Inside major new restaurant at Dublin Airport and fans ‘couldn’t be more happy’

SUPERMAC’s has officially taken off at Dublin Airport today – and passengers couldn’t be “more happy” with the opening.

The fast food giant has landed in the mezzanine area of Terminal 2 before security just beside the arrivals hall. 

Supermac’s fans will get the full experience at the airport with Papa John’s, Bewleys Barista, Supersubs, and Moo Parlour all included.

It will be open seven days a week from 4am to 9pm. 

Supermac’s Assistant Manager Darren Gallagher told The Irish Sun at today’s opening ceremony that the new outlet is a “new adventure” and that they’re delighted with its “success so far.”

He added: “It gives us a new status, and we’re being recognised as a brand that people want in a big international airport like Dublin [Airport], and sort of gives us a presence.

“In Ireland, we have 160 stores, and we are hoping for another two in the next couple of months. 

“And as I said, there is more room for expansion in different areas across the country.

“So we’re starting to get on the move again now because of Covid-19 that kind of stole everything, and it takes a while to get ahead again, but we’re looking forward to a busy future.”

Darren told us that its new investment at Dublin Airport was an excess of €2million and said it was “worth it, and it’s going extremely well for the new adventure that’s taken off.” 

The new branch is expecting over 2,000 customers a day, and they expect the number to keep growing over the coming months. 

Supermac’s Assistant Manager said: “Irish people couldn’t be more happy. 

“We found in research in the past that customers coming back from being abroad in Australia or Canada are longing to have the garlic chips and cheese or the curry chips.

“And that’s always been an incentive to us, and hopefully, we can continue to do that throughout this opening.” 

The new outlet is creating 98 jobs directly, adding to over 2,000 people employed directly at Dublin Airport. 

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien also attended the official opening ceremony and said he was “delighted” with the Irish franchise’s new arrival. 

He said: “I’m delighted to be here at the official opening of Supermacs in Dublin Airport.

“Supermac’s is an incredible Irish successful story that, from a small beginning, is still growing.

“It’s an amazing company that supports Irish suppliers. We’re very proud of it and we’re delighted in Dublin Airport to have a Supermac’s and Papa John’s. 

“T2 is a wonderful terminal, and the work of daa has been done here to make a really good place for a good traveller experience for either people coming to Dublin or leaving through Dublin on their holidays. 

“I have no doubt that this venue will be exceptionally popular for those travelling all across the country. And I just want to wish the best of luck.” 

Galway’s LGFA Ailbhe Davoren brought her Irish dance moves to the opening ceremony, inviting the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Supermac’s Assistant Manager to get involved. 

The restaurant’s opening follows DAA’s announcement earlier this year that 23 new bars, cafes, and restaurants were set to open across both terminals.

Half of the new units are set to be opened by June, ahead of the busy summer period, as new food outlets have been appearing since January.

NEW PLANS

Meanwhile, Dublin Airport is set to create a a solar-powered Aircraft Observation Facility at a current gathering point known as The Mound.

The spot is where people have been showing up to watch planes take off and land for decades.

If it gets the go ahead it will mean planespotters will have access to “a comfortable and safe space for the community to view aircraft movements”, officials said.

The site offers a clear view of the facility’s south runway and cross-wind runway.

There will be an elevated covered platform with seating, a bike park and a car park with 22 parking spaces.

Dublin Airport said the development will be fully-lit, with power provided by solar panels located on the site.

Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport said: “Aircraft observation facilities are a feature of airports around the world.

“As well as providing a plane-spotting platform, the facilities also create an interface between the airport and the local community, helping aviation enthusiasts to engage with the airport by observing aircraft movements and airport operations.

“This location has been an informal ‘plane-spotting’ area over the past 40 years and we think it’s time to put a more formal facility in place.

“It’s a rite of passage for kids in Dublin to be taken to ‘The Mound’ to watch the planes landing and taking off at the airport.

“This new facility would make it safer and more enjoyable for users and we think it’s a facility that the local community will enjoy.”