Nigel and Magaly Murray of Gran Gran’s Foods are producing their own award-winning, high quality, foods while supporting Irish artisan producers from their recently opened pantry shop in the Burren lowlands, along the Wild Atlantic Way, beside Keane's Garden Centre and the post office in Kilcolgan, County Galway.
Inspired by his grandmother’s home cooked foods and a kitchen full of rich and nostalgic aromas, in 2014 husband and wife team Nigel and Magaly Murray took the opportunity to create their own business in a custom built kitchen in the grounds of their home, with a polytunnel and vegetable garden for growing their own ingredients. With history, quality foods, innovative design, and family values behind them, Gran Gran's Foods was born.
Although the last few years have been a difficult time for business, Gran Gran's Foods pivoted during the pandemic and in 2021 successfully opened its own store, Gran Gran's Foods Pantry. Despite losing 35 per cent of business due to the cancellation and closure of markets, gift shops, and garden centres during the pandemic, they have overcome this challenging period with 2021 being their best year so far. Exceeding their expectations, turnover increased with the opening of the pantry and as a result, Gran Gran’s Foods has gone from employing four people to 12. From here they showcase exclusively Irish artisan produce and crafts, create their own range of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan friendly handcrafted condiments, and offer fresh pastries and organic coffee every morning. The unique window design between the shop and kitchen allows visitors to see the production process of the products.
"Since the opening of our pantry, our business has been going from strength to strength," said Magaly Murray. "Thanks to the local support we have been able to give back by creating more jobs, supporting other small artisan producers, and more importantly it has helped us to contribute to the uniqueness of our community, making it a destination."
Gran Gran's Foods was born with the purpose of sharing the Murrays' experience with and passion for food through the production of handcrafted foods using high quality, fresh, and local ingredients while following traditional and innovative recipes. The family-run business is a great addition to the local community and surrounding county and is a treasure trove of top quality Irish produce. Gran Gran's Foods offers a bespoke service of customisable gifts and hampers, are stocked in independent food stores, artisan craft shops, and selected supermarkets nationwide, and the full range is available to buy online at grangransfoods.ie
Contact [email protected] for more information. Gran Gran's Foods Pantry is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm, phone 087 7507580.
