Adi Chiforiuc opened Norio’s in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon three years ago. He’s known for his impeccable hygiene and great chips. He likes supporting the local GAA teams and loves the Rose Festival, end July when the town is full.
Name? Name of Business? Norio’s, Castlerea, Roscommon
When did you open? Three years ago now. I took over an established business and kept the same name but I did a lot of work cleaning up the premises and improving the food. It’s a completely different place now and business is very good.
What kind of services do you offer customers? We can seat 24 people. We’re open 12-12 daily and from 2pm-12 on Sundays. We have a very good, broad menu.
How many staff do you employ? Two staff other than myself and my wife.
What, in your opinion, makes your place unique to your customers? It’s very clean, sparkling – the word is that you can eat your food off the floor. And the food is really great. Last year we were named the Best Chips in Roscommon in a Facebook review.
What do you most like about the job? I like everything, I like being part of the community and that everyone knows me.
What’s your busiest time? From 6 pm to 9 pm is always busy. Fridays are the busy days and during the year July and August. Especially the end of July when the Rose Festival is on here.
What’s the biggest challenge facing you in business at the moment? The rates are too dear.
What is competition like in the area? There’s a lot of it, yes, but I don’t mind, I look after my own business.
Is there anything the government could be doing to make your life easier? Reduce the rates
If you could invite someone famous to dinner who would it be? I’d invite the local teams, GAA, including the junior teams. I’ve been supporting them the past few years, helping raise money for the kit.
What does it take to do your job successfully? You have to be very serious about hygiene and you have to be very nice to customers
What is your business motto? If you want to achieve something, you have to work
What’s your best-selling menu item? Steaks and fish do very well. And I know everybody always mentions chips but our chips are famous as the best in Roscommon (according to a Facebook review).
What fish do you serve? Fresh cod from Donegal
How many meal deals do you do? 10 meal deals
What’s your most expensive item? Our mixed grill is 13 euro. It’s a breakfast grill but it’s served all day.
How do you promote new menu items? Facebook and leaflets, and word of mouth. Everybody knows me by now.
