Neighbourhood bringing winning cafe formula to US

Belfast café Neighbourhood is to open a new outlet in the United States as part of a partnership with world famous bar The Dead Rabbit.

The business is set to establish an American outpost next to The Dead Rabbit’s latest location in Austin, Texas this July.

Founded by Oisin McEvoy and Ryan Crown in 2020, Neighbourhood Café has earned a loyal following in Belfast for its brunch menu and premium coffee.

It temporarily relocated to Commercial Court in late 2022 after a fire devastated its original home at Cathedral Buildings.

That new location at Church of Ireland House will be complimented by a new outlet in Texas, next door to The Dead Rabbit’s third venue.

Launched by Belfast natives Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon, The Dead Rabbit became a global sensation after it opened close to New York’s Battery Park in 2012.

The Belfast duo have since parted ways, with Sean Muldoon overseeing new multi-million-dollar hospitality venture Hazel and Apple in Charlestown, South Carolina.

That has left Jack McGarry to lead the expansion of The Dead Rabbit brand across the US, opening new sites in Washington DC and Austin, Texas.

Neighbourhood co-owner Ryan Crown, who also runs a creative design business in New York, said: “Neighbourhood Café and The Dead Rabbit share a common set of values, intentions, and dedication, centred around championing modern Ireland..

“We are excited to dovetail the efforts of both brands and explore what the future holds as they each grow further in the US.”

Business partner, Oisin McEvoy, described the Austin move as a significant milestone.

“We look forward to sharing our passion for great food and coffee with the Austin community,” he added.