IN COLERAINE, Brunch It is proof that hard graft, good food, and a passion for people can go a long way. Led by husband-and-wife team Stevie and Ciera Friel, the pair has put decades of hospitality experience into building something fresh and exciting for the town – and they’re only just getting started. “We’ve worked our way up in hospitality,” says Stevie. “I started out washing dishes in Morelli’s at 12. Ciera worked in kitchens all over Larne and Waterfoot. We’ve had restaurants before, and we’ve lived through recessions and restarts. Everything we’ve built has come from pure hard work.” That work ethic is easy to spot in Brunch It. There’s a constant buzz. Whether it’s packed with workers grabbing lunch, students enjoying loaded fries, or families catching up over a burger and coffee, there’s something for everyone. And the menu? It’s huge. Over 70 dishes, with everything from healthy meal favourites to indulgent weekend bites. “We reworked everything, shaped the identity of the place, and the response has been unreal,” Stevie explains. This hard-working pair also run Lean and Clean, their healthy meals prep business that many locals will remember from Stevie’s upbeat lockdown cooking videos. It’s grown massively and now operates out of Brunch It’s back kitchen. They’re also preparing to launch BrunchBox, a new grab-and-go sub-brand for takeaway meals, set to arrive this autumn. A Place With Purpose Opening Brunch It was a leap of faith - a new café opening on the second floor in the centre of Coleraine at a time when the high street faced big challenges. “People thought we were mad,” says Ciera, laughing. “But we believed in the town. We believed people would come if we gave them something different.” They were right. The couple have been blown away by the local support. “Last July, when we opened, we were full almost every day,” Stevie recalls. “People came from all over, coming in to try us. It meant the world to us.”
A Local Favourite in the Making Located in the middle of Church Street, Brunch It is now one of the town centre’s busiest and most welcoming food spots. With bold flags outside, friendly faces inside, and a brilliant menu, they’re helping breathe new life into daytime dining in Coleraine. And with plans for expansion, new takeaway brands, and continued support for the community, Brunch It is building more than a café. They’re building a story. Brunch With a Bonus To mark their journey and give back to their loyal customers, Brunch It is offering a special voucher through this magazine - £5 off every £25 spent. Just tear it out and bring it in. They’re also planning future student meal deals, giving learners a reason to stop by for lunch, relax, and grab something filling and affordable before heading back to college. “We’ve always looked out for people who work hard,” Stevie says. “That’s what we came from. It’s in our DNA. It’s not about silver spoons — it’s about rolling up your sleeves. So next time you’re in town, pop in. Whether it’s a clean meal, a filthy fry, or just a cuppa and a chat, call in to Brunch It. They’ve got you covered.
Whole Lot of Heart
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