Local staff. Local foods from their own back yard. Remaining independent. These are the planks on which Donal O'Keeffe has built the mighty O'Keeffe's deli, just down from the top of Montenotte hill. It's a chock-a-block store, trading since 1899, and it is filled with every great Cork artisan food brand you could imagine, and likely some you didn't even know existed.
Mr O'Keeffe has the wisdom to see the business of running a speciality food emporium as a two-way street: he is sustained by the enthusiasm of his suppliers, inspired by the products of new producers, and as they have grown and prospered, so has O'Keeffe's grown and prospered. But that independence is a vital factor, too, for the shop reveals independence of mind, independence of action, independence of operation. Set aside a good hour to browse through the store: it will be one of the best hours you have ever spent.
