Ireland’s first organic drive-through is set to open in the summer of 2021 in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Roscommon farmers Justina and Liam Gavin are currently in the process of converting an old KFC drive-through restaurant, which they purchased in 2020. The new organic farm produce outlet will be located in the town’s retail park.

“We are taking what was a fast-food facility and transforming it into a brand new concept for Ireland, an outlet where consumers can buy local, high-quality organic food without having to leave their car,” Justina Gavin told the Irish Farmers Journal.

“COVID-19 has made people more conscious of what they eat and how their food reaches their plate. Our drive-through provides the convenience of fast food while also ensuring the product is locally grown.”

Roscommon farmers Justina and Liam Gavin. \ Philip Doyle

Local supply

The Gavins run a 300ac farm on the shores of Lough Key in Co Roscommon and will supply the drive-through with homegrown organic Dexter beef, Jacob lamb, pig and poultry meat along with eggs and vegetables.

“We hope this project will encompass as many local consumers and farmers as possible. We currently have a beef club of around 10 farmers who rear our Dexter bull calves until nine months of age for us,” Liam Gavin said.

The animals are slaughtered at Burns Meats in Grange, Co Sligo, and we sell the meat from there

“We then buy the bullocks back from these farmers and kill them between two and three years of age.

“The animals are slaughtered at Burns Meats in Grange, Co Sligo, and we sell the meat from there.”

Mock-up of Ireland’s first organic drive-through which is set to open during summer 2021.

New concept

The Roscommon entrepreneurs also own the well-established Drumanilra Farm Kitchen burger bar, café and farm shop in Boyle, Co Roscommon, and plan to open another outlet in Strandhill, Co Sligo, in the coming months.

“With the pandemic, construction has been interrupted greatly. Fortunately, despite the delays we will be ready to launch our new outlets during the summer, offering a new way of supplying food straight from the farm to the consumer.

“We hope our idea catches on in many other parts of Ireland and that the drive-through farm shop becomes commonplace in years to come.”

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