Molloy’s Bakery is 98 years in business
Molloy’s Bakery will celebrate 100 years in business in Roscommon town in 2022. The bakery first traded on Main Street before moving to the custom-built bakery in Abbeytown twenty years ago.
Current proprietor, Declan Molloy is the third generation and he runs the family’s renowned bakery and shop in Abbeytown with his wife, Mary T. Molloy.
“We are into our 99th year of trading as a family business here in Roscommon town. We are on the fourth generation now. My grandfather started the business and my father continued on. My wife Mary T. and I currently run it while our son, Mark, is in charge of our bakery on the Racecourse Road,” he said.
The Molloys employ around 35 people between full and part-time staff in Roscommon town.
“The bakery is nearly a century old and has faced many challenges down through the years from World War to boom and bust and and boom again.
“In my lifetime we’ve had challenges but the current Covid situation is the worst because of the whole unknown factor. So far, everything has worked out for us and we’ve been able to keep the door open, however.
“We are also very lucky that the staff have backed us 100%. The staff at the front of the shop are working on the frontline throughout the week in order to serve the public and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Our ‘behind the scenes’ staff have never let us down either and have split their shifts in order to keep everyone safe,” he said.
“The other big change is that we would be known for a 30 or 40-mile radius and even further afield for many years but unfortunately, some of our older customers are unable to come to town now.
“They would have grown up buying fresh, unwrapped bread and now, because of Covid-19, every product must be wrapped. That extra cost and lack of familiarity with the packaged product has hit many businesses across the country,” he said.
While there have been ups and downs this year, Declan is grateful for the continued support Molloy’s Bakery receives from Roscommon and surrounding areas.
“We’re very lucky that we have massive support around the county. Every shop in town sells Molloy’s bread so we owe a massive debt of gratitude to the people of the town and the county and even our bordering counties. We have the footballing rivalry in areas like east Galway but they are also great supporters of Molloy’s Bakery. There’s a great sense of satisfaction that businesses in counties like Mayo, Leitrim, Westmeath and Longford also support us,” Declan added.
“I’ve always said that Roscommon town was built on family-run businesses. Multinational companies draw in people from all around but when I think of business in Roscommon I think of families such as the Wards, Caseys, the Grealys, Gleesons, and Walshs. They all provide a fantastic service to the public in Roscommon town and for a small town in rural Ireland, we have some of the best businesses around.
“The town has sustained a large amount of family businesses over the years and we’re just proud to be part of that. These businesses support the local Christmas Lights committee, the Tidy Towns, the Easter Parade and the Roscommon Lamb Festival. It’s the family businesses that are out on the ground supporting the community,” he said.
As well as a wide selection of freshly baked breads, cakes and other treats for any occasion, Molloy’s Bakery offers hot and cold food, artisanal produce, and an exclusive wine selection. Molloy’s famous sourdough bread also remains a major seller!
The newest arrival is the Lotus Biscoff range which includes cupcakes, a loaf cake, a gateaux and cheesecake for Christmas.
“We have two new cheesecakes coming out for Christmas: a pistachio and white chocolate crunch. We can see demand for traditional Christmas cakes dying off because younger customers tend to go for something lighter these days,” Declan explained.
This week Molloy’s are offering the usual Late Late Toy Show boxes for children as well as a new ‘Grazing Box’ for adults, which includes sweet and savoury produce. There is also an ‘Afternoon Tea’ box available. These items as well as an extensive ‘Click and Collect’ service are available at www.molloysbakery.ie.
With Christmas fast approaching, the bakery is also set to host an ‘Intimate Shopping Experience’ in December where smaller groups (maximum 8 people) will be able to visit the shop each evening from 6 and 9 pm.
While things will be different this year, Declan says that more than ever, the Molloy’s Bakery family is determined to make Christmas special for you and yours!
