Ciaran McLarnon, the founder and owner of The Focacceria and The Hundredth Monkey Bakery, is redefining the art of bread-making and Italian-inspired cuisine in Northern Ireland.
Operating from a unique space in a furniture store cafe, The Focacceria specialises in Italian-style sandwiches made on freshly baked focaccia and schiacciata, with highlights including their best selling Chicken Parm sandwich or their take on a meatball sub, all crafted with Irish ingredients. Ciaran's philosophy revolves around combining local produce with Italian culinary techniques, creating elevated dishes that resonate with his customers.
Central to his operation is the iCombi Pro, an innovative cooking system that streamlines processes and maintains consistency, allowing Ciaran to experiment and perfect his bread recipes. From award-winning bagels to crispy baked chips, the iCombi Pro’s precision has been key to scaling its operations and ensuring a high standard of quality. Its ability to bake, steam, and roast efficiently has reduced energy costs and eliminated the need for traditional equipment.
