Midleton’s Culinary Revival: New Cafés Doughlicious and The Fork & Wheel Open

Just over a year ago, a café in Midleton closed due to flooding. This café has relocated, and a new café called Doughlicious has opened on Connolly Street. It features fresh pastries, croissants, and focaccia bread, attracting many customers.

Doughlicious is run by Sarah Collins from Carrigtwohill and her Italian partner, pizza chef Giovanni Lemma. This café is one of two new openings in Midleton; the other is The Fork & Wheel, which will open soon.

Sarah has a background in food marketing and has worked in the UK and Argentina. She met Giovanni at a gym, and they decided to start a food truck together. They offered authentic Italian food and quickly gained popularity in the area.

Giovanni has been involved in baking from a young age and is excited to run his bakery. Sarah acknowledges that starting a business after the floods is stressful but feels supported by the local community. Their soft opening attracted large crowds.

Sarah emphasizes that despite the challenges, they have a strong team, including a top chef and skilled barista. They aim to grow steadily while offering quality products. Their menu includes coffee, pastries, and filling sandwiches, with plans for daily hot dishes.

How does Doughlicious contribute to the revitalization of Midleton’s food scene?

Interview with Sarah Collins of Doughlicious: Revitalizing Midleton’s Food Scene After Adversity

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. It’s been just over a year since Midleton saw some significant disruptions with the flooding that affected many local businesses, including the café you were affiliated with. Can you share what inspired you to open Doughlicious in this new location?

Sarah Collins: Thank you for having me! Absolutely, the closure of our previous café was tough for all of us, but it really sparked a determination in me to continue pursuing my passion for food. When I saw the opportunity to open Doughlicious on Connolly Street, I knew we had to make it happen. The support from the community was overwhelming and truly motivated me to take this leap.

Interviewer: It’s great to hear about the community support. Your café specializes in fresh pastries, croissants, and focaccia bread. What sets Doughlicious apart in the local food scene?

Sarah Collins: At Doughlicious, we focus on quality and authenticity. My partner, Giovanni, has an incredible background in baking, and we aim to offer our customers genuine Italian flavors complemented with local ingredients. Also, our menu caters to everyone, featuring not just pastries but also filling sandwiches and daily hot dishes. We want to create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.

Interviewer: Giovanni, your partner, has a rich history in baking. How did you two meet, and how has your partnership evolved since starting together?

Sarah Collins: Giovanni and I met at the gym, and our shared love for food immediately sparked our collaboration. We originally started with a food truck and served authentic Italian cuisine that quickly resonated with people in the area. Now, with Doughlicious, we’re thrilled to bring that experience indoors and expand our offerings. It’s been a fantastic journey working alongside someone who shares the same passion.

Interviewer: You mentioned the stresses of opening a business after the floods. How do you manage those challenges, particularly with your team?

Sarah Collins: It certainly has its moments! But having a dedicated team makes all the difference. We’ve brought on a top chef and a skilled barista, and together, we maintain high standards for our products. The key is to stay focused on our vision while ensuring that we’re creating a strong community feel in the café.

Interviewer: Doughlicious has already attracted large crowds for its soft opening. What are your future plans for the café?

Sarah Collins: We plan to grow steadily while continuing to offer quality products and an excellent customer experience. We’re also keen on introducing seasonal specials and possibly expanding our menu to include more hot dishes. We want our customers to know that there’s always something new and delicious waiting for them at Doughlicious.

Interviewer: It sounds like an exciting time for you and your team. We also heard about another new café called The Fork & Wheel opening soon in Midleton. How do you feel about the growing food scene in the area?

Sarah Collins: I think it’s fantastic! The Fork & Wheel, led by David Jordan, is another great addition to Midleton. It shows that despite the setbacks, the local food scene is thriving and evolving. I believe that having more quality dining options benefits everyone and strengthens our community.

Interviewer: Thank you, Sarah. Your passion for food and commitment to Midleton’s community is inspiring. We wish you the best with Doughlicious and look forward to seeing more from your café.

Sarah Collins: Thank you! We’re excited for the future and appreciate the support from our community and customers.

The Fork & Wheel, led by David Jordan, is another new venture in Midleton. David has experience from well-known confectionery brands and aims to create a welcoming atmosphere. The café will be dog-friendly and feature good coffee and food.

David has spent a year working on transforming the former Two Mile Inn into a vibrant café and restaurant. He feels at home in Midleton and enjoys landscaping the outdoor space. The Fork & Wheel promises an inviting experience for visitors.

Both Doughlicious and The Fork & Wheel represent the revitalization of Midleton’s food scene. Entrepreneurs like Sarah and David are committed to offering quality dining experiences and supporting the local community.