Festive atmosphere at Town Diner in Ballyjamesduff
The popular Town Diner in Ballyjamesduff has a cheerful ambience all year round but, as the festive season kicks off, there’s an abundance of laughter and chatter at the well-established business located on the Granard Road in the heart of the town.
Owned and run by Noel Mahon and his wife Michelle, the eatery was first established in 1969 by Bernie Collins who still pops into the diner from time to time to say hello. The Mahons have been running the restaurant since March 2022 and it provides wholesome and hearty breakfast and lunches, as well as catering for special occasions.
“It’s a lovely little environment here,” says Noel. The diner’s offerings includes “good, wholesome food” but it also provides a wonderful social space for regulars.
“There’s always a great buzz and atmosphere in the place. What we have here is very unique, I think. These days there are lots of restaurants closing down and I believe that a place like Town Diner is vital in our community. It brings people together and it’s vital that small businesses like this are supported and helped to keep going,” says Noel.
The restaurant has a core of 30-40 regulars who eat their breakfast or lunch there every day. “If we were to close I think it would serve as a massive blow to the local community here in Ballyjamesduff,” adds Noel.
“We have no intention of closing, of course, even though it is very difficult running a business in the hospitality sector at the moment. Definitely the smaller businesses, particularly in rural Ireland, need support. I really thought the government would have used its initiative, acknowledged the struggles of those smaller businesses, and provided more adequate supports,” he continues.
Local is important to Noel and his team at Town Diner. “Most of the food and ingredients are sourced locally; we get the fruit & veg from John next door; meat is provided by Conerty’s Butchers; and we also source produce from Millbrook Foods in Oldcastle.
“We have a massive focus here on community and on locally produced food. All the staff here are from the local area. Last year, we sponsored the Ballyjamesduff football team; we contribute to funds for St Patrick’s Day, etc.”
And back to the food that is served at Town Diner. “It’s good home cooked food, cooked fresh every day,” says Noel. “We provide a substantial lunch and it’s very popular. We have turkey & ham, stuffed chicken with bacon, beef stroganoff, stews, steak burgers with pepper sauce, curries and fish and chips on the menu.”
He is also very positive about the future of the much-loved and popular diner. “Me and Michelle intend on keeping this place going and plan to build on what we have. It’s very important too that businesses support each other. Business brings business. The diner is here 55 years now; it’s an institution here in Ballyjamesduff.”