City expansion for popular East Cork restaurant

Already a success story in East Cork, the Salty Dog restaurant is expanding and heading to the bright lights of the big city.

A new premises is opening on MacCurtain Street - and this is just the start of a grand expansion plan for the brand.

“We plan to open the Salty Dog in Galway, Waterford, and then in other Irish cities,” explains General Manager and Managing Director of the Flynn Cush Hospitality Group, Oliver Falter.

The new premises in Cork city is at 45, MacCurtain Street, on the former site of Tara’s Tea Rooms, and follows the success of Salty Dog eateries in Ballycotton and Midleton.

“Those two sites are proving to be so popular and so well supported, that we have decided to branch out all over the country, starting in Cork,” says Oliver. “There is huge interest from people at home and abroad. Good news travels fast!”

What’s the expansion plan?

“Essentially, we are going to copy and paste the original Salty Dog.”

For people who enjoy dining out on fresh fish from sea to table, who enjoy atmospheric surroundings, and who like to interact with the friendly staff, then the move to MacCurtain Street, now a premier culinary and nightlife destination in the city, is a good idea.

Where did that name come from? Oliver, who lives in Youghal Bay, explained this to me in a previous interview.

“There was one regular fisherman, a lovely character whose nickname was the Salty Dog. We decided to call our premises after the fisherman.”

I presume with a name like that, our canine friends are welcome in his establishments? “Yes! I can bring my two dogs, Gatsby and Bruno,” says Oliver, who is from Germany and came to Ireland in a camper van with his fiancée and their two dogs.

“We travelled Europe for a whole year,” says Oliver. “To France, Spain, Portugal and the UK. When we came to Ireland it was like coming home. Galway and Donegal were great, but Cork is even better and the people are so friendly here. The nicest people are in Cork!”

He made a great connection with Pearse Flynn, shareholder of the Flynn Cush Hospitality Group.

“We got on from the word go and we hit it off,” says Oliver. “Discussing business and many other related things, we realised we were on the same page.

“We shared the same vision for the expansion of the Salty Dog brand.

“When the option of opening in MacCurtain Street became possible, Pearse said, ‘let’s go for it. Cork is a great city’.”

Executive head chef at Salty Dog, Frederick Desormeaux, is on board too. “It is very exciting,” says Frederick, who worked in Spanish Point, Ballycotton, and loved the seaside village so much that he returned to work there when Salty Dog opened in June, 2025.

“I oversee four kitchens in Ballycotton and Midleton,” says Frederick, who has been a chef for 40 years. “Now I am very happy to be involved in the new Salty Dog in Cork.

“Recruiting talented chefs to work in the restaurant is a nice prospect for me and a new venture for me.

“The Victorian Quarter is a foodie hub and of course the English Market is nearby where the crème de la crème of the best ingredients can be sourced, and of course the best quality fresh fish and meat as well.

“Our standards and consistency are very important to us. All the Salty Dog chefs feel the same, which is important.”

“Right now, the premises is a construction site,” says Frederick of the city premises. “We did a put a notice on the window saying we were hiring. There was lots of interest which is nice.”

Oliver was in the loop too.

“I got loads of messages from people asking, ‘can I come work for you? I was so pleased with the positive response.”

With Kent Station nearby, diners can come to Salty Dog by train and not worry about parking. Bus and car are both transport options too.

“And here the boat is an option!” jokes Oliver, looking out at the beautiful Ballycotton Bay.

A gem in the East Cork crown, it attracts visitors, walkers, fishermen, foodies, house-buyers and people who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Who are Oliver and Frederick expecting to be among their customers in MaccCurtain Street?

“Anybody who wants the same menu style as here, fresh seafood dishes, locally sourced ingredients, a good vibe, and a fabulous dining experience, can expect all that and more. Rich in culture, the city is thriving and it is growing all the time,” says Oliver.

“I am sure the people of Cork will welcome us to MacCurtain Street where we can offer them good food, ambience, friendliness, and the best of hospitality. It is a win-win!”

Of course, there is plenty of dining competition in Cork city.

“There are so many choices to eat and drink in Cork,” says Oliver. “My fiancée, Nadza, and I, like to go to the Palador, The Oval, The Fountain. Some great places in Cork!”

“Salty Dog will be on the map in Cork city and many other Irish cities,” vows Oliver.

The first of the litter is always very special. “Ah yes, Salty Dog Ballycotton is so special,” says Oliver. “The air is so pure. The sea is so blue. It is a wonderful part of the world.”

Soon, he and the crew will have the best of both worlds.