Rocksalt Café

Excellence in Customer Service Finalist - Monaghan Business & Tourism Awards

Tell us about your business and team

Rocksalt Cafe was first started in Blackrock, Co Louth in 2018 by Daniel McLaughlin with a team of seven staff. Fast forward to 2026 and there is now a cafe in Dundalk, Carrickmacross, a coffee dock in Felda gym, a bakery in Blackrock; and a production kitchen supplying ready meals, overnight oats pots and energy balls to over 20 shops and sports teams including Louth GAA, Monaghan GAA, Dundalk FC, Kildare GAA and many more. The team has now grown to nearly 100 and each member is delivering the highest quality coffee and food, with excellent customer service.

Within the Carrickmacross store, the team have embraced the Rocksalt way and their passion to go above and beyond to look after every single customer is something the management could only ever have dreamed of, and they really deserve to be recognised.

Describe the best thing about your service

At Rocksalt the aim is to deliver five-star service but in a laid-back setting. Personnel involved have worked for five-star hotels in the past and have brought that knowledge and style of service to Rocksalt but in a much more relaxed environment. Every customer receives a warm friendly welcome as if they are walking into a family member or friend's house for a cup of tea. The table is set when seated to add that extra touch. Complementary gingerbread men are offered to children, and all customers are well looked after. The first coffee and meal of the day is as good as the last coffee of the day -which is what sets Rocksalt apart from all the rest.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Your 20s are for learning. Your 30s are for earning. Smooth seas don’t make great sailors. Learn and gain all the experience you can first and don’t chase money, it will come.

What does the future hold for your business?

We are always looking to grow and innovate the business. We aim to develop our team members and grow. However, we will only do this once we are able to maintain our high standards and quality.

Onwards and upwards!