Maggie Mays opens third cafe in Belfast city centre

MAGGIE Mays has opened a third cafe in Belfast city centre as it celebrates 24 years in the hospitality industry.

The latest addition to the family-owned business is located in Castle Street. It employs 35 people, who will work between all three restaurants.

The cafe had a soft opening on Thursday for three hours, but officially opened its doors for a full day of trade on Friday.

The chain, which is owned by husband and wife duo, Moya and John Pollins, is also situated in Botanic Avenue and the Malone Road. The Castle Street outlet will be run by their daughter Meghann.

“It is a really proud moment,” said the 26-year-old.

“Maggie Mays is actually named after my granny, my mum’s mum, it was her nickname. My parents never thought that they would be able to open a restaurant, never-mind in the city centre and now they have done it. It is really nice to see them so happy and so proud.”

Commenting on the future of the business in light of the fire at the Primark store, Ms Pollins said she is confident that the business can do well on Castle Street. She added that the new store had sold more of Maggie Mays signature milkshakes than food since it was launched.

On a more serious note she said: “Trade has been decent enough, actually five of the tables we had today, came in for breakfast this morning and then also came in for lunch, which was great. It wouldn’t be as busy as our other two cafes, but we have been trying to get the word out.

“There are major concerns about footfall, it has affected so many businesses on this road and all of the businesses on this road have suffered greatly from it. At the end of the day we have to be grateful that we can actually open.”

Asked if Maggie Mays would venture outside of Belfast, Meghann added: “It has been talked about. Mum’s dream is to get one in Dublin or Cork.”