A Mullingar businessman is celebrating one year in business next month and to mark the occasion is launching a brand new lunch menu and having a mega giveaway for all those who have supported him throughout the year.
James McKeon, from Coralstown, who along with his wife Kerry is proprietor of the Austin Friar Hotel, Mullingar, is delighted to be celebrating one year in business.
“I can’t believe that it has been one year already. We set up business during the recession and are still here, which really says something for what the Austin Friar has to offer.
“To celebrate we are planning a mega giveaway and people will get the opportunity to win free meals, free accommodation, and our major prize of a free hen weekend for up to five lucky ladies.
“We are also now booking for Christmas parties and have a special offer lasting three weeks urging people to forget about taxis and book their traditional Christmas dinner with us for €29.95 and stay at the Austin Friar for only €30 Monday to Friday,” said the 38-year-old.
James’ parents are Phyllis, a housewife, and Jimmy, a heavy plant machinery driver. He has six brothers, David, Noel, Paul, Derek, Martin and Kevin.
James attended Coralstown School, then Killucan College, while also working part-time in Harry’s in Kinnegad. James then attended catering college for one year in Dublin’s Cathal Brugha Street.
Following this he worked in the Royal Hoey Hotel, Athlone for one year, then The Headford Arms Hotel, Kells for another year, before moving to London where he remained for 10 years managing pubs before returning to his native county.
He said: “We are looking forward to the year ahead and hope that our new healthy lunch menu - a salad buffet, which is available Monday to Friday - will really take off.”
For further information on Mullingar’s only boutique hotel contact (044 ) 9335848 or visit www.austinfriarhotel.ie, and keep an eye out for more information on its mega giveaway during the coming months.
