Luna, the Killarney-based café and wine bar founded by Killian and Emily Treaty, will expand into Cork City this summer by opening a new location on Academy Street. The site, formerly home to Loving Salads, marks the brand’s first venture into the Leeside market following its 2022 debut in Kerry.
Why is the Cork City hospitality scene shifting toward hybrid models?
The arrival of Luna on Academy Street reflects a broader trend of hybrid food-and-wine venues replacing traditional lunch-only spots. According to the business owners, the decision to expand into Cork follows a successful two-year run in Killarney, where they identified a demand for casual, high-quality dining that transitions from daytime coffee to evening wine service. This model contrasts with the previous occupant, Loving Salads, which operated as a dedicated lunch venue until its closure in December.
The “café-wine bar” concept allows businesses to maximize revenue per square foot by utilizing the same space for morning coffee drinkers, lunchtime crowds, and evening social diners.
How does Luna’s expansion compare to other recent city centre developments?
Luna’s entry into Academy Street joins a competitive landscape of specialized food outlets in Cork’s city centre. While Luna focuses on home-baked pastries and seasonal sandwich menus, other operators are targeting high-traffic areas with niche offerings. For instance, Sprout & Co has seen significant footfall at its Winthrop Street location since opening in 2023. Unlike Luna’s wine-focused evening approach, Sprout & Co operates primarily as an organic salad specialist, repurposing a former bank branch to cater to the city’s health-conscious workforce.
| Venue | Primary Concept | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Luna | Café & Wine Bar | Academy Street |
| Sprout & Co | Organic Salad Bar | Winthrop Street |
What challenges do new café owners face in Cork?
Securing a high-footfall location is the primary hurdle for new entrants, as evidenced by the high turnover of units on thoroughfares like Academy Street. According to industry observations, the success of these ventures often hinges on local sourcing and menu flexibility. Killian and Emily Treaty have prioritized West Cork Coffee and seasonal produce to differentiate their offering. The ability to adapt menus to seasonal availability, a practice established at their Killarney outlet, is a common strategy used by successful independent operators to maintain margins in an inflationary environment.
If you are planning to visit the new Academy Street location, keep an eye on their social media channels for opening dates. New hospitality venues in Cork often host soft-launch events to test kitchen workflows before full public service.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the new Luna café located?
The new venue is located on Academy Street in Cork City, taking over the unit previously occupied by Loving Salads. - Who owns Luna?
The café is owned and operated by a brother-and-sister team, Killian and Emily Treaty. - When did Luna first open?
The original Luna café was established in Killarney in 2022.
Are you a fan of the growing café culture in Cork? Let us know in the comments below which part of the city you think needs more independent dining spots.
