Wright Group to turn former Rustic Stone restaurant in Dublin into gastropub
At the time an email to customers said: 'Both have been very successful restaurants in Dublin city for a long time, but the time has come where we have decided it's simply not sustainable anymore.'
Plans were lodged by Mink Fusion Ltd in February for the change-of-use application. The council stalled the project when seeking the firm's conservation proposals for the property, which is part of a Victorian commercial development dating from 1881.
However, in a response, Anthony Brabazon of ABA Architects stated that while a 'conservation gain' is desirable in principle, it may not be financially feasible and that this could be carried out at a later time mindful of the fact that the current proposed works involve no removal of original features.
Mr Brabazon pointed out that Mink Fusion 'as tenants under a lease, are paying substantial rent and would like to get the business open'.
He added that Mink Fusion 'would therefore find the onus of a full restoration, which would involve significant procurement of replacement elements as well as the entire shop front screens on two streets, a major obstacle in their goal to bring the unit back to use'.
In response to Mr Brabazon's comment, the council's conservation division had no objection to the scheme on condition that a conservation expert be employed to design, manage, monitor and implement the works.
A letter of consent has confirmed the owners of the property as Thomas Brendan O'Mara, Laura O'Mara, Claire O'Mara, Susan O'Mara and Alison O'Mara.
A planning report lodged with the application by Manahan Planners has stated that a gastropub operation 'offers a more sustainable business model than the previous restaurant, given current market conditions'.
The most recent accounts for the Wright Group, Treasure Trail Holdings Ltd – led by CEO Michael JF Wright – show its pre-tax profits increased to €10.67m in in the 12 months to the end of September 2023 as revenues surged by 38pc to €49m.
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