Lorraine Heskin is the Founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour. Lorraine is the definition of ambitious, she is tenacious, resilient, and not afraid of hard work.
Hailing from Co. Galway, she studied at the University of Limerick before heading off to New York, working in a diverse range of food businesses. On returning to Dublin, she opened her first restaurant in Dun Laoghaire in 2006. Since then, Gourmet Food Parlour has grown into a very successful business employing over 200 people.
Q 1- How does your normal day begin?
Up early for breakfast and then get the troops off to school before starting my workday. I like to start the day by checking in on emails before some team meetings, which are mostly virtual now. Engaging with your team at the start of the day is a great way to get everyone motivated!
Q 2- What are your biggest daily challenges?
In hospitality, there’s always a challenge to overcome, but that’s what I love about the industry. Our current daily challenges are always about finding the best way to meet the needs of the Gourmet Food Parlour customers with ongoing restrictions, which we strive to do our best at every day.
Q3- What do you love most about your job?
The pace and the diversity. No two days are the same and that’s what makes it exciting. Also, I love that Gourmet Food Parlour has become such a valued part of so many communities and being able to see that loyalty from customers is priceless.
Q 4- What do you do to relax?
I love walking, getting out in the fresh air and taking time to myself is important, it also gives me time to listen to my favourite podcasts and I really take this time to switch off. I also like to meditate and of course, shopping is a favourite too!
Q 5-Favourite staycation destination in Ireland and why?
- Dingle Co Kerry is my most favourite place to visit, I stay in the Skellig Hotel and I cannot recommend it enough! It’s my go-to place for beautiful scenery, relaxation, great restaurants and quality time.
- Q 6-Favourite holiday destination worldwide?
- Italy is so beautiful, last year I visited Puglia and it was an incredible experience, the scenery, the culture and history is captivating. The weather, beaches and food are all incredible too.
- Q 7-Favourite Business motto?
- “Yesterday is over, today is a new day, go forth and make an impact”
Pics: Alan Rowlette –
www.alanrowlette.ie –
088423913 –
Q 8. Advice for young business entrepreneurs
Get up and go for it! The best advice is to believe in yourself and your own ability and whatever it is you’re thinking of doing, just start doing it.
