Grainne: How we adapted at Walker 1781
The Covid-19 crisis has presented huge challenges for restaurant owners in the last year and these challenges continue as the easing of restrictions in the hospitality sector are still uncertain. But Grainne Sheridan, co-owner and chef of Walker 1781, is one foodie entrepreneur who is proving that restaurants can still be successful, while adapting to change.
The bar and restaurant is approaching its first anniversary, having opened at the start of the pandemic, and has yet to be able to offer its full experience to the public. Despite this, Walker 1781 has had a successful first year in business. “Even with three lockdowns and hiring and letting go our staff three times and having traded indoors a total of 18 weeks out of a potential 38 weeks, we can still say we had a successful year financially. We were very fortunate with the support from our loyal customers,” says Grainne. Grainne runs the restaurant with co-owner Joe Grogan, who she first met 20 years ago at the Waterfront Restaurant in Rosses Point, Sligo. Since then, they have run a number of the best restaurants and awardwinning kitchens across the North West.
Grainne and Joe set up Walker
1781 with a goal to create a unique venue in the heart of Sligo town, providing quality, fresh, delicious food and premium drinks from a menu to suit all tastes.
When the Covid-19 crisis was declared a pandemic last March, Grainne had to quickly change their original menu and revise their entire business plan.
“Over the past year, we have adapted to survive. As we approached our first week of our planned opening, we had to change to an evening take-out offering which we had never planned,” said Grainne. “When restrictions eased following the first lockdown, we added a lunch take-out menu to this.”
Despite the delay in the proper full launch of their new restaurant, Grainne was able to fulfil her goal of providing top-quality food to locals. Their take-out offering was a hit with the community and, as demand grew, Grainne was able to rehire some staff.
When the hospitality sector re-opened at the end of June, Walker 1781 opened its doors and was able to welcome customers in to the restaurant for the very first time. Grainne said: “We’ve learned to adapt through the pandemic to new changes very quickly. As restrictions came in and some businesses closed, sourcing of produce changed as some suppliers moved from delivery four times a week to once a week. “It’s been an incredibly challenging year with so much change to adapt to. But we are proud of how successful our offering has been so far.”
“One of the most difficult things about the last year was having to lay off our staff three times, especially last minute on Christmas Eve. We have closed our restaurant with just 24 hours’ notice and reopened and rehired 20 staff with just three days’ notice. But we are grateful to have had such a dedicated team to work with. Our goal would be someday to reopen the bar and restaurant fully and have people move freely throughout and enjoy our good food.”
This burrito recipe swaps tortillas for egg wraps, so they’re satisfying and Syn-free. Bringing all the fun and flavour of a Mexican fiesta to your family dinner!
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT DO YOU DO AND WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE BUSINESS.
I’ve set up and ran my own beauty salon for the last 20 years on O’Connell Street in Sligo. Beauty therapy is my passion and has been for the last two decades. We specialise in skin care, laser, red vein removal and many other beauty treatments. I’ve worked along side my daughter and co-manager Celine, who joined me 12 years ago, and my salon is now a familyrun business. Over the years I’ve always had a strong team of therapists working alongside me in the salon and I’m so thankful for all of their hard work to this day. As much as I love being a business owner, just being able to show my passion in every treatment
I do is what I love most. I love being able to gain a connection with each and every client I treat and seeing a smile on their faces before they leave.
HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED YOU?
The pandemic has affected us just like it has been a blow for every other business. It has affected us financially and emotionally as we miss all of our clients. We know how much they miss us too by the amount of messages we receive daily. We are so thankful for all the support and loyalty they have shown us during this difficult period.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Our main plan for the future is to get a date to reopen and get in contact with all our clients to start booking their future appointments. We also want to be able to offer the latest technology in skin care treatments and advice on home care to each and every client. We are looking forward to reopening in the near future and hopefully this will be the last lockdown we have to experience.
St. Angela’s College, Sligo have offered a range of postgraduate and adult education programmes over the years and 2021 will be no exception. In fact, the College have further developed some programmes to be delivered completely online, opening them up to an international audience, whilst other programmes will continue to be delivered using a blended learning approach, allowing students to meet and work with their peers in a timetabled structure to suit everyone. ³2ur postgraduate and adult education programmes have been designed in such a way that those with busy worNing lives or family commitments can study at their own pace´ e[plains Amanda 0c&loat, &ollege President. ³2ur blended learning model means that from time to time, students get to meet and interact in a safe classroom setting, something we feel is also important when learning at any level it can be a chance to share ideas and networN in familiar circles´. 7his past year has given many people time to thinN and reflect on their professional development so perhaps now is the time to upsNill or indeed consider a course based on personal interest. :ith over twenty programmes to choose from, offered by the &olleges three 6chools Education +ome Economics and 1ursing, +ealth 6ciences and 'isability 6tudies there are also stand alone modules and optional e[it routes available. All awards are 18, *alway accredited which brings with it global recognition and a favourable addition to any &9.
0s 0c&loat continues ³for anyone considering postgraduate studies or part time courses this 6eptember, we invite you browse our &ollege website for the most up to date information and application closing dates. As ever, our dedicated staff will be there to support all our postgraduate and adult education students returning to their chosen area of study´
For more details and to request a Postgraduate/Adult Education Prospectus 2021 see www.stangelas.nuigalway.ie