JAM REOPENING: Darragh Walshe, owner of TOBA, is currently working with a team to reopen Jam in Old Market Lane next week. Photo: Michelle Crean

EXCLUSIVE

By Michelle Crean

A much loved favourite Killarney cafe - which unexpectedly closed earlier this year - is to make a big comeback when it reopens its doors next week under new ownership.

A date for early to mid-week next week has been set for Jam's reopening and the new owners have even hired some of the original staff and plan to keep it as close to the original service as possible.

Due to the current Level 3 restrictions, the business, now called 'Jam Cáfe' in Old Market Lane, will first operate as a take-away service followed by a full opening once the Government gives the go ahead.

The business was acquired by the owners of TOBA and they've big plans to source produce locally to help further sustain local jobs.

"We're delighted to be reopening," Darragh Walshe, owner of TOBA told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday (Thursday).

"It's such a cornerstone business in Killarney. I know from talking to people around town how important it is for Killarney. We had TOBA and we always thought it'd be great to have a second business in Killarney if the right opportunity came up. When Jam became available we were lucky enough to get the winning bid. We want to reopen the business as it was and do everything that Jam were doing and meet the standards that were set by the previous owners."

KEEPING IT LOCAL

With uncertainty over COVID, Darragh explained that keeping it local is now more important than ever.

"We are going to use local suppliers including Ballyhar Foods, O'Shea's Fruit and Veg, Spillane's Seafood and John Lane for meat and dry goods amongst others."

They have hired four staff to date including Jam's new Manager Deirdre Casey from Killarney and Head Chef is Shirley O'Sullivan. But, he explained that more staff will be part of the cafe's future going forward.

"We've plans to employ 10 to 12 people. We're starting with a base of four and will bring in new people in the coming weeks and months as the lockdown period eases. We've some exciting plans in place over the next few weeks which will be announced shortly."