Liam and Ciarn Horgan,the brothers behind the accomplished Cork food venture Dacent Munch,are set to expand their business with a new location in ballyvolane. Starting from humble beginnings as a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic,Dacent Munch has grown into a well-known local brand with two existing locations in Mayfield and Carrigaline.

The brothers’ latest venture involves taking over the Fox & Hounds bar in Ballyvolane, a location close to their home. The fox & Hounds, a considerable property of almost 4,500sq ft, is located approximately 3km from Cork city centre. It was previously sold for €4 million in 2004 and entered the market again in 2017 for €2.5 million.

“we signed the lease knowing it offered a massive opportunity for us,” liam told the Irish Examiner, highlighting the potential of the new site. The expansion is expected to bring the total staff count to 40 peopel.

‘Grá Mo chroi’: A New Chapter for the Fox & Hounds

The Horgan brothers plan to rename the Fox & Hounds as ‘Grá Mo Chroi’ and aim to reopen it before the end of the summer. Liam mentioned that they are currently undertaking notable renovations, with the goal of opening in time for the August bank holiday weekend.

“Since first opening the food van back in 2020, the price of our main ingredient, minced beef, has increased by 75%.”

Initially,’Grá Mo Chroi’ will operate exclusively as a pub,with future plans to introduce food service and establish a third Dacent Munch outlet at the location.

Dacent Munch first launched in 2020 with a food van on the Old Youghal Road. Its first permanent location opened in Mayfield Shopping Centre in late 2021, followed by a second location in Carrigaline at the end of 2024. The Carrigaline restaurant features a full bar license, live music, and sporting events.

Challenges and Future Ambitions

Despite their success, Liam acknowledges the challenges they have faced. “It’s been a learning curve. Thankfully, we’ve become quite good at taking advice, which was definitely needed in the early days. It’s been tough at times, but we learn as we go, and we’re looking forward to the future.”

He added, “The carrigaline opening was a baptism of fire. There where good days and bad days, but things are going well, and we’re now looking towards our largest venture yet.”

Liam also noted the impact of rising costs on the business. “It has not been an easy five years.Something ends and another thing begins. We opened the Mayfield unit just before Russia invaded Ukraine, so immediately we saw our energy costs skyrocket. When fuel prices rise, so does everything else.”

Despite these challenges, the brothers remain enterprising. “When we first told people we were opening a new premises, we were asked if we were mad. We look at it a different way. Times are tough but we are confident.”

Looking ahead, Liam envisions Dacent Munch becoming a franchise. “We ultimately want Dacent munch to be its own franchise. Whether that’s done exclusively through us, or we get other partners on board, remains to be decided.” He also mentioned exploring potential locations in Cork city centre and other suburbs for future expansion.

“We have ambitious plans, but we’re committed to seeing them through,” Liam concluded.