BENNY

Benny O’ Connell worked as a bellboy, a barman, a waiter, a chef and a hotel manager, until he eventually fulfilled his dream of owning his own business. In 1981 he decided to retrain as a baker and opened a tiny bakery on Main Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, selling just Apple Tarts and Soda Bread. The early philosophy was simple: To make food that tasted like home, for customers who didn’t have the time or skills to make it for themselves.  

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The ethos remains the same to this day, but from our new larger premises on Lower Main Street. Now we have a large Cafe, Deli, Specialist Grocery shop and of course Breadshop. All of the food we serve is freshly made on the premises every day. 

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ANNE MARIE

Anne Marie grew up over the the shop and like the rest of her siblings worked in Benny's from an early age. While in college she worked her Summers in Liston's Deli on Camden Street, Dublin and the legendary Lucca Deli in San Francisco. After over a decade of working as a designer in London, Anne Marie returned to Castlerea in 2017 to continue the next generation of Benny's Deli. She has a passion for food, design, nature and has an mild addiction to buying vintage plates!