Belfast brunch café and coffee shop Neighbourhood has announced plans to open a new outlet in the United States as part of a partnership with world famous bar The Dead Rabbit.
The Cathedral Quarter business is set to establish an American outpost next to The Dead Rabbit’s latest location in Austin, Texas this July.
Founded by Oisin McEvoy and Ryan Crown in 2020, Neighbourhood Café has earned a loyal following in Belfast for its brunch menu and premium coffee.
The café, which temporarily relocated to Commercial Court in late 2022 after a fire devastated its original home at Cathedral Buildings, is expected to return to Donegall Street in the coming months.
That new location at Church of Ireland House will be complimented by a new outlet in Texas, next door to The Dead Rabbit’s third venue, due to open next month.
The award-winning Irish pub franchise, launched by Belfast natives Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon, became a global sensation after it opened close to New York’s Battery Park in 2012.
The Belfast duo have since parted ways, with Sean Muldoon overseeing new multi-million-dollar hospitality venture Hazel and Apple in Charlestown, South Carolina.
That has left Jack McGarry to lead the expansion of The Dead Rabbit brand across the US, opening new sites in Washington DC and Austin, Texas.
As he looks to his third location, Mr McGarry has also looked to his native city for support in the guise of Neighbourhood.
“In all that we do, we first look to Ireland for brands, partners, and artisans to champion,” said the Belfast man.
“It’s a natural next step for us to partner with, and celebrate, Neighbourhood Café, a Belfast-based business that excels in the coffee space.
Their commitment to excellence aligns with our own, and we are delighted to collaborate as we expand our footprint in the US.”
Neighbourhood co-owner Ryan Crown, also runs a creative design business in New York.
“Neighbourhood Café and The Dead Rabbit share a common set of values, intentions, and dedication, centred around championing modern Ireland,” he said.
“We are excited to dovetail the efforts of both brands and explore what the future holds as they each grow further in the US.”
His business partner, Oisin McEvoy, described the Austin move as a significant milestone.
“We look forward to sharing our passion for great food and coffee with the Austin community,” he said.
