Fermoy Forum

<p>Cork is often lauded as the foodie capital of Ireland, and we're sure many of you Corkonians would agree! With so many incredible restaurants and cafes to choose from, Fermoy locals really are so lucky to have such a strong food scene on their doorstep. This week for our Local Business Spotlight, we caught up with Ed McCarthy, owner of the wonderful Cafe Ed.</p>
<p>Father and son duo Martin and Ed combined their expertise in food and business to open Cafe Ed, a family-run restaurant located in the heart of Fermoy,&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ed is a well-established Chef with over 15 year’s experience in the industry, having worked in restaurants and hotels across Cork, as well as overseas. He has brought his skill, wealth of knowledge and expertise to Fermoy to create a dining experience for everyone to enjoy.</p>
<h3>Can you tell us a little bit about the father-son team behind Cafe Ed?</h3>
<p>My Father has a wealth of experience, having run businesses for over 40 years. That, combined with my 20 years working in the hospitality industry, makes for a great team.</p>
<h3>As a well-established chef, how has your previous experience inspired your restaurant and menu?</h3>
<p>I am a well-travelled chef, having been to South America, New Zealand and Australia where I worked among many different cultures. My experience abroad has given me the drive and passion to be both creative and at the same time, to try not to complicate my menus.</p>
<h3>How important is it to source ingredients and buy locally?</h3>
<p>It has never been more important to buy and shop locally. It has been a very uncertain time for many shops and businesses in the town. Fermoy is a loyal community and I believe the people of this town will always continue their support for the local businesses.&nbsp;</p>
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<h5 style="text-align:center;">Takeaway breakfast platter at Cafe Ed. Our mouths are watering 😋</h5>
<h3>In your opinion, what is the key to building a successful local business?</h3>
<p>Every Business is different and certainly, hospitality is a very varied industry. It can range from Michelin stars restaurants to the artisan food market to fast foods chains. I believe the key is to find what the customer wants. Once you have that you are halfway there. I believe service is every bit as important as what comes out of the kitchen, if not more important. I am very blessed to have an excellent front of house staff.</p>
<h3>How has Covid-19 affected your business overall?</h3>
<p>COVID-19 has had a massive impact on Cafe Ed as it has right across the hospitality industry. As the pandemic hit, I was forced to close the door. After a brief time closed, we decided to operate a takeaway. You are kind of forced to think outside the box so we opened for Christmas day serving 5-course platters to feed families and we launched our own homemade wing sauces.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In these unprecedented times, it is very hard to plan for the future. We still don't have a confirmed opening date or know what capacity we will be allowed. We have had many enquiries asking if they could book out the restaurant for a private function but we just don't know what numbers will be permitted.</p>
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<h5>Cafe Ed have also teamed up with Cork-based Popsicle.ie, to offer up some delicious chilled treats - check them out in-store!</h5>
<h3>In better times, what’s your favourite Fermoy spot to have a bite, grab a pint, or just sit and watch the world go by?</h3>
<p>I'm quite an active person so I often do a run up and down Corrin hill and take a walk down Barnanne. I enjoy heading to the local pubs for a pint and chat. Looking forward to a Murphy's in the Wagon 🍺</p>
<h3>What are you most looking forward to doing after the pandemic?</h3>
<p>Where do I start! I suppose the simple joys of life we took for granted before the craziness such as meeting family and friends even if it's just for a cup of tea. I am looking forward to heading out to a nice restaurant or a fancy hotel. Or how about a few pints and heading to a big game or a concert...&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What does it mean to be from Fermoy?</h3>
<p>Well, I'm not actually from Fermoy, I'm a Watergrasshill man. I would have been very familiar with this town growing up. I moved here shortly before the pandemic hit. I was instantly welcomed here which I wasn't surprised by as I had already come to know the friendly people of Fermoy. I have visited many towns around the globe but Fermoy is by far and away one of the most welcoming!</p>
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<p><strong>Check out Cafe Ed on the Xplore Fermoy app (links to download can be found below this article) for more info on how to get in touch, in-app calling, and links to their website and takeaway menus. You can also buy an Xplore Local Voucher for Cafe Ed - further details can be found on the Xplore Local app and website! </strong></p>


Local Business Spotlight: Cafe Ed, Fermoy

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