Grainne from Patisserie G based at Beechmount Avenue took to social media to share the good news, after revealing a man who is the CEO of Amcomri Group Limited offered to pay the establishment’s electricity bill.

The local coffee and cake spot had been due to close for good as soon as this Saturday but will now reopen fully this Monday.

It marks a remarkable turnaround for one business after the raft of closures impacting on local companies across Northern Ireland in recent weeks as a result of rising costs.

The news was greeted with joy by the many hundreds who commented in response to the post on social media.

In a post on Facebook, the business owner wrote: “I was all set to close the Patisserie on Saturday, heartbroken not just because of the work I put in everyday, but the people I’d be letting down with breakfast club, the ones who come in just to off load because there’s no one at home, the kids, entrepreneurs club, book club, our regulars, the women’s group,” she wrote.

“I got a message and phone call from the son of a man who was born into Amcomri Street. He is now the CEO of a major company. The Amcomri Group. The McGowans are willing to pay our electricity bills and keep the Patisserie open.

“I went from emotional thanking him to: ‘Is this a joke’, to whoa, no thank you is big enough.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, a few of my adorable customers have pointed out last week how tired I looked. So I’m taking this week off to recharge, breathe, do some work in the Patisserie that needs sorted.

“A massive thank you to everyone who bought gifts/donations. I am actually cut to the bone because they were for closing and they turned into ‘staying open’ gifts. As if I’m not socially awkward enough receiving gifts but thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Reopening Monday 3 October. Breakfast club on, Halloween decorating classes on, young entrepreneurs club Halloween week on.

“But how incredible to those kids in the club to have someone like [the] McGowans to look up to. Never be afraid to reach further than the stars. I said from the first day in the entrepreneurs club, it doesn’t matter where you live, with hard work and dedication you can be anything you want to be.”

The post Belfast dessert shop saved from closure after lifeline from local business chief first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The convenience retailer is putting the spotlight on on picnic-friendly sweet and savoury treats as well as barbecue sides and desserts as it launches its new range.

“We’ve worked hard to develop products which offer the chance of fun discovery and adventure with convenience always at the centre of what we do,” said Dai Llewelyn, Co-op executive chef.

“Bold flavours, vibrant colours and beautiful textures are taken from the global pantry to celebrate diversity, inclusion and food heritage.”

Among the savoury treats are the Coronation Chicken Sub (£3.50), Pesto & Mozzarella Pinwheels (£2.50), Hand Finished Mediterranean Focaccia (£1), Cheddar Ploughman’s Quiche (£3.50), Vegan Falafel & Whipped Feta Wrap (£3.50) and Nduja Sausage Rolls (£3).

The post Co-op launches picnic-friendly baked treats for summer 2022 first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Galbert’s is set to extend their range of Italian chilled desserts. In a move that has secured listings with NI convenience formats including Eurospar, Spar and Nisa, Ireland’s second favourite desserts brand are expanding their product range.

The four-strong range has been developed to complement Galbert’s already existing dessert brand, comprising their popular selection of jellies, cheesecakes and trifles.The current range consists of three twin pack option including mango and passionfruit panna cotta, a limoncello mousse dessert, and a family sized tiramisu.

Galbert’s believe that although today’s health-conscious shoppers are increasingly wary of sugar intake, consumers are still willing to entertain the occasional temptation.

Darren Hughes, NI sales manager for PRM Group, said: “Although there is a clear movement across the wider market towards healthy alternatives the chilled dessert category remains relevant as a ‘treat’ category. Consumers seeking that moment of indulgence trust brands to deliver products that offer quality, freshness and above all taste.

“With that in mind we have developed a range of products that capitalise on the trend for premium chilled desserts as a complement to our existing range. The products offer a convenient luxury option within chilled desserts that will provide the perfect helping hand to consumers in the lead up to the busy Christmas season.”

Galbert’s latest range will be available in selected Europar, Spar and Nisa stores in the lead up to Christmas with a RRSP of £1.99 for twin pack option and £3.29 for the family tiramisu.

Our feature image shows Darren Hughes, PRM NI Sales Manager with Andrew Porter, General Manager at Creightons of Balmoral

The post Galbert’s add Italian twist to chilled desserts first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.