Maeve O’Malley Meltdown Owner

Rising Star Award in 2018

Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2019

Meltdown was established in 2018, as a three month pop-up café specialising in toasties on Stephen Street Lower. The business has been very successful since beginning. Today, Meltdown is based in two different locations Leeson Street and Montague Street. Meltdown is known for its epic toasties, great coffee, ‘Hot Stuff’ sauce and yummy treats.

Winning the Rising Star 2018 & Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2019

“I was shocked when I won the Rising Star award and it really gave me a boost in confidence to know that I was on the right track with my business. At the time I had opened Meltdown 8 months previous and I was running out of steam. The application itself got me to look at my financials which was something I had not yet done and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was doing ok. I then went on to win the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2019. This is something I don't think would have happened had I not got the initial push to look into my business and make real plan and goals for the year.”  

Progression since 2018: Diversifying & Expansion

“Things have progressed a lot since 2018. I now have Meltdown in two locations in Dublin 2, I also have ‘Winedown’ which is a funky evening venue located upstairs in the Montague Street location. I also have the Meltdown ‘Hot Stuff’ stock listed in over 100 outlets. Recently I have been growing my management team and I have rented an office off St Stephen's Green.”

Benefits of winning the Rising Star Award 2018

“The push to have a look at my business and also make plans for the future. Winning was the icing on the cake and the confidence boost I needed at the time.”

Business Challenges and Opportunities of COVID-19 Lockdown: Relocation, Team & Menu Expansion & Pivoting

“The lockdown has been devastating for the hospitality industry. My precarious rolling contract with my premises in Temple Bar was always nerve inducing for me. Yet when the Pandemic hit it was great to be able to get out of that location as soon as possible. I hired chefs and grew the Breakfast and Cake menus. I also started making a lot of the ingredients in house, something I always wanted to do but could not due to lack of space. I also focused a lot on delivery, and growing the Meltdown ‘Hot Stuff’ side of the business

The Future of Meltdown

“Next steps for me are to reopen ‘Winedown’ and create a place where the food is amazing and the vibes are chilled. I'm a woman in business and I appreciate so much the support I have received from people in the past 3 years. I would love to collaborate with female suppliers where possible.”

LEO Supports

Maeve & Meltdown availed of a range of supports:

• Grant funding
• One to One Mentoring
• Foodstarter Programme
• Trading Online Voucher
• Pandemic supports - Business Continuity Voucher

See The Meltdown timeline to success and  Maeve's tips to running your own business

Contact & Further Details:

Maeve O’Malley - info@meltdown.ie - 0858761928

https://www.meltdown.ie/

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