Ah crap. JD posted a comment here earlier letting me know that he went to Gourmet Burger in Portlaoise the other day and they have already closed down to concentrate on their Dublin business. I’m so pissed off about this. I don’t think it is lack of market in this case, but lack of marketing. How many thousand cars go up and down the N7 and N8 every day? I never once saw an ad for them. I did see some attempt at putting a truck trailer on the side of the road at Christmas with ads for the overall Food Court but that’s it. People do need to know you exist before they’ll try your business.
Anthony from Ummera mentioned to them that I had blogged about them. Not once did they contact me or post a comment on this blog telling us what they were trying to do and how they’d love it if people would tell their friends. For gods sake, it would’ve been free advertising. Arrggggggh. Clueless Train Manifesto.
Surely someone with a bit more marketing nous and budget can make a go of such a great idea in an ideal location?
UPDATE 1: David from Gourmet Burger has posted an excellent comment here explaining exactly why they shut down Port Laoise. It makes total sense.
Now I’m between a rock and a hardplace aka Iarnród Eireann Sambos or O’Brien’s Sambos. Where’s me tupperware?
February 14, 2007 at 9:52 am
Bizarre! We had a lovely feast of burgers there just last Saturday, on the way up to Dublin for the match. There was no mention of anything closing down, only a page sellotaped to the door looking for staff! We were a bit surprised that the place wasn’t busier at 2pm on a Saturday though.
After the result of the match, those burgers were the highlight of the trip. It’s a shame if they’re packing it in.
February 14, 2007 at 5:41 pm
I was there yesterday morning, Jenny (13FEB07). Some notices up on the shutters explaining closure. This ‘food court’ has always been empty to a large degree, when I called. When the place opened I expected a whole lot more from the organisers. I would have to agree with Conor that this place was in no way advertised/ marketed etc. Portlaoise (or Port Laoise?) has always been a natural half-way stop for me on my trips to/from Dublin from Cork but always lacking in a good eaterie/ coffee place. Ah well, it seems not to be happening now. I’m not a fan of O’Brien’s sambo place for a few reasons, primarily the quality. Here’s hoping someone might take that particular empty slot and make people happy!!
February 14, 2007 at 6:01 pm
Anyone tried the Quizno’s here? I was in both great ones and awful ones around Austin/Dallas. I loved the chilli bar in the good ones.
I wasn’t expecting much when I heard that Kylemore got the franchise here but I’ve heard no reports good or bad yet.
February 14, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Sounds like we were lucky to have caught a burger on Saturday JD. It’s a shame they’ve closed down. I completely agree, there’s pretty much no choice for food on the Dublin – Cork road – I’m sure if Real Burger had made even a small effort to market themselves better, it would have worked out.
We’ve stopped for sambos in Castle Durrow a couple of times, but it’s not the most child-friendly (no nappy changing facilities, and it’s a bit too fancy for changing on the couch!
) …and they haven’t always served bar food when we were there – everything seems pretty dependent on whether there’s a wedding on or not!
Never tried, or even heard of Quizno’s Conor – what’s it like? We’re going to the States next week (Washington DC / Annapolis MD area) any tips on good US eateries much appreciated!
February 14, 2007 at 7:11 pm
And people wonder why we go to McD’s on our trips across Ireland!
Quizno’s is just a sandwich joint like Subway but the first one I was in seemed far more high quality. Then it was ruined by an awful one in a foodcourt in some mall. Fastest growing franchise in the US which is probably not a good thing.
Afraid Virginia is as close as I’ve ever got to DC. Avoid Applebee’s – seriously.
February 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I’ve not tried Quizno’s either (neither??)
The Cork-Dublin route is over as regards eating when you hit Portlaoise due to motorway all the way to Dublin from there in. I’ve been travelling this road a long time twice a month and I used keep a small notebook on places where I’d eaten etc but I gave up after about 3 years as somemany places were changing ownership, staff, menus etc that it became a chore. In fairness to my employers I have a good expense account but I have simple & inexpensive tastes when it comes to during-the-day food. FYI Conor, my best county for eating on the go happens to be co Wexford.
Now where is that notebook…
February 14, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I’d like to hear about the Wexford ones. We usually stop in Horse&Hound if we go to Rosslare via New Ross. Anywhere good in New Ross itself or on the ferry to Ballyhack route to Rosslare?
February 14, 2007 at 9:49 pm
In New Ross Martha’s Vineyard above the pub on the corner opposite the Jeanie Johnson dock used to be great – alas, also closed now. I like the new hotel in Bunclody, a bit out of the way but worth a jaunt. The hotel by the river in Enniscorthy is also very good. Simple things like sandwiches are great there.
We are just back from 2 nights in the Dingle Skellig hotel. Very nice. Hotel a bit jaded but staff are the best I’ve met in a long time. The reason I mention it is that there were approx 8,000 kids there with their folks… and it didn’t seem like it in the least!It’s completely child-friendly. Plenty of activity for them, kiddie pool + adult version, treatments in the Spa for the mothers and Heineken in the bar, with a Bill Bryson book in the afternoon whilst keeping an eye on the rugby, for pater. They even have a children’s sitting in the restaurant (if chosen) before the Biggie’s sit down for their grown-up meals. We don’t have kids but I will be recommending the hotel to those I know that do. Altogether a nice time. The big downer was the time it took to get through Macroom on the Fri night. My missus works in Ovens and we thought that we would have plain sailing as she finishes at four (God Bless programmers). It took us an hour to clear Macroom which might not be fun with a car full.
February 14, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Now there is a coincidence! Catherine just booked us a week in Dingle Skellig at end of June. Good to know we’ve made the right choice!
I’ve bitched about Ovens to Ballyvourney before – bleedin nightmare of a road.
Tell your missus to look out for my big sis who started in Ovens recently
A lucky escapee from Moto before the shit really hit the fan.
February 14, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Weather should be nice then hopefully. Plenty of fresh air into the lungs and all that.
Yes indeed, the Motorola card has eventually been played. Pity. Been on the cards for a while though. I’ll ask Val to keep an eye out. Need to get her blogging also. Again your Bandon news is class, all very photographic as well!
February 16, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Hi Conor,
I’m a mate of Brian’s, your bro-in-law. As it happens, I know the guy who own’s Gourmet Burger. He is my mate another of my mate’s bro in law. They have set up in the pavillion in Dun Laoghaire so next time I’m down there I’ll pass on the message. Mmmmm, that’s a tasty burger!
voted for your site, well done.
February 16, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Tell him we are patiently waiting in Cork for him to open!
Despite Portlaoise, I think they are on to a winner.
February 18, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Dear Conor
David Larkin here, the owner of REAL* Gourmet Burger. I have sent a separate note to you (at conor@conoroneill.com) with regard to our closure in Midway and have now subsequently read your readers comments so I’ll try to explain directly onto the blog site.
We decided to close our Midway unit for several reasons. Firstly, it didn’t suit our model which is better suited to stand alone restaurants in high population areas. Our Pavilion site in Dun Laoghaire has been packed since we opened in early January. Secondly, the nature of the food court set against our offering didn’t work i.e. we could get hit with a bus load of customers who wanted a quick ‘fast food’ burger and would get frustrated with our ‘cook from fresh’ approach – we are the opposite of fast food. Thirdly, it was very difficult to get good kitchen staff and at times the quality of our gourmet burgers dropped and this is unacceptable to me. Fourthly, the marketing of the food court is not in our control and while the marketing will improve and the food court will be a success, we had to make a choice in the here and now. Lastly, we are opening up two more units in Dublin this year and our management time is better spent ensuring success of these units.
Our plan then is to open clusters in the major cities across Ireland (starting in Cork) and have local managers in place who have a share of the business to ensure we never drop our standards.
I’m truly sorry we had to close in Midway as I think the Food Court will ultimately be a great success and provide a great stop off point on journey’s between Cork/Limerick and Dublin.
Regards and best wishes.
David Larkin.
REAL* Gourmet Burger Ltd
February 18, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Great feedback David, thanks. I can see exactly the problems you had.
I was talking to one of the Allen’s in Ballymaloe a good while back and they shut the cafe in the Cookery School for the traffic reason – they could never get staff levels right due to random coach arrivals.
Unfortunately a foodcourt probably is more suited to not-cooked-to-order food.
As we all said here, everyone loves your product and the concept, we’re just terribly disappointed that we are back eating shambos.
Best of luck in Dublin and I’ll be first in the queue if you open in Cork.
Oh and start a blog!!!
February 18, 2007 at 5:17 pm
hmmmm….posted a comment else where re. the Real Gourmet Burger restaurant at the Pavillion and my numerous attempts to enjoy it (all thwarted by the fact they were closed! Staff problems, extractor problems etc.) I hope the promised clusters around the city don’t pose the same problems. There is a Gourmet Burger place called BoBos just open on Wexford St…..may be worth a shot, albeit requiring a trip into the Centre!
February 19, 2007 at 10:21 am
Reasons for closure do indeed make sense. Cork is crying out for a place or two that actually takes the customer seriously. We had some ‘food’ in the cafe on the concourse in Ballincollig shopping centre yesterday and it was a pure disgrace. Ordered 2 teas and 2 panninis. Got the teas (with chipped mugs) & received one pannini 10mins before the other and the 1st sandwich was cooked open! Have you ever seen a pannini cooked open??? €14.75 for this rubbish? Bah! Roll on Gourmet Burger.
February 19, 2007 at 11:42 am
I went looking yesterday on the way down from Dublin airport to home in Bandon, based on Conor’s review…pity…always looking for quality and value when eating out, not easy to find these days in Ireland. So Mr Larkin, I vote for a Real Gourmet Burger outlet in Bandon!
February 19, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Ye know, that might work. I’ve often wondered if a McD’s on the Cork Rd coming into Bandon would succeed. The traffic levels are pretty high at all times of the day since it is the main way in and out of West Cork. And summer business would be huge.
Gourmet Burger could be the replacement for Robbie at the lay-by outside Innishannon! Speaking of which, are the people who bought his spot ever going to re-open?
February 19, 2007 at 1:07 pm
That lay-by site was sold for >€70,000 I am unreliably informed. I would think the Food Safety Authority might have something to say about it…
Bandon is devoid of a general take-away (there is that mobile chipper off the bridge at weekends though. Haven’t tried him or her’s food yet). I could set up out of the boot of the car with my roasted pepper/ roasted garlic & jalapeno with homemade burgers served with a crunchy iceberg salad (chilled) with bacon bits. All washed down with the much under-rated Michelob beer (also chilled).
February 19, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Dear Conor,just a note to let you know about a burger space in cork city.Penrose Wharf is an ideal place / plenty of car parking, open 24 hours with security, over 1000 people working there, near train station.Give them a ring on 087 2595024. Would be a great place for a farmers market.
February 21, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Hey, anyone know where the Real Gourmet places in Dublin are going to be located ?
February 23, 2007 at 10:48 am
Hi Daragh,
There’s a place in Dun Laoghaire in The Pavilion. Good spot. No news on other sites yet though I think.
February 27, 2007 at 9:30 pm
Dear Mr.David!
Alfred here,(Ex-Assistant Chef In RGB Midway)
I was reading and heard about the Portlaoise RGB Unit ,I feel sorry for that,but i want just to tell you somehing and just i know that you are nice person, that I think you should look realy for the menu cos it need load of changes in the sauces and ingredients,I don’t think Paul will agree, but if you want realy make nice burgers, you should get good recipe and believe me If we had chance to stay in Portlaoise me and Jimmy we were not sacked, you will have great Menu and Great Burger, sorry the front wasn’t realy good and great is not the kitchen staff who havn’t been as you said not qualified!!! Apologise !
Wish for you Best Luck .
Regards, Alfred.
March 2, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Any Idea where the next gourmet burger places will be. They seem like they have copied gourmet burger kitchen from London, not a bad thing! is there a copyright thing or is it just a franchise they bought in?
March 4, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Not sure. Sounds like they are looking at Cork anyway which is excellent.
March 20, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Off topic so I apologise but can anyone answer a question for me?
I’ve been reading a lot about the dangers of High Fructose Corn Syrup added to foods in the USA. Is this purely an American phenomenon or are these nasty things being added to our food here too (under a different name perhaps). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
March 20, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Hi Mick,
I’m not actually sure about HFCS but I generally assume it is in Coke etc in Ireland. I’ve seen Corn Syrup mentioned on several food products on supermarket shelves here.
Accidental Hedonist covers the topic very well from a US perspective.
March 20, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Hi Mick,
In the course of my work ( I work for a science company) I often bug the Food Safety Authority with more taxing questions on items. http://www.fsai.ie Always helpful. I’ll check the archive in work to see if there’s any literature on HFCS; also this link grabs an interesting article also http://www.westonaprice.org/motherlinda/cornsyrup.html
I know that the labelling of foodstuffs in Ireland and Europe is under scrutiny. Eg.’No added sugar’ can be put on a product with already high levels of sugar. Dextrose = D+Glucose = Sugar etc. I’ll post anything I might find here, if Conor the Award Winner doesn’t mind.
March 20, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Love to hear any info you find JD. I’ll even do a guest blogger post for you!
June 3, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Interesting blogging.. Really enjoyed the gourmet burger place in Dun Laoghaire.. See they are on Bridge street now in that place that was a Thai restaurant.. Anyone tried it out? On the burger subject.. does anyone think that the Hi Burger should open on the dublin road.. they have done a load of upgrading to their burger products.. a full chicken fillet in a ciabatta bun replaces the run of the mill chicken burger and now they do hot wraps with Fajita beef and a spicy chicken too..To die for…I Think it would be a great restaruant for anywhere on the Dublin /Cork (Bandon!!) road… and could handle the coach tours too.. what ye reckon.. Slan for now.
June 3, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I must be blind, I was on Bridge Street on Saturday! Must check them out this weekend.
Where is Hi Burger now? After the disappointment of Billies in Bandon and Eddie Rockets at Kinsale Rd, I’d love to see a decent drive thru take-away somewhere near Dunnes on Bandon Road.
June 4, 2009 at 10:04 am
Just got a clarification from the Real Gourmet Burger people.
That is not their outlet on Bridge Street, it’s probably a franchisee of one of the big guys. Pity. Hope the Real guys make it down here eventually.
I also hate hearing that the some of the low-grade fast food joints are trying to offer a more “high-end” brand. You just know the quality will never be there. Mechanically recovered and extruded Klassy Burger anyone?
August 4, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Texas burger is opening in midway great burgers u got 2 try it.
August 5, 2009 at 12:48 am
Tell us more! Are they open yet? Other outlets in Ireland? Targeting Supermacs, Eddie Rockets or Gormet Burger level? How does it compare to the legendary In-n-Out Burger?