Louis Fitzgerald, one of Ireland's most well-known publicans, has stated that he intends to realign his businesses to focus more on food offerings.
Fitzgerald, who also owns a number of hotels including the Arlington Hotel in Dublin, said the group is considering two new pub sites close to the city centre. The focus will be on food in these pubs and the other flagship pubs in the Louis Fitzgerald group.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, the publican said the group have "a different offering to JD Wetherspoon" and the new focus will not be in competition with the British chain. Wetherspoon's extensive menu and low-cost food offering is a key selling point for the pubs.
The Traders pub in Walkinstown is currently up for sale and the Marble Arch in Drimnagh will be placed on the market, both pubs belonging to the Fitzgerald group. The two south Dublin properties don't conform to the new format, according to Fitzgerald.
The group operates a number of popular pubs such as Stag's Head (pictured), Kehoes and the Grand Central in Dublin, as well as The Quays bar in Galway.
