Skinflint has spark

JOE MACKEN doesn’t wear a suit.

He doesn’t run conventional eateries, and you won’t find him lobbying for Michelin Stars or AA rosettes. Right now, however, it’s probably no exaggeration to say that he’s the hottest property on the Dublin restaurant scene.

Every time I walk into Crackbird, Jo’Burger or Skinflint, the three lo-fi eateries Macken manages around the capital, he seems to be there. Taking orders, serving beers or grabbing a bite, you can’t miss the greying hair tied back in a ponytail, the skinny jeans and the hint of swagger amidst the constant procession, not so much of hip young customers, as Jo’Groupies.