Ireland’s first Japanese restaurant celebrates Dublin’s vibrant demographics
Derek and Graham Ryan, Group Founder and Director of award-winning, Yamamori Group restaurants and bars, have firsthand witnessed the evolution of Dublin becoming a global melting pot. With nearly 25 years since the original restaurant’s opening, the Group now delivers unique culinary adventures across three thriving restaurants and bars in the city center that are recognized for their authentic Japanese dishes, excellent cocktails, hospitable service and fun atmosphere.
How are Dublin’s socioeconomic development challenges affecting the hospitality sector?
Derek Ryan: The secret to a great restaurant is location, and Yamamori has excellent locations. However, we continually experience increasing rent prices that are becoming a challenge to maintain profitable operations. Nonetheless, we have a positive outlook for Ireland’s development.
Graham Ryan: Some of Dublin’s largest challenges are transport and housing. As a restaurateur, we are in touch with the community and we directly see how our clients and employees face these challenges. Our staff face challenges when renting homes downtown, and are forced to move further outside the center. Inadequate public transport, especially at night, often results in people requiring to take expensive taxis, which on occasion can take over an hour.
How do you assess Dublin’s demographics?
Derek Ryan: Dublin is a real melting pot with a deep culture and a vibrant demographic that is funky, eclectic and cute. It caters for everybody and the city consistently attracts people from as far away as Japan and Brazil. Diversity in Dublin is thriving.
Graham Ryan: We can see this within our restaurants, which attract a diverse crowd, from lunchtime business people, to mothers with strollers, to the youth enjoying the evening night life. We educate Dubliners about Japanese culture and cuisine. The secret to our success has been continuous innovation, and adapting to Dublin’s vibrant demographics. Moving forward we have plans to open a restaurant in Tokyo.