In hospitality, making it to 20 years is no small thing. In fact, it’s huge. So as Gourmet Food Parlour gets ready to celebrate two decades in business in 2026, there’s a real sense of pride and plenty to celebrate. Discover all about GFP and their amazing achievement below...
What started in 2006 as a cosy 25-seater café in Dun Laoghaire has grown into one of Ireland’s best-loved restaurant and catering groups. Founded by CEO Lorraine Heskin from Barna, Gourmet Food Parlour was built on the simple idea: serve great quality, locally sourced food in a fun and relaxed space. Twenty years later, that same spirit still runs through every venue.
Today, Gourmet Food Parlour has 12 locations across Dublin, Galway and Meath, along with a thriving catering and events division. In Dublin city centre, the group recently opened Browns Brasserie and Edition in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street, adding to their offerings at Kitchen Italian, Corner Café, Homemade and Henry’s (all at Arnotts). It’s been steady growth, but always with the same focus on flavour, quality and experience.
Galway has been a big part of that journey. Since opening in Salthill in 2018, the venue has become a firm favourite locally. Over the past year especially, catering in the west has taken off, with a full team now based in Briarhill delivering everything from corporate events to large-scale sporting partnerships.
In fact, Gourmet Food Parlour is now the largest sports catering company in Ireland. The team works with major organisations including the Football Association of Ireland, the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Dublin GAA County Board, making nutritional meals to help athletes perform at their best. Closer to home in Galway, they cater for the county’s senior football squad and were proudly behind the scenes when the camogie team lifted the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship title last year. When the team gave them a shout-out during the celebrations, it was completely unexpected, and meant the world. As they like to say, they’re “fuelling success” and it’s a phrase that fits.
Community has always been central to Gourmet Food Parlour. From sponsoring local clubs in Salthill to supporting teams with both catering and kit sponsorship, the connections are personal. It’s not just about doing business in a place, it’s about being part of it.
“Gourmet Food Parlour has always been about more than just restaurants - it’s about building a brand that fuels communities, partnerships and performance,” shares its founder, Lorraine Heskin. “As we approach 20 years, we’re proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about what’s ahead. We see enormous opportunity to expand, collaborate and continue setting the benchmark for quality and experience in Irish hospitality.”
To mark the big 2-0, Gourmet Food Parlour is rolling out a year-long celebration of much-loved favourites from across the years. Limited-edition specials will return to their menu throughout 2026. These anniversary celebrations will see collaborations with long-time food partners and some exciting new names. Under Lorraine’s leadership, there’s a particular focus on working with and championing women-led businesses, something that feels especially fitting as the company looks to the future.
From one small café by the sea to 12 venues and a team of more than 300 people, Gourmet Food Parlour’s story is one of hard work, heart and serious ambition. In today’s hospitality climate, 20 years in business is an incredible achievement. And if the past two decades are anything to go by, there are plenty more achievements to come.
For more see gourmetfoodparlour.com and visit their Galway location at 14 Lenaboy Gardens in Salthill.
All photos courtesy Gourmet Food Parlour.
