Press release
The Phoenix Park Café and Tea Rooms under new management
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The ‘Phoenix Park Café’ and the ‘Tea Rooms’ are located in the heart of Dublin’s Phoenix Park and cater to a wide range of local and international visitors. After 26 years of service to the public, Helen Cunningham & Angela Butler have decided to end their stewardship of the Phoenix Café and Phoenix Park Tea Rooms on the 22 February 2024. To their loyal and wonderful customers, staff and suppliers they wish to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation.
Helen Cunningham said that:
“Building the Phoenix Café and Tea Rooms into the well-loved establishments they are today has been an extraordinary journey, and we are immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved.”
Phoenix Park Superintendent Paul McDonnell said:
“I wish to thank both Helen & Angela, on behalf of the Office of Public Works, on the excellent service they provided to the public during this time. Over the years, their hard work has been recognised by the many food awards they received during their tenure."
Following a competitive procurement process, the Wright Group were awarded the catering concession and will commence on 23 February 2024. Guests to the Phoenix Park Café and Tea Rooms will continue to expect the high-quality service and local produce crafted with passion. This Irish family-owned business is at the forefront of hospitality and boasts a collection of venues in various locations around Ireland.
Katie Morrisroe, Director of National Historic Properties, OPW, welcomed Wrights to the Phoenix Park, one of Ireland’s premier visitor attractions:
“I wish to offer my best wishes to Helen and Angela as they move forward. I am sure that the warm welcome that all visitors received will continue under The Wright Group with many of the same hardworking team continuing to serve both the local community and visitors.”
Michael Wright, CEO of The Wright Group, said:
“We welcome the Cunningham Butler staff and chefs into our group and their continued excellent customer service to the locals and tour groups. Our “farm to fork“ ethos and focus on sustainability as a group will be enhanced by the organic vegetables and fruit grown locally which are key ingredients in the food served in the cafes. We will bring our own unique food offering to these historic locations in addition to what the locals have been experiencing to date.”
Cunningham, Butler & Co, led by Helen Cunningham and Angela Butler have operated the ‘Phoenix Café’ and the ‘Tea Rooms’ since 1998. Most recently they have received the Good Food Ireland award 2024, the Georgina Campbell’s Ireland – The Best Places to Eat award 2024 and McKenna’s Guides, Best Places to Eat in Ireland award in 2024.
In line with normal practice, the request for tenders was placed on e-tenders on 29 June 2023. The Wright Group were the successful tenderer.
The Wright Group is an award-winning collection of over 24 Restaurants, Bars, Food Halls, Cafes, Event Spaces & Convenience Retail. First established in 1996, The Wright Group now employs over 700 people.