JAMIE OLIVER is the latest celebrity chef to dip his toe in Irish waters. He has announced plans to open his first Irish restaurant in Dundrum this autumn. Jamie’s Italian will open in a 4,500sq ft unit in the Pembroke area of the Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin.
The restaurant will create about 75 jobs and is now recruiting for senior chefs and managers. It expects to advertise other positions within the next month.
Oliver said the restaurant chain was all about delicious, affordable food and great staff. “So we’re currently on the hunt for around 75 fantastic local people to join our team as chefs and front-of-house staff . . . I can’t wait for us to be open.”
A spokeswoman said Jamie’s Italian had already received CVs after yesterday’s announcement.
Jamie’s Italian is a chain of about 30 restaurants in the UK, Sydney and Dubai. It serves dishes that have been created by Jamie Oliver and his mentor, Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo.
Oliver said he would be working with independent Irish food producers to get the finest ingredients Ireland offers.
His international operations chef Marcos Georgiou has visited potential farms and factories, along with Irish restaurateur Gerry Fitzpatrick, who is Oliver’s Italian Irish operations manager. He said it was a vote of confidence in the future.
Oliver, one of the world’s most recognisable chefs, will launch the Taste of Dublin food and drink festival at the Iveagh Gardens next month.
His programmes have been broadcast in more than 100 countries and his books translated into more than 30 languages.
