Small Business Q&A: Jeffrey Treacy

Gasta is a new health food café which has opened in the centre of Limerick City.

Kehlan travels to talk to its creator, Jeffrey Treacy, about how it all came about.

Q. How would you describe Gasta?

Gasta is a new café which we’ve opened in order to cater for a growing health food market both in the city and in Ireland. Our whole menu is based upon what is known as the ‘Paleo’ or ‘Caveman’ diet. Which is food taken directly from what our ancient ancestors would have eaten. Which means fruits, nuts, berries, meats and anything they would have been able to gather as food. In effect, it is a wide host of very healthy eating and, of course, we’ve taken that and brought it to a modern twist. Ireland is changing its eating habits and we’re constantly developing new ways in which to bring this experience to the customer.

Q. You’ve only been open 6 weeks, how is it going?

It’s been going pretty well. Summer time Limerick is a difficult period for business. Anybody in business in the city will tell you that come summer time there is a mass exodus of holiday-goers to the likes of Kilkee and Ballybunion. All off to spend time with their kids and enjoy the summer. That means things generally slow down in the city. But we’ve had a better than expected opening few weeks and my hope is that come the autumn and the winter business will really pick up.

Q. An integral part of that good opening has been social media hasn’t it?

Most definitely. We had over 2,000 followers on Facebook before we had even opened the doors. That was a great boost to us, and people who are coeliac or need gluten-free food have been sending out recommendations to friends and family, etc. It’s been remarkable. Because they know how embarrassing it is walking into places and having to do the leap around the menu, mixing and matching from different dishes to get a good meal. With us it’s all catered for, so they just walk in and order with no hassle.

Q. I noticed your communal table and benches, does that work?

Initially people were apprehensive about it. But now we are seeing people sit with each other even if they know them or not. In the café/restaurant business it’s not just food which sells us to customers, it is atmosphere and experiences. The benches allow people to sit together with other people. Of course we have separate tables and chairs if you’re not into that, but now at least you have the choice. It shouldn’t just be up to us how people enjoy their food. The customer needs to be part of their own experience and make that emotional connection with us. We are a new business and so we need to take every advantage we can in what we offer customers. We know our product is good and I think people in the city are beginning to believe it too.