‘Dog Track’ Restaurant quick out of the traps with support from First Trust Bank

‘On Track’ for Success – A popular Belfast restaurant company has opened a second eatery at a new city centre building with the support of First Trust Bank. 

Owners of ‘The Barking Dog’ on Malone Road, chef Michael O’Connor and manager Michael Fletcher have opened a new restaurant called ‘Dog Track’ at the newly refurbished Weaving Works, a former linen warehouse, on Ormeau Avenue. The new 80 seater venture follows an investment of over £500,000 and has also led to the creation of 20 new jobs.

Speaking about the investment Michael Fletcher said; “We are delighted to open our second restaurant and in doing so help bring this historic Belfast building back to life in an increasingly popular location for both businesses and visitors. We are aiming to showcase the best of local produce in a novel way using a central island kitchen, offering diners a 360-degree view of all the kitchen action and a serving track, more commonly seen in sushi restaurants, for tapas and desserts. We hope that these features will offer a more interactive dining experience, with customers encouraged to speak to the chef or ask questions about the food on offer. We would like to thank First Trust Bank for their ongoing support and expertise and hope that this latest project will be the springboard for further expansion into a third and possibly forth premises in the next five years.”

Welcoming news of the investment Mark McKeown, Business Centre Manager, First Trust Bank said; “Having worked closely with the two Michael’s over several years and helping as they’ve driven ‘The Barking Dog’ restaurant forward we are very aware of the pedigree and passion they both bring to their business. This is a significant investment in a landmark Belfast building and is another vote of confidence in the growing strength of the wider hospitality and visitor sector here in Northern Ireland. We are pleased to support the team once again in delivering this unique eating experience and wish them every success in the future.”

Following the opening of ‘Dog Track’, the restaurant group is also planning to launch an app in the new year which offers the facility for restaurant quality take-away lunches. These will be provided in completely reusable or compostable vessels including Indian style tiffin tins. It is hoped that together this will allow the Group to take an even bigger bite out of the growing lunchtime trade in Belfast.