Local Apache wins Store of the Year for second time

Apache Pizza Mullingar has won the title of best store in Ireland, in the same week that the 200th franchise was opened, in Longford.

Eoghan Murray, the franchisee in Mullingar, is an investor in the new Longford one, and he was delighted for his team in Mullingar, whose work and commitment he credited with earning the best store title.

Apache Mullingar was the sixth store, in 2004, when it opened the week before Christmas.

“It’s a great achievement,” said Eoghan. “It’s based on your sales, HSE reports, community commitments. The last time we won Store of the Year, for the whole of Ireland, was in 2013, and that time there were 130 or 140 stores. It’s a great boost for the team, and it’s nice to get a pat on the back every so often.”

Speaking at the announcement, Crispin McLaughlin, chief operating officer, Apache Pizza Ireland, said: “One thing that separates Apache from other brands is our community marketing; if you go to any of our successful stores, they’re about being in the community, looking after the community, and that goes for our stores in Galway, in Dublin, in Belfast, but we’ve got one store that’s always done it, and it comes from the founder, the family, and also a man who has taken the store from strength to strength."

“He’s (Eoghan Murray) part of his community; he was named new businessman of the year this year and he really puts his heart and soul into the store, as do all the team, Lisa, his partner. I go into that store and the team are always fantastic. They always produce great sales, but not only great sales, great customer comments, great food safety, and great operations.

“Our Store of the Year this year is Mullingar.”