Success
Local Business Spotlight: Minihane's SuperValu Gort
Minihane's Supervalu in Gort is one of those family-owned businesses that truly encapsulates the essence of the community.
Run by Fiona O' Driscoll and located at the Market Hall Shopping Centre in Gort, the supermarket has built strong ties to the community through its sponsorship of local initiatives, sourcing of local produce, and commitment to providing excellent customer service.
This week, we caught up with Fiona for our Local Business Spotlight.
When did you open at Market Hall and what has your own journey as a businesswoman been like?
Market Hall opened about 23 years ago. We bought SuperValu within the complex 15 years ago, and thankfully all of the units within Market Hall are occupied which is a testament to the support we get from locals, considering what the country has been through in the last year.
It wasn't easy being a female owner. My husband is also involved in the business and I would say it's been easier for him as it's a male-led industry but I turned it around. You have to work harder as a female to earn respect but I found that in all jobs that I did over the years, and it makes you hardy.
How has your business evolved since you first started out?
The first two years were brilliant, we grew the business from where it was, however, between chronic flooding (which means blocked roads for months) in areas around the town, a recession, and a bypass, we've had some dismal years. The last 2 years however have been very successful.
Why is it important to you to stock locally made produce?
We all know the saying: spend €1 locally and it will evolve into €5. Sourcing local products where possible keeps communities in business. We are in farming country here and some farms have diversified into baking products, salads, cheese, not to mention veg — so by buying local and buying Irish we are supporting our own and maintaining jobs.
Colourful fruit and veg displays at the popular Gort supermarket
You offer dedicated hours on Tuesday evenings for Autism friendly shopping. How do you feel this has helped people in the Gort community?
The Autism hour is so important, vulnerable people can feel safe when they come to our shop. We have a massive hinterland (not just Gort) and some people travel for miles to avail of this service. Certain lights are dimmed, the music is turned off and the beeping on our tills are reduced. We all have to do more to make people feel comfortable while shopping.
In your opinion, what is the key to building a successful local business?
Engagement with customers, listening to them when you get things wrong or need to make improvements. I spend my day on the shop floor. I have an office but I'm rarely in it, so much so that I don't even have an office phone, I hear what I need to on the shop floor..... We are also very community-led; we sponsor everything from sports initiatives, charities and local schools, you have to give back, it's simple really.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love talking, I'm a talker full stop. The craic I have with people is top-notch, I hear some sad and happy stories and you do your best to remember what people tell you because they confide in me and it's important that they know I can be discreet.
How has Covid-19 affected your business overall?
We have been very lucky as a supermarket. We didn't have to close but the stress was incredible for the last 16 months: we had to keep our employees safe, our customers safe and keep people's spirits up. Our team worked incredibly hard and customers really appreciated it, they went beyond the normal day job to keep people fed and watered.
Sweet treats and freshly baked bread at Minihane's Supervalu
What’s your favourite spot in Gort to have a bite, grab a pint, or just sit and watch the world go by?
Oh gosh, I can't pick. We are incredibly lucky in Gort with our food choices, in fact, it's becoming a bit of a foodie town. Not only do our two hotels do brilliant food but we have Roosters Cafe, The Gallery Cafe, The Field Restaurant, Galway Bay Bagel Company, The Granary Pizzeria, 2 Chinese restaurants and some fast food takeaways, not to mention the Tea Rooms in Coole Park just outside the town... you see, just too difficult to choose. A lot of these are also passionate about sourcing local food too and that's to be commended.
What does it mean to be from Gort?
It means taking pride in an area that is known for its historical and literary connections with Lady Gregory and WB Yeats, as well as taking pride in its multiculturalism, its passion for sport , its connection to The Burren and the coast, and feeling connected (we are located between 2 cities and an airport).
While the bypass made the town very quiet for the first few years it has benefitted the locals greatly who now don't have to queue in traffic to get from one side of the town to the other yet making the town accessible to tourists. We are very lucky to live here.
