New Cafe Opens in Strokestown, Boosting Local Economy

UPDATE: A new café, Cox’s Bistro, has just opened in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, revitalizing a town plagued by vacant buildings. Since its grand opening on July 25, 2023, owner Aidan Cox reports booming business, exceeding all expectations.

The opening of Cox’s Bistro marks a significant moment for Strokestown, where an estimated 35-40% of buildings have been vacant, according to a 2023 report by Roscommon County Council. With a local population of 5,000, this café aims to serve both residents and passing trade along the busy N5 Dublin-Mayo route.

Cox, who previously operated the Percy French Hotel, sees this new venture as a beacon of hope amid the town’s economic challenges. “Along that street, it’s a sad sight to see all the businesses closed,” Cox stated. “We thought a few coffees would go down a treat, and they have.” His remarks highlight the community’s need for revitalization as many shops have shuttered in recent years.

Cox’s Bistro has quickly become a local favorite, offering a range of drinks and meals, with the chicken panini proving to be particularly popular. “I didn’t think it would be half as busy. It has exceeded my expectations,” Cox said, noting that demand for frothy and iced coffees has surged among younger customers. “There was a queue most of the day,” he added, emphasizing the strong response from locals.

The café is part of a broader initiative, Strokestown 2040, aimed at revitalizing the town center. Rory Doyle, a member of the Strokestown Town Team, remarked that this is the first new business to open in the town center in possibly a decade. “Rural Ireland has been hit hard, ever since the financial crisis,” Doyle noted, calling attention to the lack of investment in smaller towns.

Plans are underway to bring more derelict sites back to life, including discussions about developing a public park and refurbishing residential buildings with the aid of vacant property grants. Doyle recalls fond memories of visiting a now-closed café in Strokestown, emphasizing the community’s need for such facilities. “It’s nice to have something in the center of town again,” he said, calling for more initiatives to draw visitors and residents alike.

As the café continues to thrive, the optimism surrounding its success reflects a potential turning point for Strokestown. With ongoing efforts to improve the town’s economic landscape, Cox’s Bistro stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit.

The local economy is watching closely as this new venture unfolds, and residents are hopeful that it symbolizes the beginning of a revitalized Strokestown. The café is not just serving coffee; it’s serving a renewed sense of community and local pride.

Stay tuned for further updates on Strokestown’s revitalization efforts and how they impact the community in the coming months.