“I have always loved working with food. I got one of my first summer jobs as a student working in O’Callaghan’s and I loved it! I have always had a keen interest in the hospitality sector and knew that I wanted to work in it at some stage in my life” – the words of owner of Blueberries Bakery & Café in Mitchelstown Michael O’Sullivan, as his newly established business is making its mark on the business life of the town.

Having set his mind a couple of years ago on fulfilling his dream of setting up either a restaurant or café, Michael had two locations in mind; Monasterevin, Co Kildare or Mitchelstown. After many unsuccessful viewings, the right unit finally cropped up in Mitchelstown on 9 Upper Cork Street.

Qualifying as a primary school teacher in 2008 and following three years at Kildangan NS in Monasterevin, Michael was appointed as principal to Shanballymore NS and two years later in 2014, was appointed principal to CBS Primary, Charleville.

SUPPORTING LOCAL

“I love my teaching career, especially my current role; we are in the process of building a new school for Charleville which is very exciting. However, I am a very ambitious person and always want to better myself and the challenge of opening a café is helping me achieve these ambitions,” he told The Avondhu.

“When I embarked on this project I wanted this café to be different. It has to be different, with so many other food establishments in this town. The Full Mitchelstown Breakfast is one of our most popular options, with the majority of the produce on the plate being sourced from the Mitchelstown region. We also serve homemade lunches and sandwiches. We are trying our new gourmet sandwiches at the moment and they are being received very well. Our smoothies have also been very popular and we hope to develop this aspect more in the coming months to include healthy shakes, etc.”

“All of our meat is locally sourced from Hanley’s Butchers, our vegetables from Tom Shanahan, our baking products are sourced from Musgraves in Cork. We also have other accounts locally. We feel that by supporting local, the locals will support us,” said Michael.

NEW BAKERY DEPARTMENT

Blueberries are looking forward to the opening of their new bakery department this Friday, August 11th, as Michael explains. “We will be providing a selection of cakes and cream buns, breads, scones, tarts all homemade and all at affordable prices, while our in-house baker provides a selection of desserts on a daily basis. To celebrate this and to give something back to our customers, we are offering all cream buns for just €1 from this Friday till Sunday, strictly while stocks last!”

EXCLUSIVE BLEND

The coffee is probably the greatest talking point of the business, being a most exclusive blend produced by Badger & Dodo; Jam Jar. Delighted to be associated with Badger & Dodo as they are a local company based in Fermoy, people have travelled from Cahir and Fermoy in recent days to try the coffee, which has developed quite a name for itself. A new loyalty card scheme will begin shortly for the takeaway coffee, so coffee lovers take note!

“I feel that offering value for money is very important, especially in today’s economic climate; for example we offer a soup and sandwich combo deal, scone and tea and coffee deal, etc. There’s something to suit everyone. We will continue to strive to provide for every budget as we move forward with the business.

SUNDAY OPENING

Looking to facilitate people who want to relax in a café environment, take note that Blueberries open on Sundays. Lunch is normally very busy, as is breakfast with many people also dropping in during the afternoon for dessert and a chat.

“The support that I have received from the people of Mitchelstown and surrounding areas has been fantastic. We are committed to supporting local. Going forward, I hope to develop Blueberries into the best café and bakery that it can be. I feel that there are great opportunities for further enhancement of the services and produce,” concluded Michael.

An ambitious business, proceeding slowly but surely, watch this space Mitchelstown!

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8.30am – 5.30pm. Sunday 10am – 5pm. Telephone: 025-41667.

E-mail: blueberriescafe@outlook.ie   •   Blueberriesbakeryandcafe (F’book)

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