Laois theatre café to reopen under new management
Café at Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise to reopen
A full year since it closed down, the café in the Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise is going to reopen.
A chef with years of experience in a Portlaoise restaurant and across Europe, is taking over the café, bringing life back into the Laois arts centre on Church street.
Sorin Olinici will open The Fort Café and Bistro, on Friday, July 17.
He has been head chef in Kelly’s Steakhouse in Portlaoise for several years and began his career over 20 years ago in a family business.
The Dunamaise centre announced the reopening this week.
“After years of bringing his passion for food to kitchens across Ireland and Europe, award-winning Chef Sorin is returning home to begin a new chapter.
“The Fort Café & Bistro opens at Dunamaise Arts Centre on 17 July, serving great food, great coffee and a warm welcome in the heart of Portlaoise. We can't wait to welcome you,” the Dunamaise said.
The Dunamaise café was previously run by Café Latte and then R32 which closed down in July 2025.