Slice Pizza and a wide selection of other artisan food products.
GROW HQ (Farronshoneen, Dunmore Rd, Waterford) have added a refill shop to their list of services! THE LARDER offers a great array of organic breads, flours, grains, seeds, nuts, oils, tea etc.; with an environmentally friendly ethos of zero waste & zero packaging. Further down the line, they hope to introduce milk, vegetables and eco-detergents to the product offering. The Larder store opens Wed to Sunday 9am-5pm.
KURO Teppanyaki & Sushi Restaurant (8 the Mall, Waterford City). Asian fusion restaurant & Japanese inspired dining.
SUNNY SOUTH YEAST Bakery and Catering (58 Barrack Street, Waterford City) opened their first bakery store in May ’24 in the City Centre. Since starting their Bakery & Catering Business in 2020 they have gathered a loyal local following and support from other local business owners who stock their breads and pastries. Sourdough bread, Soda bread and Cinnamon Rolls are their specialities and we can testify that their Salted Caramel Millionaire’s Shortbread is sublime. We can’t wait to see what more is ‘in store’- Chocolate brownies, Pecan & Salted Caramel Tarts et cetera, et cetera!!! 🙂 Opening Hrs: Wed 8am-3pm/ Thu 8am-3pm/ Fri 8am-3pm/ Sat 8am-2pm (Or until sell out!)
SEAGULL BAKERY TRAMORE – are opening a Wine & Cheese Bar in their Tramore location (starting from Friday July 12th). In the past, the Bakery held pop-up wine evenings which proved hugely popular with locals so they’ve taken the next step and are now set to open for business as a Wine Bar on Fri/Sat & Sundays. They’ll be serving Natural, Biodynamic and Organic Wines along with rustic-style, Irish-sourced food. Sounds delightful and a really lovely laid-back eating-out option for Tramore too! Opening Hours: Fri & Sat 5pm-10pm. Sunday 3pm-9pm.
THE ENGINE HOUSE (Bunmahon Village, on the Copper Coast). A few months back, this Bar & Restaurant was taken over and is under new management. Opened as a Bar primarily, the owners have recently added food to its offering. It serves satisfying pub grub using locally sourced products. Check out their socials for daily menu specials too. Ample out-door seating is available in their beer garden to the rear. A lovely spot for lunch if driving the Copper Coast Route and only a ‘stones throw’ from Bunmahon Strand. Food is served: Mon-Thurs 12-8pm and Fri-Sun 12pm-9pm. You’ll find them on Instagram @thenginehouse
THE LEMON DROP (1 Broad St, Tramore, Co. Waterford). Nautical-themed Seafood Store selling chef prepared seafood meals and desserts to enjoy at home. Freshly caught in Dunmore East. Some outdoor seating is available. Check their website or Facebook page for opening hours.
We’re certain these business owners will be glad to see you so do your best to support them- browse their websites, view their food offerings, and book a table or buy from them. Follow them on their socials too for updates, menus and opening hours etc..
NOTE: If you are set to open a new food business, due to launch a food product or know of any other new business openings; please drop us an email and we’ll update and add to this article: tastefulthinkingdigital@gmail.com
WE’RE ALWAYS HAPPY TO SHARE ANY GOOD FOOD NEWS!
