The family-run Moran Hospitality entity, famous for their operation of Red Cow Moran Hotel among other establishments, have unveiled a fresh establishment at the previously named Chophouse bar and restaurant located in Dublin 4. This development comes on the heels of the facility’s closure a few weeks prior.
The Moran family, descendants of renowned hotelier from Limerick, Tom Moran, took over the lease once previous proprietors Kevin Arundel and Jillian Mulcahy ceased trading due to surmounting costs, a staple of the exquisitely known locale in the vicinity of Aviva Stadium since the early days of September. Following the cessation of operations, the duo made known the unsustainable trading conditions, which they attributed to the ever-increasing expenditures involved.
The establishment is now back in business and will undergo a name change pending the innovative influence of Moran Hospitality. Tom Moran observed that the site was indeed in need of some restoration. As he shared, “There are plans for a refurbishment as this was an issue Kevin was cognisant of but incapable of addressing,” adding that deliberations with interior design experts were already underway.
Regarding the renaming process, Moran hinted that the term ‘cow’ will unquestionably feature in the new name of the operation. He also recalled how swiftly the transition took place. “Once we knew about Kevin’s potential departure and spoke to the landlord, an opportunity quickly presented itself,” he revealed.
Moran also acknowledged that his family, being avid sport enthusiasts and regulars at Landsdowne Road and Aviva, had a prolonged awareness of the Chophouse site. When questioned about the concern raised by the former owners about the increasing costs, Mr Moran noted the issue, saying, “We’re acutely aware of it. We operate a relatively extensive business here with the Red Cow Moran Hotel among our operations. Costs are indeed a concern in all aspects.”
However, he expressed optimism and stated that their group has a greater “purchasing leverage” compared to smaller businesses. “Our operations are such that we have some surplus capacity at varying times, which might allow us to achieve some economies of scale across our different sites, which could be beneficial. Additionally, we hope to relish the atmosphere offered by this place.”
It’s worth noting that Moran group also runs the Wren Urban Nest, the first hotel in the Republic to achieve a net carbon-zero rating.