Success Stories: Katie Gilroy, Founder of Urbun Cafe

I fell into food accidentally when the magazine I was writing for at the time thrust me into the restaurant reviews, and soon after promoted me to Food Editor. To supplement my salary, I waited tables at a local restaurant and found myself falling in love with the buzz of making people happy through the medium of good food and great service.

I teamed up with a pal of mine to produce baked goods and lemonade at a farmer’s market (which was unbelievable craic) and 6 months later happned across a vacant premise in Cabinteely and a landlord who was willing to take a punt on us. 5 years on and I am the sole owner of Urbun and business is better than ever!

2. What has been your greatest success with Urbun Cafe?

Seeing the team evolve over the years and not only grow in size (we currently employ 18 people) but develop into a solid unit that work together and all share the same passion and drive to make Urbun the best cafe in Dublin. I’m very proud when a team member grows from a beginning of washing pots with little English and blossoms into a skilled barista who doesn’t stop chatting to the customers!

4. What would be a crucial piece of advice you would give to someone about starting your own business and success?

Don’t get involved in tasks that you have hired other people to do. Only you can do your job of running your business. Remind yourself of that everyday and keep focused on the big picture.

I have always been ambitious and get a thrill out of throwing myself into unpleasant of challenging situations and emerging in tact having achieved a goal or objective. My passion for this business motivates me and my desire to be successful in my field is what drives me. 

 

When you have an army of chefs, barista’s, waiters and kitchen porters behind you that not only believe in your message but quite heavily rely on you to make it real, it helps to push you along.

 

I’ve always said that Urbun deserves to be bigger than just one cafe in Cabinteely.  I believe we have a strong brand with quality at its core so it’s only right that we share the love and open more branches in other neighbourhoods.

 

In a few weeks, I open a new restaurant in Sandymount Village which I’m very excited about as this is my first solo project. This one will be quite different from Urbun – different style, different menu and we’ll be open nights. We’ll still have great coffee though!

The goal is to keep challenging myself and push my brand as far as it can go. Although, after I get this second restaurant open, I think I might just take a break for a few weeks!

 

Check out www.urbun.ie and make sure you pop in to grab yourself some great food, amazing coffee and quality above everything else!

 

A big thank you to Katie for sharing her success story. If you’re looking to open a cafe or to bring your dream to life, I’m sure this inspired you to take that extra step and start!