Connemara seafood truck making waves thanks to €63,000 investment, with support from BIM

A popular Connemara seafood truck is planning to make serious culinary waves this summer thanks to a €63,000 investment supported by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).

Kim Young and Reinaldo Seco, the couple behind the Misunderstood Heron based in Leenaun, are already seeing a boost in business following the investment which has seen them introduce energy and waste efficiencies and new kitchen equipment.

The popular food truck business in Killary Fjord has become a big hit with both Irish and international visitors, and is renowned for its creative local seafood dishes and specialty coffee served against the stunning background of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The business has gone from strength to strength with a recent €63,000 investment supported by a €31,700 grant under the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme, recommended by the Seafood Taskforce established by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. and implemented by BIM.

The scheme is funded by the European Union under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

As well as food the couple are passionate about the environment and a new state-of-the art bio digestor will see all 85% of its food and packaging waste becoming compost, dramatically reducing waste sent to landfill. In addition, upgraded facilities have resulted in more cost savings and less environmental impact.

“We also added new kitchen equipment which has allowed us to streamline our cooking process and have a higher food output as we were finding it difficult to keep up with the demand during busy periods.  We are using 100% bio-degradable single-use take away packaging and expect to increase our turnover by 6 % this year.” said Kim.

The Misunderstood Heron is frequently named in Ireland’s top food truck lists and attracts huge business from both Irish and international visitors to its location at the Killary coastal path car park at Derrynacleigh, Leenaun, 30 minutes from Clifden and Westport.

Locally caught fresh seafood tops the menu. “One of the most popular items on the menu are delicious mussels grown in the Killary Fjord, right in front of where are are based,” said Kim. “Our organic smoked salmon is also a big seller and we source from Cornamona Smokehouse and Keem Bay in Achill. Our delicious sourdough bread is from Cornrue in Westport. And our fisherman is John Joe Faherty in Renvyle. We change our menu every three weeks or so and what we offer depends on the season and what is available locally.”

Not only is the Misunderstood Heron supporting local and artisan food businesses, but it is employing ten people, seven who do the cooking and food preparation.

“We love the business and our work. In the beginning we both cooked but now Reinaldo looks after managing the food side of things and I look after the other aspects of the business,” said Kim.

She added: “We would not be here today without the support of BIM. When we first established in 2017 they supported us with benches and outdoor seating and advice on setting up a business. And the recent Brexit grant has made us more energy efficient and sustainable.”

The couple are especially proud about the steps they have taken tackling food waste, which is key to achieving sustainability, combating climate change, and supporting the transition to a circular economy.

“We are looking forward to a really busy summer and to sharing the wonderful food the West of Ireland has to offer, not to mention the magnificent views from our lovely location.” said Kim.