Who’s next? Form a niche queue for Cork’s legendary Jackie Lennox’s chipper take-away

A Cork Culinary Icon Finds New Chapter: Lennox’s Beloved Chipper Available

The name Jackie Lennox echoes through the streets of Cork, synonymous with decades of tasty food and a cherished local institution. Now, after 74 years of frying happiness, Lennox’s, the iconic Bandon Road chipper, is seeking a new steward to carry on its legacy.

“The name is gone, but there’s a great business to be run here,” explain Frances and Brian Lennox, two of the nine siblings who grew up immersed in the family business.Established in 1951 by their parents, Jackie and Eileen lennox, Lennox’s became a beloved cornerstone of the Cork community, serving generations of locals with its consistently high-quality food.

For the right entrepreneur, this is a golden chance. “It’s ready to trade, everything is here, all you need is a float for the tills and fresh product,” share Frances and Brian.

Lennox’s closure marks the end of an era for many Corkonians who have fond memories of the chipper. It’s a poignant reminder that even the most beloved businesses eventually transition,leaving behind a legacy that resonates through the tastes and memories of countless people.

A Farewell to a Cork Icon: Lennox’s Chips Closes its Doors

The aroma of sizzling potatoes, the clatter of trays, and the constant hum of happy chatter – these were the signature sounds of Lennox’s, a Cork institution that served more than just chips; it served up memories. After 55 years of frying up culinary gold, the beloved chipper has closed its doors, leaving a giant hole in the hearts of locals and a legacy of crispy perfection.

For generations, Lennox’s was more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it was a gathering spot. Families feasted, friends caught up, and even celebrities and sports stars queued alongside locals for a taste of their legendary chips. Taoiseach Micheál Martin himself hailed Lennox’s as “an iconic institution,” a testament to its enduring appeal.

Frances Lennox, who dedicated 55 years to the family business, starting at the tender age of 15, understood the magic behind their success. “The Spanish potatoes were the best,” she reminisced, “you’d get them for six weeks in the year. But that went down to just two weeks due to climate change.” This poignant anecdote highlights the subtle yet significant shifts in the culinary landscape that frances witnessed firsthand throughout her time at Lennox’s.

Her siblings, Brian and Duncan, also poured 45 years each into perfecting the art of batter lines, ensuring each batch of chips reached crispy perfection. The family’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in the outpouring of grief that followed the closure. The last weekend of service saw queues stretching around three sides of the block, filled with loyal fans eager to pay their final respects to this culinary legend. The sheer volume of love and respect was a testament to the deep connection Lennox’s had forged with its community.

Now, a new chapter unfolds for the iconic premises. Estate agent Michael McKenna is handling the lease, seeking proposals from interested parties. The Lennox family hopes to lease the immaculate space to another experienced operator who will carry on the legacy of excellence.

The rent is set at €200,000 per year, reflecting the strong revenue potential of this well-established business. At its peak, Jackie Lennox’s employed 47 people, and by the time it closed in October 2022, had bounced back to 30-plus employees, with turnover approaching pre-pandemic levels.

The possibilities are exciting. “Might it suit as a Dino’s or an O’Reillys?” Mr. McKenna speculates. “Perhaps a Kiely’s, a SuperMacs, or a hungry Dublin operator like a Beshoffs (previously in Cork) or a Burdocks?” The potential for a new operator to establish their own brand within this iconic space is truly intriguing.

A Chip Off the Old Block: Jackie Lennox’s Closes After Decades of Service

After serving their community for decades, the beloved Jackie Lennox’s chip shop has closed its doors. This marks the end of an era filled with cherished memories and countless satisfied customers,leaving owners Brian and Frances Lennox with a bittersweet mix of emotions as they prepare for retirement.

“As we retire, we reflect with gratitude on the memories, relationships, and experiences that have shaped our business,” Brian and Frances shared. “we want to thank our loyal customers,long-serving staff,and everyone who has supported us along the way,as well as our suppliers.”

Since announcing their closure, the Lennox family has been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support and well wishes.Customers reminisced about their favorite moments at Jackie Lennox’s,sharing heartwarming stories about the remarkable food and kind atmosphere.

“It’s hard to say goodbye, but I’m at peace with it,” Frances confessed, acknowledging the sadness mixed with gratitude for the community they built, the memories forged, and the countless faces that graced their establishment.

Jackie Lennox’s legacy extends far beyond perfectly crisp chips. The shop’s story is a testament to family, dedication, and the enduring power of a simple, perfectly executed dish. While the doors may be closed, the memories linger, reminding us that sometiems, the greatest flavors are found in the heart of a community.

Their impact resonated deeply with customers, who shared countless stories of their experiences at Jackie Lennox’s. The framed photographs that adorned the walls, capturing decades of memories, are being carefully documented and shared on social media, allowing customers to continue cherishing those moments.

“We didn’t realise how many memories were created at Jackie Lennox’s for our customers until we received such a response from them. Those queues outside the door,messages on the website,and the beautiful cards and letters we received – all with their own stories about their time spent in Jackie Lennox’s,” Frances revealed,highlighting the profound connection forged between the shop and its patrons.

Now sparkling clean, the building is prepared to hit the market, signifying the end of a chapter. Brian and Frances took a moment to recognise some of their dedicated suppliers, including MP O’Sullivans, Richard Noonan for wrappings, Catering Suppliers, Cork Bar Services, Cappoquin chickens, electrician James Catchpole, and Stephen Landon Potatoes, who consistently delivered mountains of potatoes. Their commitment,alongside Brian and Frances’s expertise,contributed to the enduring reputation of Jackie Lennox’s.

even though the chapter of Jackie Lennox’s is closing, the memories will undoubtedly endure. As Frances aptly put it, “While it’s bittersweet to close, this chapter had to come to an end.”

remembering Lennox’s: A Conversation with Local Historian Seamus O’Brien

Lennox’s, a Cork institution for over five decades, recently closed its doors, leaving many locals with a sense of loss. This iconic chipper wasn’t just a place to get a delicious meal; it was a social hub, a place where generations of Corkonians gathered to share stories, laughter, and, of course, perfectly cooked chips. To understand the depth of Lennox’s impact on the community, we spoke with Seamus O’Brien, a local historian who has dedicated himself to documenting Cork’s culinary heritage.

seamus,Lennox’s has held a special place in the hearts of Corkonians for generations. What made it so special?

Seamus:

“Lennox’s was more than just a chipper; it was a gathering place, a landmark. People went there for the phenomenal chips, of course, but also for the sense of community it fostered.It was a place where everyone felt welcome, from families with young children to late-night crowds after a night out.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Lennox family and their dedication to the business?

Seamus:

“The Lennox family poured their hearts and souls into Lennox’s. Francis, in particular, was so passionate and dedicated. I remember her always greeting everyone with a smile,even on the busiest days. You could tell she truly loved what she did and took immense pride in serving her customers.”

What kind of impact has the closure of lennox’s had on the local community?

Seamus: “The closure of Lennox’s has been deeply felt by a lot of people. It’s more than just the loss of a great chipper; it’s the loss of a piece of Cork’s history and identity. It’s a reminder of how much these local institutions mean to us.”

The Loss of a Cork Institution: Remembering Lennox’s

The recent closure of Lennox’s, a beloved chipper in Cork, has left a void in the community. Seamus, a local resident, shared the profound impact the eatery had on the lives of many, saying, “The closure has been met with a lot of sadness. People have shared so many fond memories of Lennox’s – first dates, family celebrations, even quiet nights in with a takeaway. It was a part of the fabric of Cork,and its absence is definitely felt.”

The question on many minds is whether another business will take over the prime location and carry on the cherished tradition. Seamus believes it’s a possibility. “It’s certainly a possibility,” he says. “The location is prime real estate, and the chippy is much-loved.it wouldn’t be easy to fill Lennox’s shoes, but I’m hopeful that the spirit of warmth and community will continue in some form.”

Beyond its delicious chips, Lennox’s legacy extends to the memories it created and the sense of belonging it fostered. As Seamus reflects, “Lennox’s will be remembered for its incredible chips, absolutely. but I think its legacy goes beyond that. It’s about the memories it created, the community it built, and the warm feeling of belonging you experienced stepping through its doors. It was a truly special place, and it will be deeply missed.”

What role did Lennox’s play in the social fabric of Cork beyond just serving food?

Remembering Lennox’s: A Conversation with Local Historian Seamus O’Brien

Lennox’s, a Cork institution for over five decades, recently closed its doors, leaving many locals with a sense of loss. This iconic chipper wasn’t just a place to get a delicious meal; it was a social hub,a place where generations of Corkonians gathered to share stories,laughter,and,of course,perfectly cooked chips.To understand the depth of Lennox’s impact on the community, we spoke with Seamus O’Brien, a local historian who has dedicated himself to documenting Cork’s culinary heritage.

seamus, Lennox’s has held a special place in the hearts of Corkonians for generations. What made it so special?

seamus:

“Lennox’s was more than just a chipper; it was a gathering place, a landmark.People went there for the phenomenal chips, of course, but also for the sense of community it fostered.It was a place where everyone felt welcome, from families with young children to late-night crowds after a night out.”

Can you tell us a bit about the Lennox family and their dedication to the business?

Seamus:

“The lennox family poured their hearts and souls into Lennox’s. Francis, in particular, was so passionate and dedicated. I remember her always greeting everyone with a smile,even on the busiest days. You coudl tell she truly loved what she did and took immense pride in serving her customers.”

What kind of impact has the closure of lennox’s had on the local community?

Seamus: “The closure of Lennox’s has been deeply felt by a lot of people. It’s more than just the loss of a great chipper; it’s the loss of a piece of Cork’s history and identity.It’s a reminder of how much these local institutions mean to us.”

Do you think another business might move in and keep the spirit of Lennox’s alive?

Seamus:

“It’s certainly a possibility. The location is prime real estate, and the chippy is much-loved.it wouldn’t be easy to fill Lennox’s shoes, but I’m hopeful that the spirit of warmth and community will continue in some form.” What do you think the new food destination will be in that spot?