Kookie & Co., based in The Mill Centre on Irish Street, is ran by Ionut Secu who has extensive experience in the industry. Part of a small family from Riverchapel, Wexford, he has worked for over a decade in hospitality, primarily as a mixologist and bar manager in Michelin-recommended restaurants in Dublin.
After his son was born, he switched to working as a coffee machine technician. This, along with his wife’s extensive background as a barista and her talent as a fantastic baker, inspired them to start their coffee trailer in Ballyoughan Business Park. From there, they realised they needed to expand and start their own micro bakery.
Despite not being from the town, they are thrilled with the opportunity to get to know the people of Enniscorthy.
“We fell in love with Enniscorthy the moment we saw our little unit next to Dunnes Stores. We envisioned a place that was small, like a cookie, but full of joy—a spot where we could bring a touch of color and sweetness to everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. After walking around, I felt the town needed something a little different, which is what inspired the vibrant colour palette for our shop,” he said.
Providing American-style cookies, they are keen on continuing to experiment with flavours and creating stand out products.
“Our cookies are based on American-style recipes, similar to those found in New York. We’re always experimenting to add more flavors and keep our offering fresh. They are baked from scratch every morning, making them gooey and delicious. We also plan to introduce some other fresh baked goods in the near future,” he explained.
Not forgetting coffee, they are proud of their exclusive coffee which is a blend of different Colombian roasts.
“I used my training in mixology and cocktail creation to balance the flavors, resulting in a smooth, creamy coffee with notes of chocolate and caramel and a touch of acidity that pairs perfectly with most milks. We also have plans to roast small batches in-house soon,” he added.
The family have been all the more encouraged by the warm reception they have already received from the public.
“We’ve only been open for a little over two weeks, and the feedback from the local community has been incredible. It makes our day every time a guest returns and tells us that people are talking about us all over town and discussing their favourite flavours. To see our hard work become a reality has been amazing. There’s nothing more enjoyable than seeing children and their parents making memories at Kookie & Co. That’s what we’re truly all about—creating a place for long-lasting memories,” he said.