Grand Slam Bars, the pub group backed by a number of former Irish rugby players, is toasting healthy profits for the year.
The group, which is led by managing director Noel Anderson, owns and operates Dublin pubs The Bridge 1859, The Blackrock, McSorleys and Lemon & Duke.
Retired Leinster and Ireland stars Jamie Heaslip, Dave Kearnery, Rob Kearney and Sean O’Brien all own stakes in the group, which made profits of €592,400 for its most recent financial year despite the Dublin riots having "wiped off two weeks of trade."
Group revenues increased €1.76m or 23% year-on-year from €7.64m to €9.39m. During the current financial year, Grand Slam Bars has also taken over McSorleys in Ranelagh for €5.5m.
Profits at The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge came to €178,200 after tax, while Lemon & Duke generated €213,300, and The Blackrock €200,800.
Grand Slam Bars has announced it will invest in the new Glasnevin-based Changing Times Brewery, alongside publican Benny McCabe, brewer Shane Long and drinks’ industry entrepreneur and founder of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Patrick J Rigney, who recently joined as chair.
The brewery has attracted strong public interest for its initial products, Daydreamer Lager and After Hours Pale Ale, and expects to add further lines next year.
Its drinks are only available in 15 Dublin pubs at present, including the four Grand Slam Bars venues as well as Arthur Maynes Donnybrook, The Bank Bar & Restaurant on College Green, The Bankers, Darkey Kelly’s, Devitts, Doheny & Nesbitts, The Ferryman, The Long Hall, The Palace, Sheehans on Chatham Street and The Swan.
“We’re delighted to be involved in Changing Times Brewery. Everyone knows we have developed a strong interest in the hospitality sector through Grand Slam Bars and this is a natural next step for us," said Rob Kearney.
"We’ve also been lucky enough to try to the new beers and I have to say I can see Daydreamer Lager becoming a regular choice when I’m out socialising.”
Dave Kearney added: “We both really like the lager, while Noel Anderson is a big fan of the pale ale. It’s great to be involved in this exciting venture.
"When we were in the midst of our rugby careers I don’t think either of us would have ever imagined we’d be investors in a brewery.
"Being involved in Changing Times just makes sense given the team that is involved in this venture and we’re looking forward to seeing how it grows from here."
Photo: (l-r) Dave Kearney, Noel Anderson and Rob Kearney. (Pic: Supplied)
