TWO Tyrone pharmacists are now dispensing specialty coffee in a new Omagh venture.
All-Ireland winning GAA star Tiernan McCann and business partner Gary Mallon have opened Alchemist in the town’s Campsie Road.
Both chemists and coffee fans, the pair have partnered with Coleraine-based family business, Fidela Coffee Roasters for the new shop, which has been backed by a start-up loan from the British Business Bank (BBB).
With various family members working on farms in Colombia, Fidela is ethically sourced and support communities in Columbia.
“Gary and I would travel a fair distance to sample different types of coffee,” said Tiernan. “And it was always a desire for us to open our own shop. We spent time researching beans, the art and process of coffee making before finally taking the leap to open our own special place.
“As we are both still working pharmacists, we wanted our space to almost resemble a lab which is why the shop has a clinical aesthetic. We always loved the idea that through mystical formula, you can create something special and its why we chose the name Alchemist – coffee is a kind of formula and most definitely, special.
“We wanted to create a brand and a space that resembles our chemical background but also provides a modern coffee shop that Omagh deserves.”
BBB’s start-up programme enables entrepreneurs to borrow up to £25,000 as a UK government-backed loan with a fixed 6 per cent interest rate. Repayments are made over one to five years and start-ups also receive 12 months of free business mentoring.
“We would highly recommend anyone with a business plan in mind to apply for a start-up loan with the bank,” added Tiernan. “As two pharmacists, it was great to get that support on the business end of things and we appreciate the low risk associated with the British Business Bank.”
