It takes a village...at JT's Store
MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
WHEN Cory and Enda Sheridan looked around their “lovely” village of Kilcogy it occurred to them that the community was missing its own local convenience store.
Cory says the idea grew on them and, next month, JT’s will be open two years.
“People used to have to travel quite a few kilometres in every direction to the nearest shop,” Cory told the Celt.
Named after their children, Julie and Tyler, JT’s Village Store serves so much to so many.
But, for the local kids it’s like Christmas every day in Kilcogy with JT’s famous Wall of Sweets, old-fashioned scooped ice cream and, on the weekends, fresh crêpes and pancakes! “Local kids just come in and stare at the wall,” Cory said laughing, “and we love to see them coming.”Jt’s has Cavan’s only Sweet Wall, which “runs the gambit” with everything from Irish classics like Mikados and Snack bars to crisps, cookies, traditional sweets and American candy.
The thirsty cyclist, busy mums, farmers and people driving through can all pick up a refreshment in JT’s.
Every day, the Sheridan’s freshly prepare favourite staples like cooked breakfast rolls, jambons and chicken rolls, wraps and sandwiches served with barista-style coffee.
With JT’s on their doorstep, the people of Kilcogy can now also pick up grocery essentials like milk, bread and teabags, laundry detergent, pet food and homebaked goods. And it’s open every day except Christmas Day!
JT’s has become something of a social hub in the village too.
“Children come in after school, people stop for a chat,” Cory says. Outdoor seating also lends itself to village social life.
Cory says being nominated for a Celt Business Award “means a lot” to her and Enda because “it’s like a nod from the community that we are serving them”.
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FULL LIST OF FINALISTS
Read about the other three finalists in this category by visiting the stories below.
A place where Sean knows their name