A new Derry business has enjoyed a successful launch in Ebrington Square.
Industry Juice Bar has been open for only two weeks but has enjoyed massive success in that time. It has built upon the new sense of importance around health and wellbeing following repeated lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Manager Mark Toye spoke to MyDerry about the new venture.
He said: "Lockdown played a major part in everyone’s lives and sense of wellbeing. People were re-evaluating their lifestyle and saw it as an opportunity to make changes.
"More people are getting on health trends, they are out running and walking, joining bootcamps. In the mornings we would get 6 or 7 different bootcamps calling in for juices after they have finished. It is unbelievable."
With it's thriving social media pages, the juice bar is enjoying plenty of footfall from walkers and passers-by.
Mark said: "There is a lot of young people calling in. Instead of going out for a drink, they want to meet for a coffee or a juice or a walk."
The juice bar is based in the old munitions building at the front of Ebrington Square. It is a unique and relaxed sheltered setting.
Mark said: "The courtyard space and old viewpoints from here are amazing. We are surrounded by historical walls and plan to showcase the history of this space soon. There is so much room for potential here."
In previous years, the space within Ebrington Square was largely vacant.
With big plans growing from the City Deal, including a hotel, maritime museum, restaurant and bar as well as new office space, Mark sees Ebrington Square finally tapping into its potential.
He said: "Ebrington is becoming a hub for Derry. The square is used constantly with bootcamps, concerts, events and attractions.
"And it is a two minute walk over the peace bridge. Derry has got this vacant space and it is great that we can finally start using it.
"We are here at the birth of this and for us to set our footprint here is so exciting because it can only get busier."
Industry plans to expand its ventures. It has an existing Industry Deli & Coffee Shop on the Strand Road, in which they wish to incorporate some elements of the juice bar.
Mark had a message of thanks and appreciation to those who helped make their first weeks so successful. He said: "We appreciate everyone who comes here, and the key is that they enjoy the service and experience here.
"We always take feedback on board and listen to what people will tell us to improve where we can. "
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