Aussie Rules star Zach Tuohy's Laois café announces huge expansion
A hip Laois café co-owned by Australian football star Zach Touhy has announced a huge expansion that will see it open several more cafés across Ireland.
The Wandering Elk in Portlaoise is owned by Geelong Cats star Zach Tuohy and a local businessman and friend, Murry Rogers. The stylish café on Bull Lane only opened 18 months ago but quickly doubled in size with rapid customer loyalty for its luxury sandwiches, bakes and coffees. Last August they won Best Newcomer in the Irish Restaurant Awards.
Now they have announced a huge expansion.
The Elk will be wandering a good bit further, with the takeover of the Stodge Face bakery and coffee chain, which has branches in Athlone, Galway and Tullamore.
The company was founded two years ago and only opened in Galway last July.
"The Elk is out of the bag. We are are very excited for all that lies ahead. Huge thanks to our friends at @stodgeface for all their support. All stodgeface locations will be reopened from this weekend with some exciting things planned over the coming weeks," the Wandering Elk announced on December 1.
Stodge Face founders Nigel and Morgan announced the big change too, with a promise that most of their staff will be retained.
"It’s been a while but we are back with some exciting news! We have decided it is time for us to move on from Stodge Face, however, Stodge Face will live on. Our friends at The Wandering Elk will be taking over from here and keeping you stocked up on all our delicious goodies!!
"You’ll see most of the friendly faces you are used to back serving you your favourite treats. All stores will be back up and running this weekend and we wish Zach and The Wandering Elk team the absolute best of luck! A big final thank you to all of our staff and customers for an unforgettable 2 years- we couldn’t have done it without you! We can’t wait to see all the successes that are in store for The Wandering Elk team as they grow and expand!!!," the company announced.